Electricians are a vital part of the construction industry and qualified electricians are consistently in high demand. Whether it is installing wiring in new builds, repairing and updating the electrics in existing buildings, or testing and installing appliances, the specialised skills and qualifications required means that quality electricians are always in short supply and paid well for their work.
Unlike some other trades, the breadth of skills and knowledge required in electrical work means there is a multitude of different electrician training courses available. These range from basic competency and safety training through to specialist electrical courses focusing on specific areas of the field. As a result if you looking to begin a new career as an electrician it is important to consider carefully which area of expertise you wish to progress in when choosing an electrician course.
Due to the inherent safety issues of working as an electrician, the electrics industry is heavily regulated and as such training and the required levels of qualification can be considerably higher than in other trades. This high level of standards means becoming fully qualified as an electrician can take longer than other trade jobs, at least a couple of years.
Fast-track or intensive courses where you cram all your training into a matter of months are not a wise option in the electrical field and it is best to avoid any electrician courses that promise quick results.
The UK qualifications for electricians are offered by two main bodies. City & Guilds certifications are the starting point, where you will build the foundations of your knowledge and skills with more complex and specific City & Guilds courses offered later on to help you specialise in specific areas. Following on from that are the NVQ Diploma’s, which you will need to obtain up to a certain level to become a fully qualified electrician.
The City & Guilds courses start with the basics, and as you progress you can choose further courses to expand your skill set such as portable appliance testing or electrical installation in dwellings. Once you’ve found your feet it is a good idea to seek out an apprenticeship with an experienced electrician whilst you continue your studies.
Alongside your coursework an apprenticeship as an electricians assistant will provide valuable practical experience and can speed up your progression in completing the various City & Guilds certificates. Although these courses provide you with vital knowledge and skills, they are somewhat irrelevant until you have passed the NVQ diploma. The best course of action to achieve your NVQ is to work through your City & Guilds training and find a trainee job placement.
NVQ’s are graded by an assessor who will visit you on-site and ensure you are up to standard in all the various modules that you need to pass. The process of obtaining your NVQ diploma can take some time, often a couple of years or more. However upon completion you will become a fully qualified electrician and your career options will open up massively in the trade. Although it can be a long and challenging journey getting there, a career as an electrician is full of fresh opportunities with a fantastic earnings potential.