Being an electrician is one of the most necessary and, in some cases, lucrative tradesman jobs around. While many office workers have been forced to turn to remote working since the turbulence of the pandemic, electricians have been needed on call just as much as ever.
Studies reveal that electricians were one of the most in-demand tradespeople during lockdown in 2020. But as this is such a competitive industry, it’s important to consider what makes a successful sparky stand out against the crowd.
In this article, we share some tips on the things you need to think about when becoming an electrician.
What qualifications are required?
There are two key routes to becoming an electrician, either:
- Complete a three or four-year apprenticeship
- Break the study down into smaller chunks over two to three years with a diploma or technical certificate
According to TradeSkills4U, “Both routes combine the same key elements but are structured differently. The apprenticeship spreads the training and experience units over 4 years whereas the Diploma route front loads the training elements and allows the candidate to top up with the NVQ once they are working in the industry.” This means each route offers something different, so it is up to the individual to decide what suits them best.
If you’re younger and just getting started, you could complete one of many Domestic Electrician courses. However, take note that while this may be informative, these short courses will only give you limited knowledge and you’ll have to complete all training requirements to become a fully fledged electrician.
Work Experience
Don’t underestimate the power of work experience along the way. Any opportunities that come along where you can shadow a qualified electrician will prove extremely beneficial to kickstarting your career. If you’re in the early stages of your training or you’re not yet fully qualified, be sure to practice health and safety during your work experience and wear the appropriate protective equipment required.
Taking out the relevant insurance
Once you’ve completed all your qualifications, it’s time to start thinking about putting the relevant insurance in place. Despite best efforts, there’s always a chance that something may go wrong on the job, and that’s why having the appropriate insurance is vital.
Electricians insurance can provide peace of mind against potential liability and having to fork out a small fortune in case of any unforeseen circumstances. So, should the worst happen, you can rest easy knowing that you and your clients are protected.
