How to become an electrician

The history of a profession as an electrician began with the history of electricity. Towards the end of the 19th century, as the use of electricity advanced, the need to have trained electricians to work with this new form of energy and maintain it became necessary. Thus, a profession was born. Being an electrician is a lucrative profession. However, becoming an electrician requires a certain number of steps to be followed.

An apprentice

One of the methods of becoming an electrician begins with being an electrical apprentice. Apprenticeships are government-run and consist of "on-the-job training, workshop practice and classroom theory. The theory-based learning is supported by the practical skills needed in the work place." As an apprentice, you will need to achieve a technical certificate, NVQ (national vocational qualification) or SVQ (Scottish vocational qualifications) Level 3. You will also need skills in information technology, the ability to communicate, the application of numbers, the ability to work well with others, an ability to improve your skills as well as performance, and the ability to problem-solve. While working on sites, you will need to keep a NVQ Log book at Level 3. You will also need to complete an AM2 (achievement management level two) practical test. The SVQ and NVQ are broken down into sections or units which can be either Guild or City short courses. These courses are" focused qualifications, designed by industry, for industry." The training includes work done in the classroom as well as on-the-job.

Courses

As an apprentice, you may be required to acquire "GCSEs in Maths, English and science (Grade C or above)." You will be required to become experienced working with technical drawings. This requirement may be waived by an employer if further study is expected of you. You can gain your experience as an apprentice from an electrical contractor, who will pay your salary or earnings.

Developing ones career

As you continue in your profession as an electrician, you will continue gaining enough skills as well as on-the-job experience to work your way up into supervisory or managerial positions. Work for qualified electricians abound, due to a lack of qualified electricians. If you gain enough experience and qualifications, you can register as an electrical technician.