Have You Thought About Electrician Qualifications?

We wouldn't be able to function in today's world without electricity. Both commercially and domestically we need good electricians. Electrical certifications can lead to a wide variety of jobs, depending on the individual's training and experience. Approximately three percent of the UK's GNP can be attributed to the electrical industry. If you've thought about moving into electrical work, now is a great time to gain your skills and qualifications.

Free In-Depth Information

Whether you've already got some relevant skills or not, once you've trained and got yourself certified, you can start making money. Yet many people find it hard to know who is best to train with, and which courses to take.

That's why we've compiled an impartial report to help you understand. Get hold of your free copy today to give yourself the edge. It will shed light on all the different training programmes you read about and help to clarify what you need.

Why not download the book first and take time to read through its contents.

And when you feel ready, come back here and go onto some of the college sites listed at the side. (You can Bookmark this page by typing in 'Ctrl D' for easy reference.)

Will It Suit Me?

Am I the right sort of person for this work? To be an electrician you will need to be able to use a variety of tools effectively. You should have a logical, orderly way of thinking, and be safety conscious at all times. It's not uncommon for electrical workers to spend much of their time alone, so you must be content with your own company. You'll also need to have perfect colour vision and to be physically fit, as some of the work is quite strenuous. And in the end, if being your own boss is your goal, you should be determined and positive!

Control Your Own Future

The driving force to get back into training is often motivated by a person's goal to work for themselves. The majority of adult students in reality head down that track. And as the need for electrical work in peoples' homes continues unabated, it's likely to continue.

Sometimes people with other trade skills want electrical expertise, to give their business more credibility. And some people take electrical courses in order to safely fit a new kitchen at home for example.When householders find an electrician they're pleased with, they'll talk to other people about them and do a lot of free advertising. So as well as being good at your job, always be polite and friendly - manners really do make a difference.

Thirty seven to forty hours a week is normal for most commercially employed full-time electricians. For that, they will typically be paid approximately 26,000pa. Electricians who work for themselves and take on a variety of domestic jobs can bring in significantly more than that, although their hours are usually longer. Being self-employed also means there are overheads to consider, so prices have to reflect that.

Which Training Will Suit Me Best?

City & Guilds and EAL are the Trade Certification organisations to be aware of. In addition, teenagers doing C&G exams at technical colleges will find working assignments to complete their more practical NVQ's. This typically will take three to four years. Career-changers typically go for more condensed courses that will fit around their existing commitments. This type of coursework prepares students mostly for domestic jobs, so negates the need for the more extended NVQ's. Specialised colleges focus on teaching skills that will help students learn what they need in months, not years. This still allows students to meet the legal trade requirements, just in a narrower field over a shorter period of time.

So What Would I Learn?

Study programmes vary, but a comprehensive domestic course should equip you to pass your Level 2 EAL Domestic Installers exam. Training will include installations, safety procedures, wiring and rewiring in homes and testing circuits.

As everyone carrying out domestic electrical work now has to be Part P certified, your training will give you an understanding of what's needed.

Every practising electrician must also attain the C&G 2382 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations Certificate, so training will be included for this too. Working towards these industry-recognised qualifications will equip you not only to work on jobs in kitchens and bathrooms, on lighting circuits and wall sockets etc. but also to self-certify them as well.

Obviously the speed you can get through a course depends on your existing commitments, but allow about four to five hundred hours for training in total. Once you've attained your skills and certifications, you'll have skills that will set you up for life.