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Electrical Installation Course

Become an Electrician

Are you considering becoming an Electrician? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Electricians install and maintain all the equipment needed for the efficient and safe use of electricity. Their work may include:

- working from plans and technical drawings to run cabling and to place lights, sockets and switches
- testing installations
- installing wiring and electrical components in complex electrical and electronic equipment
- diagnosing, locating and repairing faults.

Most electricians work 37-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some work overtime, weekends and shifts. They work indoors, in houses, factories, offices or workshops, or outdoors on building sites.

Electricians are employed by a wide range of employers, including electrical manufacturers, building firms, engineering companies, local government, hospitals and colleges. Some installation electricians are self-employed or work on contract for different firms and customers.

New: Electrician Course - Electrical Installations 1 Certificate

This course on offer from the Open Learning College is suitable for students who have no knowledge of the subject through to those with experience, the couse could help you on your way to a career with the electrical industry or giving you the knowledge to save hundreds of pounds by performing tasks yourself.

There are no skills needed to enrol on the course. Students can do this course as they are starting out. The course will take approximately 70 hours depending on what speed you wish to progress.

Click here to find out more about this electrician course >>

Routes to Becoming an Electrician

There is shortage of trained electricians at present, and very good prospects for those with experience.

Young people wanting to become qualified electricians should look for employers or organisations offering apprenticeships.

School education is important, and it is an advantage to have GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in maths, English and science. Some employers who train young people insist on these grades. However, they are not mandatory and other employers may accept applicants for training on the basis of an interview and an aptitude test. Most entrants are 16-17 years old and normal colour vision is essential.

Entry for adults
There is no upper age limit, although most apprentices start at the age of 16 or 17. It may be difficult to enter this career as an adult.

However, it may be possible to do a Joint Industry Board (JIB)-approved course, and the electricity supply industry sometimes recruits adults for craft training.

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