Hands On: Electricians – the next bright sparks

The Construction Skills Network estimates that, between 2006 and 2010, over 8,000 electricians need to be trained annually to sustain development. The work of an electrician varies considerably. In the electro-technical sector, electricians install, inspect and test wiring systems and equipment in households, commercial buildings and on industrial plants. The type of electrical work undertaken depends on the electrician’s skill base, training and experience. Electricians often work closely with other professionals, such as construction workers and engineers. Good opportunities for electricians lie in specialising in particular sectors, which include the following.

Installation

Electricians install, inspect and test wiring systems in all types of buildings. On renovations, this involves stripping out old wiring and replacing it; on new developments, it involves installing a completely new system. Electricians follow architects’ or contractors’ plans, showing where the electrical equipment is to be installed. The initial installation – putting in cabling and wiring – is known as the ‘first fix’; then, once the walls have been plastered, a ‘second fix’ is carried out, connecting the wiring to sockets, switches and fittings.

Panel building

Electricians work from wiring plans, putting together complex electrical and electronic control panels, using programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A control panel might be used to manage an office building’s infrastructure – typically, the heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

Repair and rewind

Electricians test and repair electrical components in machinery, such as transformers, motors, compressors and pumps.

Instrumentation

Electricians deal with the commissioning, installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems used to record and monitor control procedures. Systems are built and calibrated to measure how efficiently a process is running. Electricians carry out regular service tests and make adjustments to control instruments as necessary.

Maintenance

Electricians test and maintain the electro-mechanical equipment used in, for example, factories. They use a range of instruments and tools to diagnose faults and carry out repairs.

Highway electrical systems

Electricians work from mobile high-access platforms, testing circuits, and diagnosing and repairing faults with street lighting and traffic-management equipment such as traffic lights.

Skills and interests

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.

Entry for adult learners

In addition to the current shortage of qualified electricians, recent building regulations have added a further qualification (Part P), which is needed before an electrician can carry out work in the home. This means that those already holding the necessary qualifications to practise as an electrician will need to attend a course to obtain this qualification. One such is the EAL – Part P course, run over ten days with assessments throughout. Following the course, two on-site assessments will be undertaken to complete the qualification. Satisfactory completion certifies graduates as a ‘Competent Person’ who may be allowed to sign off their own work.

Although entering the industry will be a fairly easy transition for those who have been building compatible skills in the Forces, there are several organisations that offer courses within a realistic time frame to give mature career changers the necessary knowledge to enter the industry. 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 prepared graduates will be and the more they will have 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.

Opportunities

Electricians are employed by a wide range of organisations. Installation electricians may be self-employed or may work on a contract basis. Promotion may be possible to supervisory and management positions in all areas of electrical work. With further training, opportunities may arise in electrical estimating and contract management.

If you would like to speak with the author regarding any issues raised on the construction industry in general: Call

Philip Sykes on 0800 043 6960, or visit www.steptotraining.co.uk