Electrician

Introduction

Electricians install and maintain electrical services such as lighting, power and heating. They work in a wide range of buildings including houses, offices, factories, hospitals and power stations. Some electricians repair electrical faults in domestic and business premises. Others service and repair electrical equipment in the manufacturing and engineering industries.

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Work Activities

Installation electricians put in all the cables, wiring, meters, switchgear, conduit (metal channel for cable), fitments and equipment needed in new buildings and conversions of old buildings.

They use technical drawings and plans that show which areas of the building need electricity. They interpret the instructions, deciding how to run cabling and where to place switches, sockets, lights and other devices. On smaller projects, electricians may plan their own work.

The work involves measuring, cutting, joining and fitting cabling using a variety of hand and power tools, like pliers, screwdrivers, hacksaws and drills. In conversions of old buildings, electricians must first remove the old system and its wiring.

Some of the work is non-electrical and involves physical activity such as lifting floorboards and drilling holes. Electricians also need to make sure they order the relevant materials and equipment before they begin their work.

Electricians 'earth' the system and then test it thoroughly to make sure all the circuits have been correctly and safely installed.

Service electricians repair faults in domestic and office appliances. This involves travelling to the customer's home or business premises, locating and diagnosing the fault, isolating the circuit and then making the repair.

Some faults can only be found when the supply is on, for example, faults within electronic circuits, so the electrician will use insulated tools and equipment to find the fault.

Maintenance electricians work in manufacturing and engineering companies, servicing and repairing electrical machines and equipment.

Electricians often travel to work on different installations, sometimes involving being away from home.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be an electrician, you need good practical skills because you will use a variety of tools and equipment. You must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, and follow safety procedures very carefully. Electricians need strong problem solving skills; you have to be well organised, thorough and methodical. You must enjoy seeing a job through from start to finish.

You will also need good communication and interpersonal skills to work well with other electricians and other professionals. Also, you should be able to explain your work clearly to customers and reassure them with your knowledge in a calm, professional manner.

Electricians should be physically fit because the job usually involves kneeling, bending and lifting heavy equipment. It may also involve working at heights, in confined spaces, in damp and dusty atmospheres. Normal colour vision is required. You may need a current driving licence.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Electricians earn in the range of £17,500 - £21,500 a year, rising to £25,000 - £28,500. Higher earners can make around £32,000 a year.

Electricians usually work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Employers throughout the UK range from small family businesses to large national contracting firms. There are opportunities for self-employment for qualified and experienced electricians.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

An increasing number of employers take on adults and train them because of a shortage of school leavers entering training.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas. The Scottish Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry (SJIB) also offers an adult training scheme.

• 28% of electricians are self-employed.
• 3% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.