How to Become an Electrician Tips, British Guide, UK Property advice
How to Become an Electrician
25 Mar 2021
If you have an interest in architecture and the design of buildings but don’t have the skills required, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a part in the process. Being an electrician is incredibly useful in the building industry and is a varied job role. In short, electricians install and maintain wiring that brings electrical power to any kind of structure. There are four different types of electricians and many specialities. If you are interested in becoming an electrician, here are just a couple of basics about what the role involves, how to become one and whether it is the right job for you.
What does the job involve?
Electricians install and maintain the wiring that brings electricity into buildings and structures and also perform testing and inspection such as an EICR. There are generally four types of electrician:
- Residential wiremen – work inside people’s homes
- Inside wiremen – work inside larger structures such as schools and offices
- Telecommunication electricians – laying cables required for all types of communication such as phone lines
- Outside linemen – setting up cables that go from power plants to homes and buildings
Different types of electricians have different responsibilities that are specific to their jobs. There are also skills and knowledge that all electricians have to have. All types of electricians have to be able to read blueprints so that they can learn where to place or find outlets, panel boards, circuits, and other electrical components. They are also responsible for planning the layout and installing wiring throughout a whole building or series of buildings and could find themselves working with architects and construction staff.
What training is required?
There are a few different routes you can take to become an electrician, and the type of electrician you want to be will also affect your training and qualifications. The traditional route involves a college course or an NVQ electrical apprenticeship, which allows you to learn on the job, gain valuable experience, and get paid. These are usually aimed at 16–19-year-olds, although adults can also take apprenticeships. You will also need to make sure you meet the requirements for your choice of training. There are many adult training options available for adults who want to become electricians.
When you are an electrician, there are also other courses and training opportunities you can take to update your skill set, such as a safe isolation course at Skills Training Group, which is aimed at electricians and anyone working electrical-related industries.
Is it the job for you?
Working as an electrician combines many different technical and personal skills, experiences, and knowledge. You will need to be able to use, maintain and repair a range of machinery and tools, having an understanding of maths to help you understand technical plans, and have building and construction knowledge.
Furthermore, teamwork and collaboration skills are important in helping you work well with customers and colleagues. Great attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with your hands and safely use equipment are a few more of the important skills and traits the electricians need. If this sounds like you, and you want to change your career or work towards becoming an electrician, there are plenty of different options and routes that you can take to help you reach this goal.
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