Are You Interested In Training As A Sparky?
Do you want to train whilst gaining on-the-job experience? Explore these possible routes to qualifying as an electrician..
If you have a naturally mathematical brain and love the complexities of solving puzzles, then you might consider becoming an electrician. As a technical discipline, a career as an electrician will involve drawing up and reading plans or wiring diagrams and thinking on your feet to ensure that you’re creating a safe and workable electrical installation. You’ll also need a solid understanding of other trade work including basic carpentry skills and building to ensure that you’re able to offer a well-rounded service for your customers. If this all sounds like the perfect job for you, there are a couple of ways that you can become qualified as an electrician and get started on your career as a sparky.
Qualifications
Beginning with your GCSEs, you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) to qualify for a Level 3 diploma course. The course you choose should be industry-recognised such as a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services, Electrical Installation and Maintenance. Many diploma courses will require you to have completed the appropriate Level 2 diploma first as a prerequisite. The combined qualification is typically the C&G 2365 Diploma but may be certified by other organisations.
Following receiving your diploma, you can begin working in the industry as an electrician’s mate, whilst you’re ‘improving’ your skills. You may then choose to complete your NVQ to receive gold card status, with the entire accreditation system taking around one to three years to complete.
Apprenticeship
If you’d prefer to gain experience on the job whilst you train, then you may find the apprenticeship route a favourable alternative. You might expect for it to take between two and four years to become fully qualified and again you’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) to become accepted. You’ll also need to be matched with an employer who is looking to take on an apprentice.
Typically, you might train for one day per week and work with your electrical installation employer for the remaining four days. As you’re training, you’ll also build up a portfolio of coursework that you’ve completed during your on-the-job experience as an electrician.
Becoming A Domestic Installer
As a fast-track way to become an electrician and start earning, you can become qualified as a domestic installer electrician in as little as four weeks, by frontloading the training before you begin work. A firm of Chelmsford electricians explains that domestic installers can be registered with industry-accredited schemes such as NICEIC. However, unlike fully qualified electricians who can work anywhere, the jobs you can take on will be limited to residential settings such as houses, or blocks of flats. You won’t be permitted to work in commercial premises where the work is more specialised, and the voltage of electricity is often much higher.
If you’re ready to get started as an electrician, it’s time to think about the best route into the industry to suit your circumstances. If you’ve got the necessary GCSEs under your belt, then have a think about how long you want to train for, and how much money you have set aside to pay for training and tools. Although you’re at the beginning of your career as an electrician, this can be a lucrative and flexible career for those with plenty of experience, so get started today!
