Building your community
Introduction
Electricians are responsible for safely installing and maintaining
electrical and electronic systems. Within local authorities, they
carry out different types of work:
- installing wiring systems and equipment in new buildings (and
in building conversions);
- maintaining and repairing wiring systems and equipment in
existing properties;
- installing and maintaining street lighting and associated
equipment.
They may either be directly employed by the local authority or
by a firm of contractors carrying out work on the local authority's
behalf. Various departments within local authorities need the
services of electricians. Property services departments and housing
departments require installation and maintenance electricians;
highways departments employ street lighting electricians. In all,
around 8,000 electricians work for local authorities.
Work Environment
Electricians work:
- on building sites;
- in occupied buildings, carrying out maintenance and repairs
(they could be working, for example, in council houses, schools or
old people's homes);
- on public highways, installing and repairing street
lighting.
Working conditions can be cold, damp and dusty. It may be
necessary to work in confined spaces and at heights. The work
involves travel to different sites. Electricians wear protective
clothing, including overalls, hard hats and steel-capped boots.
Daily Activities
Electricity is potentially dangerous and safe working practices
are essential. They normally install new wiring systems in
buildings before the electricity supply is connected. Working from
architects' or contractors' drawings, they install the first part
of the wiring system, known as the 'first fix'. Then, once
plastering is completed, they carry out the 'second fix',
connecting the wiring to light fittings, sockets, switches etc. In
building conversions, they start by stripping out the old wiring
and then replace it, to modern specifications. All wiring,
connections and equipment are tested before connection to the mains
supply.
Maintenance and repair work in existing properties involves
first isolating the electricity supply. Using special testing
instruments, electricians diagnose faults, then carry out
repairs.
Street lighting electricians work from a vehicle with an access
lift attached, and at ground level. They drive to a number of sites
each day. Repairing street lamps involves testing the circuit,
diagnosing and repairing the fault. Installing new street lamps
involves wiring a new lamp post, fitting the lantern and connecting
up to the supply. Electricians use various types of
electrical testing equipment and a range of hand tools (specially
insulated for safety purposes).
Skills & Interests
Electricians need:
- practical hand skills and the ability to use a range of
tools;
- a methodical, patient approach - to diagnose and test
electrical faults;
- neatness and tidiness, especially when working in occupied
premises;
- a reasonable level of physical fitness, as the work can involve
stretching, bending, kneeling and long periods of standing.
They should be able to work alone, without direct supervision
and in a small team.
Entry Requirements
Most entrants start by taking an Apprenticeship. Four GCSEs grades
(A-C) in Maths, English and a science are a good indication of
suitability, but are not always essential. Applicants must pass
selection procedures and have normal colour vision. Advanced
Apprenticeships, which lead to NVQ/SVQ level 3, normally last
around four years and include college training and practical
experience in employment. It is possible to enter an
Apprenticeship after taking A-levels (physics is particularly
useful) or after GNVQ/GSVQ - e.g. in the built environment, science
or business. Successful completion of an Advanced
Apprenticeship and NVQ/SVQ level 3 qualifies the holder as an
electrician. Two years' further experience leads to the 'approved
electrician' grade.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
An approved electrician can become a chargehand or foreman/woman,
responsible for organising a team. Promotion can then lead to a
'technician' post, for which additional training and qualifications
may be required.
Further development is possible through study for qualifications
such as HND, degree or higher level NVQs/SVQs. These can lead
eventually to a post as an electrical or electronic engineer.
It is possible to move from jobs with local authorities to
employment with private contractors, and vice-versa.
Further Information & Services
Summit Skills www.summitskills.org.uk
Energy and Utility Skills www.euskills.co.uk
Apprenticeships www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers in
construction: https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-construction/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.