We wouldn't be able to function in today's world without electricity. In Britain and around the world we rely heavily on the expertise of electrical contractors. Typically electricians work from technical plans when putting in electrical installations. They also maintain appliances and fix faulty equipment. The electrical market as a whole now accounts for 3 percent of Britain's Gross National Product. So with such a demand for skilled workers, why not reap the rewards and become an electrician yourself.
FREE Detailed Report on Electrical TrainingWhether you've already got some relevant skills or not, once you've trained and got yourself certified, you can start making money. But it can sometimes be a bit unclear which training will be best, so we've written a completely unbiased report that will tell you what you need to know.
We make no charge whatsoever for this essential guide, and you can download it in seconds. You'll find it answers all the questions you might have about getting into the industry (and probably a few more too!)
Why not download the book first and take time to read through its contents. Then re-visit this site to find links to various trainers and colleges who might have what you need. A useful shortcut if you want to Bookmark this page is 'Ctrl D' on your keyboard.
What characteristics are needed to succeed as an electrician? You'll need to be a hands on, practical sort of person who's good with tools. As safety is paramount, you need to be logical and well disciplined. As a good deal of your work will be unaccompanied, you need to be happy to work on your own. You should be reasonably fit, as some of the work can be physically demanding. And in the end, if being your own boss is your goal, you should be determined and positive!
The desire for self-employment is what frequently triggers a move into the electrical industry. Indeed, it's fair to say that most mature electrical students go that way. And as the need for electrical work in peoples' homes continues unabated, it's likely to continue. Of course, some just want the qualifications so they can earn a second income part-time. And some people take electrical courses in order to safely fit a new kitchen at home for example.
When householders find an electrician they're pleased with, they'll talk to other people about them and do a lot of free advertising. So as well as being good at your job, always be polite and friendly - manners really do make a difference.
Although overtime is sometimes possible, employed workers usually work 9-5, Monday to Friday. They can expect an average income of twenty-six thousand pounds a year taking the UK as a whole. On the other hand, electricians who are self-employed can expect more erratic hours, but they can also command more money. Of course, anyone running their own business has to cover their costs as well, though these shouldn't be too extensive.
The electrical industry mainly recognises EAL and City & Guilds in Britain today. In addition, teenagers doing C&G exams at technical colleges will find working assignments to complete their more practical NVQ's. They're looking at a number of years before qualifying on this track. More senior applicants most often choose short training programmes that they can work through at their convenience. This training usually leads to work in the domestic market, so excludes the necessity for lengthy NVQ's. Commercial training companies provide a variety of options to help students prepare for work in the shortest time possible. Overall students are less qualified, but they will have a good grounding in the skills needed for domestic work, and their certifications will be legally acceptable.
Training For A Domestic Electrical InstallerA typical EAL Level 2 Domestic Electrical Installers course would take you from no knowledge to competency in domestic work. You'll learn how to install electrics, rewire houses and fit household electrical equipment.
As certain qualifications are now a legal requirement, you'll be coached in the essentials to pass Part P - the title now given to relatively new regulations for domestic electrical work.
The 17th edition IEE wiring regulations is another requirement for electrical workers.
You might also cover training for the C&G 2392 certification, which demonstrates competency in initial testing and verification, C&G 2391 for Inspection, Testing and Certification and C&G 2377 which covers PAT testing.
Allow up to about five hundred hours all in to complete your training, which will be a combination of practical workshops and home study. Once you've attained your skills and certifications, you'll have skills that will set you up for life.