Electrician job description

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Description - Skills - Education - Trends

The job of the electrician tends to fall under one of three categories. These are installation (installing and testing wiring systems in the home and on building sites); maintenance (looking after and testing electrical equipment often in heavy industry and commerce); and production (using diagrams to construct electronic appliances and electrical devices)
Depending on the type of electrician, day-to-day work can range from installing CCTV, testing the wiring in a factory or installing new electrics in somebody’s home. Electricians are required wherever there is a current so work can range from oil rigs to schools
The job is especially suited to those who are good with customers, analytical, adaptable and practical. Training is most commonly given through an apprenticeship. Applicants will have to pass a colour vision test, and good GCSEs in mathematics, physics and English are an advantage
The prospects are excellent as there is currently a shortage of electricians in the UK. Expect to start on around £20,000 per year, with salaries rising to between £30,000 and £40,000 quickly with experience.

Description

Electricians are required to install and maintain electronic and electrical systems. They can work for a local authority providing services for housing and property services departments. These professionals also work on public highways repairing street lights. They follow architect’s drawings in order to install wiring systems in a building and then they connect switches, light fittings and sockets to this system.

Electricians usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Maintaining equipment.
• Installing wiring systems.
• Repairing street lighting.
• Fitting circuit breakers.
• Connecting wiring to appliances.

Skills

• Being able to work alone and with a team
• Having normal colour vision.
• Being methodical.
• Being tactful and polite.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having math skills.
• Being able to use a wide range of tools.
• Being physically fit.
• Having good communication skills.
• Being able to follow technical instructions.

Education

There are apprenticeship schemes for people who want to work as an Electrician. These courses have a selection process where applicants need to have normal colour vision. Sometimes it is required to have four GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3) in Science, Math, and English to demonstrate they have suitable skills for this area. Advanced Apprenticeships lead candidates to awards such as NVQ/SVQ level 3 and last 4 years. These courses include practical experience in employment and college training for applicants in order to give them the approved electrician grade.

There are further qualifications available including higher level NVQs/SVQs, Higher National Diplomas or degrees related to this area. These courses lead to a job as an electronic or electrical engineer.

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