Why Become an Electrician?
There is an absence of electricians the UK and the demand for them is increasing. This is good news for anyone looking to make a career in this field.
To become an electrician , you must complete a formal apprenticeship or earn a qualification. There are many routes to become an electrician.
Qualifications
An electrician can be a great career choice if looking for a job which requires a lot of hands-on work. They are highly sought-after and are one of the highest-paying trade jobs in the UK with an average annual salary of PS33.495
They are involved in a variety of projects and are usually not short of clients. They can also opt to specialize in one specific area of their trade like machine repair or a specific industry, like automotive or agriculture.
There are several ways to become an electrician in the UK, including going to a vocational college or trade school. They offer a high-quality education and professional qualifications in the field of electrical.
This course is aimed at those aged between 16 and 18 and is usually delivered by colleges and funded by the government, but it can be offered through private companies too. This qualification includes all of the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge needed to be an electrician who is fully certified.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll receive an City and Guilds 2365 qualification that is valid for three years. It's a level 2 certificate in electrical installation that covers core science and maths topics and also practical tasks and exams.
The course is taught in both the classroom and in workshops. It is also necessary to complete assignments as part of your studies. The course is also evaluated by a workshop-based test which is commonly referred to as the AM1, which you'll have be able to pass in order to take the final exam to graduate.
Once you've completed this course and passed the exam, you are able to go on to do an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is when you work with a company or employer to develop the theoretical and technical abilities required to become an electrician with the proper qualifications.
Once you've completed your apprenticeship you'll be able to either find an employment as a full-time electrician or begin your own business. You'll have more flexibility, more freedom and more growth opportunities when you create your own business.
If you're a qualified electrician, you may also join the Register of Registered Compliant Persons to sign off on your work and verify that it is in accordance with Building Regulations. Alternately, you can apply to be a qualified Supervisor for your company.
Experience
Electricians are able to work in a variety of areas using electricity. They can repair and install electrical equipment, and fix issues for both companies and consumers. They are also able to maintain power grids and bespoke equipment, making them extremely flexible.
You must first be aware of the requirements for qualifications and training to become electrician. These courses can be short lasting between 12-18 months or lengthy, requiring three years of training and hands-on experience.
In general, you should take a course that teaches practical installation skills, electrical diagrams and safety and health. This will ensure that you're proficient and able to fix any issues quickly.
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to learn a trade and earn money. This will give you the knowledge and confidence to make an informed choice regarding whether this is the right career route for you.
This field is attractive for some because of the fact that it is challenging. This is a highly skilled job that requires an intense focus on specifics.
As a career it's also extremely rewarding. There aren't any days that are alike and you'll be constantly learning and improving your skills. This can be extremely beneficial to your overall health and well-being as it boosts your "Neuroplasticity" which is the brain's ability to change and grow.
There are always jobs for electricians in the UK. This makes the career extremely appealing to those who are seeking to alter their career path and discover new opportunities. The pay is also attractive, ranging from PS18,000-PS40,000 depending on your qualifications and work experience.
Safety
While working in the field of electricity can be hazardous electricians in the UK take many precautions to ensure their work is safe. This includes risk assessments, training, and compliance with regulations.
The legal framework that governs workplace electrical safety is the 1989 Electrical Safety Regulations. They cover everything from how to keep electrical equipment safe to the obligations of everyone who works on a site, which includes contractors, visitors, and employees.
These guidelines can help reduce workplace accidents and the severity of injuries. It is important to keep in mind that these incidents can also result from other causes.
For example, electrical devices can develop faults that are hidden from view. Therefore, it's essential to have a regular inspection and testing of equipment. This can be done by using an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) produced by a qualified electrician.
This document must be kept by employers, and it must cover all potential dangers and indicate whether any repairs or replacements are needed. It should also mention the frequency of these tests and inspections were carried out.
Employers should also have a health and safety policy. The policy should include the specifics of how they'll safeguard their staff as well as the general public who visit the site.
In addition to having a comprehensive electrical safety policy, it's also important for employers to hire workers who have the right qualifications and experience to do their electrical work. The 1989 Electricity at Work Act outlines the requirements for qualifications and experience to be able to do their job safely.
It is also recommended that employees who are working on their own be monitored. They should have a simple way to check-in at pre-arranged times and have help alerts activated in the event that they are unable to do it themselves.
Landlords must also inspect their electrical installations and tested by a qualified person at least every five years. This is one of the requirements of the new Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 which came into effect on 1 June 2020.
Regulations
There are certain regulations that must be adhered to by electricians in the UK when working in residential or commercial structures. This is due to the need for safety.
There are two major types of regulation that affect electricians in the UK: Industry standards and the legal structure. Industry standards are voluntary codes that regulate the industry and are endorsed by a national body. They aim to simplify processes and language within the industry. They are not legally in their own right, but are usually included in contracts as a standard part required by the contracting party.
Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical installations in homes and outbuildings across England and Wales. They contain specific criteria and requirements for safety including the power of fuses, circuit breakers, cables, and special locations (such as bathrooms and medical buildings).
These regulations are also referred to as the 'big book' due to their dimensions and are regularly updated. The most recent edition, which is the 18th, came into effect on January 1, 2019.
A key part of this is the wiring regulations which regulate wiring within residential and commercial homes. It is important for all uk electricians to be aware of these rules and be aware of them prior starting any wiring projects.
In general, if someone is not adhering to these regulations then they should not be allowed to conduct any wiring works on your property. They will not have the expertise or the equipment needed to ensure that the wiring is secure.
Additionally the electrician who is found to not comply with the regulations, they cannot use the "licensed mark" of a licensed person. This mark is only given to those who have been registered with a third-party certification scheme, such as the NICEIC.
The NICEIC is a non-profit organisation and is responsible for the primary task of controlling electricians and their work across the country. In addition to the registration of electricians, they monitor the quality of their work and conduct regular inspections to ensure that electricians adhere to these rules.