When you've reached the point where enough is enough
- where do you turn for advice on a new Job?
It doesn't matter what background you're from - if you're looking to find an exciting new career-path then it can be pretty hard. Have a wander round this website and you should find some great starting info.
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Electricity is one of life's essentials in the modern world. Both commercially and domestically we need good electricians. Electrical certifications can lead to a wide variety of jobs, depending on the individual's training and experience.
The electrical trade overall is now responsible for 20 Billion pounds of business a year in the UK alone. If it's time for you to make some career changes, training to become an electrician could be a very good move.
People often question whether they'd be any good in this role. The work is very practical and hands-on, so you must be good with your hands, and be able to use tools competently. Those who can work methodically through a process do well as electricians.
It's not uncommon for electrical workers to spend much of their time alone, so you must be content with your own company. Your balance should be good, along with your colour vision and general fitness level. And in the end, if being your own boss is your goal, you should be determined and positive!
Once you've passed the correct industry exams, you can be on your way to a great new career. But it can sometimes be a bit unclear which training will be best, so we've written a completely unbiased report that will tell you what you need to know.
Get hold of your free copy today to give yourself the edge. As there's such a variety of training companies and courses available, you'll find it an invaluable read.
Check out the report now, and you'll see what we mean. When you understand what you're after, get back onto this webpage and check out some of the course options offered by companies featured here. If you enter Ctrl D, this page will save in your 'Favourites' file automatically.
A lot of people choose to train for an electrical career so that they can set up in business for themselves. Colleges are constantly enrolling new students who want greater freedom in their working lives. And there appears to be an on-going healthy demand for electrical contractors in private housing, so it can work very well. Of course, some just want the qualifications so they can earn a second income part-time. Finally some just want to be able to carry out electrical work in their own homes.
In common with all the trades, good electricians get a lot of their work through word of mouth recommendations from satisfied customers. So as well as being good at your job, always be polite and friendly - manners really do make a difference.
Commercially employed electricians will usually work a 37 - 40 hour week, with possible overtime at the weekends.
Despite regional variations, the average employee electrician in Britain in 2009 earned approx 26K.
Domestic electrical contractors in their own business are wise not to stick too rigidly to a 9-5 routine, as they can bring in a great deal more money if they're flexible. They will also have to allow for added business costs such as tools, transport and administration.
The main recognised trade certification bodies in the UK are City & Guilds and EAL. Most young people entering the industry straight from school will study for C&G qualifications along with corresponding NVQ's. This typically will take three to four years. Re-trainers over the age of about 25 mostly study shorter courses part time, much of it at home. They don't need lengthy NVQ training because they're looking to work in private houses.
Commercial training companies provide a variety of options to help students prepare for work in the shortest time possible. Overall students are less qualified, but they will have a good grounding in the skills needed for domestic work, and their certifications will be legally acceptable.
Whatever your starting point, you'll cover certain essential practices whoever you train with. A good all round programme for beginners would be an EAL Domestic Installers Course, at Level 2.
Teaching will comprise of all the wiring fundamentals and safety practices. You'll be primed to pass Part P, so that all the work you do will conform to legal requirements.
Your training will also enable you to understand and meet the standards of the IEE wiring regulations. You might also cover training for the C&G 2392 certification, which demonstrates competency in initial testing and verification, C&G 2391 for Inspection, Testing and Certification and C&G 2377 which covers PAT testing.
You should find a typical domestic electrical training programme takes between 300 hours and 400-500 hours, and is a mixture of home study and workshop assessments. Qualified electricians are needed all over the country. The opportunities are there - now it's up to you.