8133 Energy plant operatives

In short

• ONS unit group 8133, in minor group 813 (Plant and machine operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £41,500 (£21.28 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £30,100 (£15.44 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Energy plant operatives operate boilers to produce hot water or steam and attend and operate compressors, turbines, electrical substations, switchboards and auxiliary plant and machinery to fuel nuclear reactors, drive blowers and pumps, electricity generators and other equipment.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically by apprenticeship, incorporating technical training and practical experience. NVQs/ SVQs in Electrical Power Engineering at levels 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available.

Tasks

• determines job requirements from switchboard attendant or operating instructions
• opens valves and operates controls to regulate the flow of fuel to boiler or generating equipment
• operates remote control panel to load fuel and remove discharged fuel elements from nuclear reactors
• adjusts controls to maintain correct running speed of turbine or generator and monitors temperature and pressure controls on boilers
• records instrument readings periodically and shuts down turbine/generator or boiler as demand decreases
• carries out minor maintenance tasks and prescribed tests and reports any faults

Related job titles

• Boilerman
• Control room operator (electric)
• Hydraulic engineman
• Plant operator (electricity supplier)
• Power station operator

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

8133 Energy plant operatives

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Boiler operatives
• Compressor operatives
• Nuclear decommissioning operatives
• Energy plant operatives not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£41,500 (£21.28 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

8133 Energy plant operatives

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

8124

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Boiler operatives
• Compressor operatives
• Nuclear decommissioning operatives
• Energy plant operatives not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£30,100 (£15.44 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 813

• 8131 Paper and wood machine operatives
• 8132 Mining and quarry workers and related operatives
• 8134 Water and sewerage plant operatives
• 8135 Printing machine assistants
• 8139 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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