Electrician
The Work
Electricians inspect, test and install wiring systems and equipment which has to be checked on a regular basis for safety reasons. The type of electrical work they do depends on their specialist training and experience.
Installation electricians install, inspect and test
wiring systems in buildings. This may involve stripping out old systems
and replacing them with new wiring or may mean installing a new system.
In new buildings they follow architects' drawings showing where the
electrical equipment has to be installed. They may also have to lift
floorboards, bend and cut conduit (metal and PVC piping) and fix equipment
to walls.
Maintenance electricians maintain and repair electrical equipment used in factories or large manufacturing or engineering companies.
Production electricians put together complex electrical and electronic appliances such as control panels or electric motors. They work from wiring diagrams, which show how to build the products.
Hours and Conditions
Most electricians work a 37- to 40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Some work overtime, weekends and shifts to fit in with the customer.
They can work indoors in a customer's house, in a factory, office or workshop, or outdoors on a building site. The work can involve heights or working underground. Conditions may be cramped, cold, dirty or dusty.
Skills and Interests
To be an electrician, you should:
Training
England and Wales
Under the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship scheme, trainees study for NVQ Level 2 in either Installing Electrotechnical Systems or Installing Highway Electrical Systems. At present, this is coupled with the technical certificate C&G 236 Part 1: Electrical Installation, although this additional qualification is under review.
Progression to the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship allows work towards one of several Level 3 NVQs:
Opportunities
Electricians are employed by a wide range of employers including electrical and building firms, electrical manufacturers, general manufacturing and engineering companies, local government, hospitals, and power generating and supply companies. Installation electricians may be self-employed or may work on a contract basis.
There is a shortage of trained electricians at present, so there are very good prospects for experienced electricians.
Promotion may be possible to supervisory and management positions in all areas of electrical work.
Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Pay rates recommended by the Joint Industry Training Board for the
Electrical Contracting Industry are as follows:
Salaries for new entrants
start at around £9,700.
An average basic salary is around £13,500.
Experienced electricians with approved status can earn £14,700 or more a year.
Further Information
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Modern Apprenticeships: England
Tel: 0870 900 6800
www.lsc.gov.uk
Modern Apprenticeships: Wales
Tel: 08456 088066
www.elwa.org.uk
Modern Apprenticeships: Scotland
Tel: 0131 445 5659
www.sectt.org.uk
Modern Apprenticeships: Northern Ireland
Tel: 028 2565 0750
www.ett-ni.org
Summit Skills
Tel: 08000 688 336
www.summitskills.org.uk
