Industry

How to Train as an Electrician

cutting-cableIf you want to become a licensed electrician, you will need industry-recognised qualifications. Qualified electricians must be fully familiar with circuits and wiring repairs for homes and businesses. To qualify, you should have a full understanding of safety regulations.

Electricians work on wide range of projects such as bringing power to homes, or taking part in big engineering jobs. These individuals may also be expected to work with renewable energy including wind turbines and solar power. You would need to learn how to test equipment, fix faults and make sure all the technical systems work correctly. To train as an electrician, you should become familiarized with the following areas:

Installation of power systems

Installing power systems can vary from lighting to security, and fire protection in all types of buildings. You should also carry out regular systems checks to ensure everything is working efficiently.

Electro-technical panel building

Electrical experts should know how to build and install control panels that work inside buildings. Street lighting installation and maintenance are important part of the job as you will need to keep an eye out on traffic management systems on the roads and motorways.

Courses to study

Your work can take you anywhere from inside commercial buildings, offices, shops to residential homes. You may have assistance from other people working in your team. To qualify as an electrician, you must have level 3 qualifications such as a Diploma in Electro-technical Services, or electrical installations in buildings and structures.

Your qualifications should be accredited by recognised bodies such as City & Guilds. These Diplomas are normally completed while you are receiving practical training. There may also be specialist training such as installing solar panels offered to you.

Best way to start training

The most popular way to start is to do an apprenticeship. This way, you can combine your practical learning together with the college studies. It will take anything from two to four years to become a fully qualified electrician.

If you have some background experience but you don't have the qualification yet, you may be able to get your current skills and knowledge analysed against recognised qualifications. Once you start working, you will need to take further exams in Periodic Inspection and Wiring Regulations.

Portable Appliance Testing

To sit your PAT testing, you must be classed as a fully-able and competent individual. Your competency and skills are shown by your relevant experience. PAT testing is a common training programme that meets the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Codes of Practice. City & Guilds awards this qualification. To know more, you should refer to the website of City & Guilds for all the relevant information.

If you are serious about becoming a fully licensed and qualified electrician, you can contact your local electricians in your town and ask them how they gained experience in this job. You may even be able to take part in a project for the day in order to get a better idea of what is expected from these technicians. Some electrical companies are willing to take on long-term assistants who wish to gain some knowledge in the field. This is a great opportunity to get your career underway by doing practical work.

Leslie M. writes for various small business websites in Ireland including Lock Out Safety a new website for electrical safety.

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