Electrical careers
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 customers.
To find out more about how PTT can help become an electrician contact us now on the phone number below.
