Becoming an electrician – what does
it involve?
Because of a national shortage of suitably trained electricians many people
are choosing this as a career, or re-training to become electricians.
The following information is intended as a ‘rough guide’ to
what this involves and how to go about it.
The Type of Work
Electricians design, install, inspect
and test fixed wiring systems. The type of electrical work they do depends
upon their specialist training and their experience.
Installation electricians install, inspect and test
wiring systems in buildings. Sometimes this will involve removing old systems
and replacing them with new wiring or it may mean installing a completely
new system. In new buildings architects’ drawings are followed showing
where electrical equipment is to be installed.
Maintenance electricians maintain and repair electrical equipment used in
factories or large manufacturing or engineering companies.
Production electricians assemble complex
electrical and electronic panels working from drawings.
Hours and Environment
Most electricians work a 37-40 hour
week Monday to Friday, although some work overtime and shifts to minimise disruption
to customers.
Electricians 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 and dusty.
Skills and Interests
To be an electrician you should ideally:
- Be competent with a range of power tools
- Be able to follow technical drawings.
- Be able to keep up to date with technological developments
- Be methodical and pay attention to detail
- Be safety conscious
- Be physically fit and able to work at heights
- Have normal colour vision
- Be able to work on your own, be responsible for your own work and be able
to make decisions.
- Be tactful and polite when dealing with customer.
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