How To Become An Electrician While Working Full Time

If you’re able to understand technical plans, are good at communication and numeracy. And have people management and leadership skills. That’s all the related expertise you need to become an electrician. GCSEs in English and Maths would be of benefit. As would qualifications in Computer Science, Physics, or Design Technology.

See how to become an electrician while working full time here…

The Teaching

How to become a certified electrician is achieved by taking the following steps:

Stage One

Completing the Electrician Classes

It can take up to five years to become fully qualified even if you’re working full time. Level 3 diplomas can be gained through an apprenticeship scheme which lets you practise on-the-job training as you learn and earn.

Level 3 diplomas that are industry recognised are:

• Electro-technical Services (Electrical Maintenance)
• Installing Electro-technical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures, and the Environment)
• Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) if part of an apprenticeship

Combined schooling and experience under the supervision of a licenced electrician will ensure that safety and first aid, codes and standards, and mechanical skills and electrical concepts are all covered.

Or you can complete your training via a college course where you’ll study foundation courses that take you into apprenticeship or onto higher level education.

You can achieve an industry recognised level 3 qualification for example in electrotechnical services by taking part-time electrician courses. If you want to pick up additional skills quickly some training bodies offer intensive courses.

Online courses are another option to be considered. Schools may provide Industrial Electricity Degree Programmes and Electrician Online Diplomas.

Stage Two

Accrediting Yourself

Once you have your qualifications you need to accredit yourself with an official body. These bodies will examine, assess and certify you as a contractor. And award you with a certification proving that you’re competent in your trade.

The main bodies recognised in the UK are:

• ELECSA
• NAPIT
• NICEIC

Once you are accredited as a competent person, you’ll be able to self-certify and issue certificates as follows:

Types of Certification You Can Award

There are basically four types of electrical safety certificates and reports. These are categorised as:

• Minor Electrical Works Certificate – used for minor electrical work such as additional sockets or light fittings
• Electrical Installation Certificate – states that major electrical installations in the home such as new circuits in specialised locations are safe to use
• Electrical Installation Condition Report – required by landlords before a new tenant moves in, or homeowners moving into a new home
• Part P Notifications – electrical projects needing Building Control Notification will need a fee to be paid for inspection

The Costs

How much does an electrical certificate cost? The cost of an electrical safety certificate depends on the job description. The average costs of ensuring that sockets, light switches, wiring, and other electrical components are safe have guidelines as listed below:

• PAT Testing – £60
• Landlord Safety Report Certificate – £175
• Electrical Installation Condition Report – £200
• Part P notification Local Council – £300

Career Choices

Electricians work in homes, businesses and industry. The majority of electricians are either self -employed or work as part of a business. An overview of careers here…

• Maintenance electrician – ensuring electrical systems are working safely and efficiently
• Installation electrician – in homes or business fitting security and data-network systems, lighting, fire protection and other power structures
• Machine repair electrician – servicing and repairing machinery and electrical motors
• Highway systems electrician – building and repairing of traffic management systems and street lighting
• Electro-technical panel builders – running electrical systems controlled by panels that require assembling and fitting

Working Independently

You’ll need to equip yourself with all the tools necessary to complete any job properly. A testing kit to help with the safe isolation of electricity is essential. And reliable transportation a must.

Set your working hours for around 40 – 50 hours per week. Include overtime tasks and administration in these hours.

It’s imperative to get the appropriate insurance cover as you cannot trade legally without public liability and personal indemnity insurance. This protects both you and your clients.

Fully-qualified starting salaries for electricians start at around £17,000 per annum so this figure will enable you to explore current rates of pay for different jobs.

Working with Trusted Emergency Electricians

If you’ve registered with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, you’ll be employable by a trusted company offering 24-hour emergency help. For both domestic and commercial properties.

You’ll be dedicated to carrying out any work to meet British Standards for Electrical Installations. And you’ll be covered by complete insurance protection at all times. Once you’re certified the choice is yours.