Become a UK Electrician
In the UK, electricians have become sought-after skilled tradespeople. While general construction labouring jobs are harder to find, skills such as electrical and plumbing work are still in demand for new-builds and for existing homes and business premises. If you want to become an electrician in the UK, there are two main routes into the trade, both of which include periods of formal educational training.
Electricians work with electrical circuits in homes and businesses. They install, mend and maintain electrical equipment such as fire alarms, fuse boxes and security systems. In new-build properties, electricians will work from architectural plans to fit wiring, sockets and points (known as “first fix”). They then carry out a “second fix” to connect light fittings and appliances. Commercial premises work may involve laying cables for computer networks or repairing entry systems.
The most common route into the electrical trades is through a Modern Apprenticeship. These are aimed at young people aged between 16 and 25, and allow you to earn a small wage while you are studying. Employers agree to provide an apprentice with on the job practical training, under the supervision of an assessor. The apprentice also attends a local college for either one or two days each week, or for a longer block-release period, for theoretical instruction.
The Modern Apprenticeship scheme allows a trainee to gain recognised qualifications while they study. These usually include NVQs and specialist certification. It is common for there to be some cross-over between plumbing and electrician work, and students may be taught in mixed groups. As part of an Apprenticeship and to become an electrician in the UK, you must successfully complete the Electrotechnical Services 2356 NVQ at level 3, awarded by City & Guilds and EMTA Awards Limited.
If you cannot find an Apprenticeship placement, you can still study to become an electrician by taking the relevant courses at a college. However, you will be expected to find some relevant work placement during your course and the Modern Apprenticeship route is the preferred entry to the profession. The industry requirement for non-Apprenticeship students is successful completion of the City & Guilds (2330) Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology levels 2 and 3. This award, along with the Electrotechnical Services 2356 NVQ at level 3, is due to be replaced by the new City & Guilds Diploma in Electrotechnology (2357) in 2010.
The City & Guilds offer many different specialist certificate courses for trainee electricians, including the Inspection, Testing and Certification of Installations (2391) and for PAT testing of electrical equipment, the In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (2377). The professional body for the electrician industry is the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers. The Association run day-long training courses around the UK for members and non-members, where all equipment is provided along with a lunch. The Association also offers a range of insurance products for electricians. It is essential for all electricians to have public liability insurance whether as self-employed or through their employer, and advisable for all to have personal cover.
Becoming an electrician typically takes two to three years of training in the UK. Once you have completed your Apprenticeship, you will be in a strong position to find well paid and satisfying work worldwide.
