How training and qualifications are crucial in the electrical trade

A career as an electrician can be a challenging but rewarding profession which requires great skill and competence. Due to increased public awareness of safety issues there has never been a better time to become an electrician as consumers seek out appropriately qualified personnel to carry out any work they may need. Therefore it is more important than ever to ensure that you are correctly trained and qualified. As we all know, electricity is extremely hazardous to work with and even though you cannot feel, see, hear or smell it, it can kill without warning. For this reason it is crucial that all electricians are qualified to industry specified standards.

When you first commence work as an apprentice, you start right at the bottom. Then gradually you will be introduced to new tasks and ideas, you will constantly learn new skills and then put these skills into practice. In this way you will build up your knowledge base slowly but this will ensure that you are competent in every area. The law states that you must take all precautions against the risk of death or injury from electricity therefore you will be expected to follow strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and anyone else working with you.

There are several different ways to qualify as an electrician and it is your responsibility to ensure that the course of study you choose to follow qualifies you to undertake work of a particular type or in a particular location. If you choose courses that lead to nationally recognised qualifications this should not present any issue. However please note that if you do opt to study for a City and Guilds Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology then one thing you will need to consider is that you won't be fully qualified until you undertake a work placement with an electrical firm.

Electricians, depending on their level of skill and expertise, may undertake work for both domestic and commercial clients, although it may be necessary to undergo further training to undertake any specialist tasks such as fire alarm training or emergency light training. It must always be remembered that you must only attempt specialist work if you have completed the required course, you are qualified and have the necessary expertise to do so. This is to make sure that you are not only legally able to carry out the work but that you will do so in a manner that will ensure that risks are kept to a minimum.

By ensuring that you are adequately trained and have the appropriate qualifications, you will be able to pursue a profitable and rewarding career as an electrician. Employers in both the private and public sectors will be keen to employ you once you have finished your course of study. Or alternatively you will be able to take the self employed route and legally become a self employed contractor. Without the necessary skills and qualifications you will not be able to work legitimately as an electrician and without doubt you will not qualify to be accepted for insurance to cover any work you may undertake.

There is much more here on an electrician's typical day and work as an electrician.