If you are good with practical work, this could be a great career for you. As an electrician you would fit and repair electrical circuits and wiring.
To qualify as an electrician you will need to have industry-recognised training and qualifications.
To be an electrician, you should have:
-Good practical skills
-An ability to follow technical drawings, building plans and wiring diagrams
-An ability to work carefully, methodically and safely
-An ability to measure accurately
-A head for heights and willingness to work in all sorts of weather
-A willingness to work in confined spaces
-Good written and verbal communication skills
-An ability to work in a team as well as on your own initiative
-A flexible approach
-Good problem-solving skills
-Good analytical and evaluation skills
-An ability to plan and organise other people’s work, and motivate them.
The work
Electricians work on a wide range of projects, from bringing power to homes to taking part in major engineering projects.
As an electrician, you would install, inspect and test equipment, make sure that electrotechnical systems work, and find and fix faults.
Electrotechnical careers are divided into several different areas and you should research them to decide which area is right for you.
You may work shift work, with the possibility of overtime and the need to be on 24-hour call.
To qualify as an electrician, you need an industry-recognised level 3 qualification, such as:
Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance)
Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment).
These qualifications are completed while you are working. You may also need extra training if you want to do specialist work such as installing environmental technology systems like solar panels.
A common route into this work is to do an Apprenticeship. This would combine learning on the job with study at a college or training centre. It normally takes two to four years to become fully qualified this way. A driving licence may be needed for some work.