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A Career as an Electrician

The job role

Electricians are employed on a variety of domestic and commercial contracts to install and test electrical equipment and wiring.  They can work in houses, offices and workshops, and must undertake all installation and maintenance works in accordance with stringent statutory regulations to ensure that the equipment and wiring is both safe and fit for purpose.  Electricians are often employed in close conjunction with other trades, such as builders and plumbers, particularly when working on new-build construction and refurbishment projects.  While Electricians can be self-employed, they can also work for engineering and power companies, bathroom and kitchen installers, and dedicated electrical installation and maintenance companies.

Relevant qualifications

Electricians are required to complete both practical and theoretical training in order to achieve the relevant NVQ in Electrotechnical Technology or similar City & Guilds qualifications.  It is also possible to complete an apprenticeship.

Due to the number of regulations that must be adhered to, it is also necessary to prove competence in 16th Edition ITT Wiring Regulations and, for Electricians working in household electrical works, Part P of the Building Regulations.

Skills requirements

The job of an Electrician is demanding due to the importance of ensuring adherence to Health & Safety regulations.  As such, attention to detail is extremely important as is the ability to accurately translate technical drawings.  Electricians must also be highly dexterous in order to use effectively a variety of tools and equipment.

Career development

Some Electricians choose to specialise in areas such as instrumentation or panel building while others move towards contract management or electrical estimating.  It is possible to gain promotion to supervisory or management level and, in general, the salary is good because demand for qualified electricians is high.