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For youngsters looking to embark on life as an electrician, or those simply looking for a career change, industry-recognised training and the relevant qualifications are required before you can get going. Read on for information on what is required to first enrol on an electrician’s course and complete any necessary further training. Job Background At […]
For youngsters looking to embark on life as an electrician, or those simply looking for a career change, industry-recognised training and the relevant qualifications are required before you can get going.
Read on for information on what is required to first enrol on an electrician’s course and complete any necessary further training.
Job Background
At a basic level, your main job responsibility as an electrician will be to fit, repair, maintain and inspect electrical circuits and wiring. This can be anywhere where electricity is needed, be it residential homes, office buildings, commercial premises or transport vehicles. What level you can work at however depends upon the experience and training undertaken.
Completing jobs outside will also sometimes be required on electrical mechanisms such as telephone boxes, lighting systems and electricity pylons. Many electricians will work as an individual but be part of a general building team along with carpenters, plumbers, etc also. Some choose to work on a contractual basis, whilst others will prefer to be self-employed.
Progressing in the industry to supervisory roles or positions of management is subject to your knowledge and training. As electricians may not have the time to gain their advanced qualifications, online or home study courses are a more suitable avenue.
Why Become an Electrician
If you enjoy practical work or being stuck in an office is not the thing for you, then training to become an electrician could be the perfect career path. Employment opportunities look promising also in the sector, as stricter health and safety regulations are creating a higher demand for electricians. There will always be a need for electrical maintenance jobs, especially as older workers begin to require.
You can find out about more of the equipment needed and where to buy it from at these sites:
Basic Qualifications Needed
For youngsters who have left school and looking to become an electrician, the most common route is through an apprenticeship. Older applicants can also try and find an apprenticeship position also, although pay during this period is at a reduced level.
Modern apprenticeships often combine you taking a college course and also doing practical work with a willing employer. Training centres will cover electrical theory also so basic GCSE’s in English, Maths and Science are usually needed to enrol. Courses and qualifications include:
It usually takes between 2 and 4 years to fully complete these courses, depending on the type of course taken and speed of progress.
Further Training
To advance as an electrician or to simply remain compliant with safety regulations, further training is often required. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an extremely useful qualification to have meaning hand-held electrical items such as toasters can be dealt with in a safe and secure manner.
The official UK Building Regulations states that certain types of electrical work must be approved by a certified technician. It is possible for electricians to certify their own work after they have completed a training scheme known as Part P.
For any further information on how to become an electrician, look online for the relevant government-approved courses that will cement your credibility with customers and open up additional paths in the industry.
To find more information on becoming an electrician, what you need and what to do, you can look online at these sites:
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