The Qualifications needed to be an electrician   

There are several types of electrician. We are discussing those who design and work on electrical systems.

With an ever increasing population, more gadgets drawing electrical power and the potential of electrically powered cars, employment prospects for a qualified electrician has never been better. New laws have been passed by government to safeguard people and properties against the harm that electricity can do. And this means that the requirement for qualified electricians are set to increase even further in the future. So, this is a great time to get the proper qualifications to be an electrician and start a lucrative profession in the field of electricity.

Work Overview

Electricians can work for electrical companies in London or be self-employed. The type of work that you can do depends on the training and experience you have. The scope of work varies from installation of complex electrical systems in buildings to simple maintenance and electrical repairs in homes.

Qualified electricians can work alone or be a member of a team. Electricians work both outdoors and indoors.

Getting qualified to be an electrician

If you want to be a qualified electrician in the UK, the first thing to do is to enroll in an electrical apprenticeship program. And in order to be accepted, you need to have the following requirements:

1. A General Certificate of Education in English, Science, and Math at grade C or a higher level. The skill to read and understand technical blueprints will definitely be a plus factor
2. After completion of the entry level, the advanced apprenticeship program is next. It usually takes around 4 years to finish the advanced program and it includes classroom type lessons to learn the theories of electricity and associated subjects as well as on-the-job trainings in an organization where the theories you have learned will be applied in a real environment
3. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, you should have achieved a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3

Other Ways to be an electrician

For individuals who are already in another profession and want to become a qualified electrician, you may opt for electrical courses that can be taken during your free time. To have the necessary qualifications of an electrician you must gain a certificate for installing, inspecting, and testing electrics under BS7671 and/or the City and Guilds 2382 or 2391.

Valuable Qualities of an Electrician

An electrician should be systematic, capable of following plans and implementing them to ensure that the project meets current safety standards. An honest, reliable, punctual and trustworthy individual, who is a good problem solver and won't resort to taking shortcuts or sacrificing quality.

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