Panel Wiring Technician at Trant - Grow in Automation in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This Wireperson / Panel Wiring Technician role at Trant Te-Tech (part of Trant Engineering) offers solid career fundamentals for those building a career in industrial electrical manufacturing and automation.
Career development signals are positive:
- Trant mentions a formal Career Development Association with structured mentoring and clear progression pathways — a green flag rarely seen at this level.
- Exposure to MCCs, PLC I/O wiring, SCADA systems, and instrumentation builds a highly transferable skill set in high demand across water, energy, and process industries.
- Working within a 1,000+ person EPC contractor on critical national infrastructure provides strong CV credibility.
Compensation context: No salary is stated, but panel wiring roles in the UK typically range from £28,000–£40,000 depending on experience and qualifications. The 18th Edition and PLC/automation desirables can push compensation toward the upper end of that band.
Skills developed here — MCC assembly, schematic interpretation, BS 7671, BS EN 61439-2, PLC wiring — are in sustained demand as the UK upgrades water and energy infrastructure under regulatory and net-zero pressures.
Potential red flags: No salary transparency and the role is described as "workshop-based" with no hybrid flexibility, which may limit appeal. The discretionary bonus provides no guaranteed upside.
Overall, this is a stable, skills-building role best suited to technicians seeking to deepen expertise in industrial panel manufacturing with a credible, growing employer.
We are currently looking for a proven Wireperson to join our workshop based near Totton, Southampton.
The Role
The Wire Person is responsible for the accurate assembly and wiring of control panels, MCCs, and automation systems in accordance with electrical drawings, specifications, and applicable standards. The role plays a key part in ensuring assemblies meet quality, safety, and compliance requirements prior to inspection and testing.
Technical Responsibilities - Panel & MCC Wiring
- Carry out wiring of control panels, MCCs, and automation systems to approved schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Install and terminate power, control, and instrumentation cabling.
- Assemble and wire MCCs and control panels.
- Ensure correct segregation, routing and termination in line with design and compliance requirements.
Technical Support & Collaboration
- Accurately interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs, and general arrangement drawings.
- Mark up drawings where required to reflect as-built changes.
- Follow work instructions and build documentation.
- Work collaboratively with fellow wire-people, testers, and supervisors to meet production targets.
- Support improvements in wiring practices, layout, and efficiency.
- Provide feedback to supervisors on build issues or potential improvements.
SHE&Q and Compliance
- Carry out self-checks and peer checks prior to formal testing.
- Identify and report defects, non-conformances or drawing discrepancies.
- Work safely in accordance with company H&S procedures and UK legislation.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and organised working area.
- Use tools, equipment, and PPE correctly at all times.
Key Interfaces:
Internal Interfaces
- Workshop Supervisor
- Production Manager
- Test Engineer
- Design & Engineering Teams
- Automation Team
- Stores / Logistics
- Quality Team
External Interfaces
- Clients / Inspectors (as required)
- Suppliers (limited)
Core Values
Uphold and promote the Company's Core Values: Care, Trust, Respect and Sustainability.
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Electrical Installation, Panel Wiring, or Electrical Engineering.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and GA drawings.
- Working knowledge of electrical safety practices and workshop H&S requirements.
- Familiarity with quality-controlled manufacturing processes.
- Proven experience wiring control panels, MCCs, or similar electrical assemblies.
- Experience terminating power, control, and instrumentation wiring.
- Experience working from schematics, wiring schedules, and BOMs.
- Experience completing work to high quality and safety standards in a workshop environment.
- Applicants must be legally authorised to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor work visas for this role.
Desirable
- 18th Edition (BS 7671) qualification.
- Awareness or training relating to BS EN 61439-2:2021.
- Manufacturer or industry training on MCCs, switchgear and automation systems.
- First Aid or IOSH Working Safely certification.
- Experience wiring MCCs and control panels.
- Experience with PLC I/O wiring, automation panels, and instrumentation.
- Experience supporting test and inspection activities, including rectification of faults.
- Experience working on custom-built, client-specific panel builds.
Why Join Trant?
At Trant Engineering, we deliver complex, high-value engineering and construction projects across the UK. From process and water treatment to energy infrastructure upgrades, we play a key role in delivering and protecting critical national infrastructure — shaping the systems that communities and industries rely on every day.
Our teams design and deliver full EPC solutions, combining technical excellence with practical, hands-on delivery. We offer end-to-end capabilities — from concept and design through to manufacturing, construction and commissioning — utilising a continually evolving in-house expertise. This means you'll work on projects that are varied, challenging and genuinely impactful.
Our multi-disciplinary teams bring together specialists in civil, mechanical, electrical, process, instrumentation, and control & automation engineering, alongside our in-house manufacturing of control panels, MCCs, PLCs and SCADA systems. With over 1,000 people and a strong, growing pipeline of work, it's an exciting time to join Trant. We are committed to helping our people succeed through our Career Development Association, providing structured support, mentoring and clear pathways to help you reach your full potential.
Whether you're starting out or looking to take your next career step, Trant offers the chance to develop, progress and make a real difference.
Our company benefits package includes:
- Competitive rates.
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).
- Options to buy additional holiday via salary sacrifice.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee assistance program.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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