So – you’re considering your career choices. You may be starting off as a school, college or university leaver or looking to change careers. Becoming an electrician can be a fantastic career choice. Read on to find out all about electrician jobs, electrician courses and how to become an electrician.
What does an electrician do?
The day-to-day tasks of an electrician can vary enormously. Essentially, an electrician’s job is to:
- Plan out the installation of electrical systems – layout, wiring and fixtures
- Understand and blueprints or diagrams of electrical systems
- Install electrical systems and appliances
- Maintain electrical systems and appliances
- Ensure commercial and domestic properties are safe
- Inspect electrical systems
- Carry out tests to diagnose and troubleshoot problems
- Use hand and power tools safely
- Have knowledge of and comply with safety regulations
Work can be indoors and outdoors. It can be a wide variety of settings – from a house to a nuclear power station. An electrician’s job is a varied and interesting one!
What are the pay and conditions like in electrician jobs?
Considering pay and conditions is important when choosing a career. Is it a career choice suited to you? Will it fulfil your career ambitions, life goals and financial needs?
The average salary for starter electrician jobs is around £18k a year, rising to a potential average of £42k a year for an experienced electrician. An electrician gets paid more than other trades in recognition of the skills and knowledge required to meet health and safety needs. You will work 30 to 40 hours per week on average.
You could find yourself working at:
- Construction sites
- A client’s business premises
- A domestic premises
- Street level
- Power stations
- A transport system
These are just some examples. You could be working in cramped conditions or at height. There will be an element of danger in the work and awareness of safety will be vital for you and others. You may need to wear protective clothing and will be trained in using specialist equipment.
What opportunities are there for electrician jobs?
You’ve already seen that an electrician’s job can be in a variety of places. There are job opportunities abroad too – you could work in different countries or even on cruise ships.
Your work could lead you into the renewable energies industry. There’s a huge emphasis in developing this industry to meet our energy needs and move away from fossil fuels – solar power, heat pump installation, developing the infrastructure for electric-powered cars to name but a few.
When you gain experience, you can progress to becoming an electrical design engineer, a site of project manager, carry out contract work, become a business owner or train apprentices.
An electrician’s job is vital and there will always be loads of opportunities for varied, interesting and challenging work.
How do I get into a career as an electrician?
Becoming an electrician will require you to have at least a fair level of physical fitness. The work will suit you if you are practical, independent, good with your hands and a problem solver.
One way to become an electrician is to get an apprenticeship. This usually lasts about 4 years consists of on-going training and experience.
It’s always useful to have GCSEs in Maths, English and Science, but these are not essential, especially for mature learners, so don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications.
Another route is to find a course provider and gain your electrician’s qualification step-by-step. Electrician courses are fantastic for career changes, fitting in with your current circumstances and provided at a reasonable price.
There are plenty of course providers to choose from. It’s important to choose one which fits you and your circumstances, for example:
- Will your course provider help you be fit to study around work or caring commitments?
- Will your course provider support you in distance and/or virtual learning?
- Does your course provider allocate you a qualified and experienced tutor to support you?
- Does the course give you industry-recognised qualifications?
- Does your provider help you gain training and experience?
If you’re considering a career change and want to become an electrician, contact one of our team members at The Trades College. We can discuss with you what’s the right course and right route for you. Now is a great time to take up opportunities in the trade so don’t hesitate. Contact us for a free consultation.
