Why become an Electrician?
If you like fixing practical things and have a methodical, analytical approach to solving problems, becoming an electrician could be the career for you.
Qualified electricians have good earning potential, enjoy a varied working environment. There are great opportunities within the electrical industry, from moving into specialised areas of the trade.
As the world become more and more invested in technology, skilled electricians will always be in high demand.
The Working Environment
Perhaps one of the most attractive parts of becoming an electrician. Not everyone is interested in working behind a desk, writing emails, and signing contracts. If you want a career with your hands then electrics could be for you.
Electricians are often on the move working in various homes and areas even electricians who perform electrical work for a single company will likely be on the move from day to day. You’re not tied down to the same four walls of an office building with the same co-workers to strict working hours allowing you the experience of a variety of homes and businesses around the country.
Challenging Yet Interesting
Dealing with electrics can be a tricky job, you have to have a great understanding of practical installation skills, electrical diagrams and health and safety.
You need to be able to think quickly to provide solutions for problems working away, making sure your work is compliant to the UK’s wiring and building regulations.
One day you may be carrying out a standard install, the next you could be fault finding and then you could be inspecting and testing. This challenge and variety will keep you sharp and ensure that no two days are ever the same.
How to become an Electrician
The most common way of becoming an electrician is either via an apprenticeship or college
A college course will give you the technical knowledge however an apprentice could prove an advantage as it allows you to gain hands-on experience within the industry.
Doing a college course may also help you place a position as an apprentice of trainee.
What areas do electricians work in?
1. Domestic
Domestic electricians focus their work on residential properties. Supporting a wide range of families and homes.
2. Commercial
Commercial Electricians focus on working with Schools, Care Homes and Offices.
3. Industrial
Industrial Electricians focus on working with Warehouses and Factories including high-voltage supplies.
Some electrical companies will specialise in one or two areas whilst others will carry out work in them all.
Becoming an Electrician | College
A college course can give you some of the technical knowledge and practical skills you'll need to become an electrician. You'll still need practical experience in the workplace to become fully qualified.
Doing a course may help you get an apprenticeship or trainee position.
Entry Requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.
Becoming an Electrician | Apprentice
An apprenticeship will take approximately 3-4 years to complete while being a paying job that allows you to gain hand-on experience along side off the tools training.
Entry Requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Who are we?
A Sparks Electrical are specialists in electrical installations, maintenance and repairs. We are fully qualified and reliable electricians carrying out our services professionally with simple and straightforward advice giving our clients peace of mind.
We have put together this article to provide some insight into how you can get started within the construction industry. We are developing more and more resources every day on our resource hub.
