Why Become an Electrician?
There is a shortage in electricians in the UK, and the demand is growing. This is great news for those who want to start with a career in the field.
To become an electrician, you must complete a formal apprenticeship or attain a qualification. There are a variety of routes to becoming an electrician.
Qualifications
If you're interested in a career that requires a lot of hands-on work, becoming an electrician is a good option. They're highly sought-after and are one of the most highly-paid tradesmen in the UK, with an average of PS33,495 annually.
They typically tackle a variety of projects and have a lot of clients. They can also opt to specialise in a specific sector like machine repair, or a specific industry, like automotive or agriculture.
There are a variety of ways to become an electrician in the UK, including enrolling in a vocational college or trade school. These provide a rigorous training program and professional certifications in the field of electricity.
The course is designed for students aged 16-18. It is typically offered by colleges and is fully paid for by the government. However it is also able to be offered by private companies. This certification covers all the knowledge and skills required to become fully qualified electrician.
If you successfully complete the course, you'll be awarded an City and Guilds 2365 qualification which is valid for 3 years. It's a Level 2 diploma in electrical installation. It covers core sciences and maths along with practical assignments and tests.
The course is taught in a classroom and in workshops. It is also necessary to complete assignments as part of your studies. The course is also assessed through a workshop-based exam, commonly known as the AM1 exam, which you'll need take to pass before being able to complete the course.
Once you've completed this course and passed the exam, you are able to go on to complete an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship lets you work alongside a training provider or employer to learn the theoretical and technical skills required to become an electrician with a degree.
After you have completed your apprenticeship after which you have two options: either you can be employed as an electrician full-time , or you can start your own business. You have more flexibility, freedom and more growth opportunities when you start your own business.
If you're a licensed electrician you can join the Register of Registered Competent Persons and sign off your work to confirm that it is compliant with Building Regulations. Alternatively, you can apply to be a qualified Supervisor for your company.
Experience
Electricians work with electricity in a wide range of settings. They can resolve issues for both businesses and consumers, and they can install new electrical equipment. They also manage power grids and custom-designed machinery, which makes them extremely flexible.
It is important to first understand the qualifications and training needed to become an electrician. They can range from short courses that run from 12 to 18 months, to longer courses that require three years of studies and hands-on experience.
It is best to go through an instruction course that covers installation techniques, electrical diagrams, and health and safety. This ensures that you have an extensive knowledge of the field and can tackle any issues quickly.
An apprenticeship is an excellent way to learn the trade and earn money. This will allow you to gain the experience and confidence you require to make an informed decision on whether this is the best career for you.
Some people decide to take up this profession because they like the challenging nature of it. This is a very skilled job, which requires an intense focus on detail.
As a profession it's also extremely rewarding. There aren't any two days that are the same and you'll be constantly learning and improving your skills. This can be very beneficial to your overall health and well being as it boosts your "Neuroplasticity", which is the brain's capacity to change and grow.
In addition the demand for electricians is a lot higher across the UK and there are always jobs for electricians. This makes this a good option for those looking to change direction and discover new opportunities for employment. You could earn as much as PS18,000 to PS40,000 based on your skills and experience.
Safety
The work with electricity can be hazardous, however electricians in the UK take numerous precautions to ensure that their work is safe. This includes risk assessments, training, and conformity to regulations.
The Electrical Safety Regulations 1989 are the main legal framework governing the safety of electrical equipment in the workplace. They cover everything from keeping electrical equipment safe to the responsibilities of everyone working at a place, including employees, visitors and contractors.
It's important to follow these guidelines, which will assist to reduce the number of accidents occurring in the workplace and the severity of any injuries. It is important to remember that these accidents could be caused by other factors.
For instance, electrical equipment can develop faults that are not visible to the naked eye. It is crucial to perform regular tests and inspections of equipment. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) that can be done by a certified electrician, can be used to do this.
Employers are required to keep this document. It should contain all risks and indicate whether repairs or replacements are required. It should also show how often these tests and inspections were carried out.
Employers must also have an established health and safety policy in place. The policy should contain an explicit description of how they will protect their staff as well as the public who visit the site.
electricians in the uk must have a comprehensive policy on electrical safety. They also need to ensure that workers are trained and knowledgeable to carry out their electrical work. The 1989 Electricity at Work Act outlines the skills and qualifications needed to perform their job safely.
It is also recommended that single workers be supervised. They should have an easy way to check-in at pre-arranged times , and help alerts activated in the event they are unable to do so themselves.
Landlords also have to have electrical installations within their properties checked at least every 5 years and tested by a qualified professional. This is an obligation of the new Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 that came into effect on June 1st, 2020.
Regulations
There are certain rules that must be followed by uk electrician s when they work in homes or commercial establishments. This is due to the safety aspect.
There are two major types of regulation that affect UK electricians industry standards and the legal structure. Industry standards are voluntary codes of regulations created by the industry which they are applied and endorsed by a nationally recognized body. They are designed to simplify the industry's language and procedures. They are not legally legal, but are often included in contracts as the standard procedure required by the contracting party.
Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical installation work in dwellings and outbuildings in England and Wales. These regulations include safety requirements and specific criteria like the capacity of circuit breakers and fuse, and locations that are designated (such bathroom and medical buildings).
They are often referred to as the 'big book' due to their large size. uk electricians are regularly updated. The most recent edition, the 18th edition, came into force on January 1, 2019.
A key part of this is the wiring regulations which regulate the wiring in domestic and commercial homes. Before beginning any wiring work, it's essential for all electricians in the UK to be aware of these regulations.
Generally speaking, if someone is not adhering to these guidelines, then they should not be allowed to start any wiring work on your property. They won't have the necessary expertise or the equipment needed to ensure that the wiring is secure.
Additionally If an electrician does not follow the regulations they cannot use the 'licensed ' mark of a competent person. The mark is only available to those who have been registered with an independent certification scheme, such as the NICEIC.
The NICEIC Non-profit organization regulates electricians across the nation. In addition to being a registered electrician, they also examine the quality of their work and regularly conduct inspections to make sure that electricians are in compliance with the rules.