Want to be an Electrician?
The Job
An electrician installs, inspects, tests and maintains, electrical wiring and equipment and appliances.
Where
Any environment where electricity is used: mostly indoors, but sometimes outdoors. They work in people's homes, offices, factories, construction and building sites, workshops, power stations and laboratories and many other places.
What's the work like?
Electricians work from plans to install cables and electrical wiring, accessories and equipment as well as controls for central heating or cooling systems for instance.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
Be able to read instructions, interpret drawings, and do some basic maths. Have good practical skills to work with your hands and power tools.
Anything else?
Electricians must have normal colour vision to be able to differentiate between the different coloured wiring in cables.
What qualifications should I have?
Some GCSE qualifications and, as a minimum, you should aim to get Grade C (or above) in at least Maths, English and a Science.
What sort of hours would I have to work?
Between 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
* Figures as at 2011. Source: www.direct.gov.uk.
What opportunities are there?
There is always a need for good qualified electricians. Electrical contractors, builders, manufacturers and engineering companies are always looking for skilled craftsmen.
