Hands On - Electricians

The construction industry is booming. Coupled with industry-wide skilled labour shortages, this continuing boom means that qualified trades people are at a premium. Furthermore, technical trades like electrical installation are increasingly in demand.

James King from Trade Services explained

‘MoD Service leavers have many skills and attributes that make them attractive to civilian companies. You cannot compare a young school leaver to a highly motivated, disciplined and enthusiastic Service leaver who is used to working in a cohesive team. In addition, many Service leavers also use their resettlement to convert Service experience into industry-recognised qualifications that will help them gain employment.

Installation electricians install, inspect and test wiring systems in buildings. This may involve stripping out old systems and replacing them with new wiring or it may mean installing a new system. In new buildings they follow architects’ drawings showing where the electrical equipment has to be installed. They may also have to lift floorboards, bend and cut conduit (metal and PVC piping) and fix equipment to walls.

Once it has been installed, maintenance electricians maintain and repair the electrical equipment used in factories, or large manufacturing or engineering companies; while production electricians put together complex electrical and electronic appliances such as control panels or electric motors.

In fact, an installation electrician can expect to work within the construction industry installing, maintaining and repairing electrical equipment and systems in domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

They work closely with other crafts people like carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, painters and decorator’s, indeed many electricians learn other trades that make them more versatile. They need to communicate with these other trades to ensure that clashes, conflicts and problems do not occur, like chasing walls to install flush sockets after they have been painted.

Among other qualities, electricians must:

• Have good practical skills and be competent with a range of power tools
• Be able to follow technical drawings and instructions
• Be physically fit and have normal colour vision
• Be able to work both by themselves and as part of a team
• Have good communication skills.

Although entering the industry will be a fairly easy transition for those who have been building compatible skills in the Forces, the Service leaver will need to complete a ‘fast track’ electrical course to gain recognised qualifications.

Generally, these courses offer in-house, hands-on training, to include practical and theory elements. Electrical courses generally cover two City & Guilds qualifications: C&G 2381 – 16th Edition Wiring Regulations; and C&G 2377 – Portable Appliance Testing. They also cover the Domestic Electrical Installers Certificate – Part P and, to complement these, electricians must undertake practical hands-on training in a live situation within the training centre.

The more practical experience gained during the course, the better. Qualified graduates will have the necessary qualifications to offer potential employers. It is advisable to gain at least six months’ experience before doing City & Guilds 2391 – Inspection and Testing, as this is a challenging exam to pass.‘