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Electricians jobs"Electricians jobs and Vacancies" Please find below some information that may help you though The work Electricians work in the electrotechnical sector, installing, inspecting and testing wiring systems and equipment in domestic households, commercial buildings and industrial plant. The type of electrical work carried out depends on their training and experience. There are several specialisms within the sector, including: 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. They 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 programmble logic controllers (PLCs). As an example, 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. In the case of motors, they dismantle the defective unit, replace or repair the damaged component, rewind the coils, clean up the part and test it before reassembly. Instrumentation – electricians deal with the commissioning, installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems, used to record and monitor control procedures, for instance, in production manufacturing. Systems are built and calibrated to measure how efficiently or otherwise a process is running. Electricians carry out regular service tests and make adjustments to control instruments as necessary. Maintenance - electricians test and maintain electromechanical equipment used in factories, for example, in large manufacturing or engineering companies. 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 on street lighting and traffic management equipment, such as traffic lights and motorway variable message signs. Electricians often work closely with other professionals such as construction tradespeople and engineers. Hours and Environment Most electricians work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some work overtime, weekends and shifts to minimise disruption to customers. With the exception of highways electricians, most work is indoors in domestic households, factories, offices or workshops. On new construction projects, electricians will be working in partially completed premises. The work can also involve working at heights or underground. Conditions may be cramped, cold, dirty and dusty. A driving licence is useful. Skills and Interests To be an electrician, you should: have good practical skills and be competent with a range of power tools be able to follow technical drawings and instructions be methodical and pay close attention to detail be safety-conscious be physically fit and able to work at heights have normal colour vision be able to keep up to date with technological developments and changes in electrical regulations be able to work on your own and as part of a team have good communications skills. Entry To qualify as an electrician, you must hold the Electrotechnical NVQ/SVQ (2356) at Level 3. There are differences in how these are structured around the UK, but all require practical work-based experience and most are obtained via a three- to four-year apprenticeship scheme outlined below. For details about how the Electrotechnical qualification is structured, see the Training section. There are no formal academic entry requirements for an apprenticeship, although GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in English, maths, design and technology and science subjects may be helpful. Applicants must also pass an aptitude test and colour vision assessment. Details about apprenticeships are available from the organisations listed in Further Information. England, Wales and Northern Ireland Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24, depending on availability of places. If you are not eligible for the apprenticeship scheme and not working within the industry, you can undertake the technical certificate - City & Guilds Electrotechnical Technology (2330) at levels 2 and 3 - at a local training centre or college. The certificates cover the theoretical knowledge for the NVQs together with some practical skills; they do not demonstrate competence within the job itself. Further work-based experience coupled with part-time training for NVQ level 3 is required to become fully qualified. It is advisable to seek employment with an electrical firm as soon as possible after starting the technical certificates in order to complete the NVQ. Note: The C&G (2330) replaces the C&G Certificate in Electrical Installation (2360). Overseas qualified electricians If you are a qualified electrician from overseas, you should contact the self-certification training providers in Further Information for details of how to register to meet Part P requirements. For details about a career as an electrician, see the SummitSkills website in Further Information. Training England, Wales and Northern Ireland Once employed in the industry and depending on your role, you can work towards one of three options for the Electrotechnical NVQ (2356) at Level 3: 1) Electrotechnical Services, which has four pathways: Electrical Installation (Building & Structures) Electrical Maintenance Installing Instrumentation & Associated Equipment Installing Highway Electrical Systems. 2) Electrical Panel Building 3) Electrical Machine Rewind and Repair. The C&G 2330 technical certificates at levels 2 and 3 are incorporated into these NVQs. In addition to the NVQ qualification, employers may require you to hold two other awards: City & Guilds 2391 Inspection, Testing and Certification of Installations, and City & Guilds 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (2381). Other training courses include City & Guilds In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (2377 - portable appliance testing), alarm and fire detection systems and emergency lighting. These are available at local colleges or through the Part P training providers in Further Information. The Electrical Contractors' Association also has details of training provision within the electrical industry, including contract management, contract law and estimating. For details of training provision and qualifications, see the appropriate national contact in Further Information. Part P of the Building Regulations - Electrical Safety Since January 1st 2005, it is a legal requirement to certify certain types of household electrical work in compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. This can either be done by a building inspector or through self-certification by the contractor. To self-certify work, electrical contractors and related tradespersons such as kitchen and bathroom fitters, domestic heating and plumbing engineers and DIY enthusiasts will need to undertake a short self-certification course to make sure electrical work meets Part P requirements. For details on Part P self-certification schemes, entry requirements and information about which electrical work requires self-certification, contact NICEIC, BRE Certification, ELECSA, British Standards Institution (BSI) or the National Association of Inspectors & Testers below. There may be entry requirements for the scheme, depending on your qualifications and experience. Some providers offer additional training if needed, for instance, 16th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671); some do not. Please check with the providers. Opportunities Electricians are employed by a wide range of organisations including electrical and building firms, electrical manufacturers, kitchen and bathroom fitting companies, general manufacturing and engineering companies, local government, media production companies, hospitals, and power generating and supply companies. Installation electricians may be self-employed or may work on a contract basis. There is a shortage of trained electricians at present, so prospects are very good for qualified workers. 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. Annual Income Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries for newly qualified electricians start at between £16,500 and £19,000. With experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £25,000. Experienced electricians with specialist grading can earn up to £28,000. Additional payments may be available for transport costs and London weighting. Further information Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) Interpoint 20-24 York Street Belfast BT15 1AQ Tel: 028 9032 9878 http://www.etcni.org.uk SummitSkills Tel: 08000 688336 http://www.summitskills.org.uk Institution of Engineering and Technology Savoy Place London WC2R 0BL Tel: 020 7240 1871 http://www.theiet.org Engineering Council 10 Maltravers Street London WC2R 3ER Tel: 020 7240 7891 http://www.engc.org.uk Apprenticeships Apprenticeships: England Tel: 08000 150600 www.apprenticeships.org.uk Education and Learning Wales Tel: 08456 088066 www.elwa.org.uk Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust Tel: 0131 445 5659 www.sectt.org.uk Electrical Training Trust - Northern Ireland Tel: 028 2565 0750 www.ett-ni.org Part P Self-Certification Schemes NICEIC Domestic Installer Scheme Tel: 0870 013 0382 www.niceic.org.uk BRE Certification Tel: 0870 609 6093 www.partp.co.uk ELECSA Tel: 0870 749 0080 www.elecsa.org.uk British Standards Institution(BSI) Tel: 01442 278607 www.bsi-global.com National Association of Inspectors & Testers Tel: 0870 444 1392 www.napit.org.uk Electrical Contractors' Association www.eca.co.uk
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