What is an Electrician?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They know the ins and outs of designing lighting systems, installing street lights and intercom systems to ensure that electrical work is up to code.
How to become an Electrician?
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school. You can take a Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation, which may help you to find a trainee position with a company.
Entry requirements are as follows:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
Electrician Duties
Electricians’ duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Inspect transformers and circuit breakers and other electrical components
- Troubleshoot electrical issues using appropriate of testing devices
- Install electrical apparatus, fixtures and equipment for alarm and other systems
- Prevent breakdown of systems by routinely inspecting and replacing old wiring and insulated cables, cleaning circuits etc.
- Safely use various hand and power tools
Electrician skills
To be an effective electrician, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Electrical installation and Safety knowledge
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Reliable
- Troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Math knowledge for understanding technical plans
- Knowledge of building and construction
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work well with your hands and use equipment safely
- Customer service skills for working with colleagues and clients
How to find an electrician job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the electrician jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for electrician jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Electrician Job Titles
When you search for a electrician job online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for electrician jobs include;
- Building construction electrician
- Construction and maintenance electrician
- Construction electrician
- Domestic and rural electrician
- Electrical fixtures installer
- Master electrician
- Residential construction wirer
- Wiring electrician
- Installation electrician
- Maintenance electrician
- Electrotechnical panel builder
- Machine repair and rewind electrician
- Highway systems electrician
What does an electrician do?
The job of an electrician varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of electrician job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of an electrician include;
- Read blueprints or technical diagrams
- Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
- Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
- Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using handtools and power tools
- Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers