This article will explore what the average electrician will experience when working in the field on a daily basis (life of an electrician), as well as guidance on where to get electrical training for those interested in learning the trade and becoming fully qualified electricians.
So, what is an electrician? What do they do? Life of an electrician
An electrician is a trade skilled worker whose responsibilities are to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical wiring systems. These systems can be found in houses, businesses, and industrial structures, as well as in machines and large equipment. Electricians operate both inside and outside to enable the usage of lights, televisions, industrial equipment, appliances, and a variety of other everyday necessities.
Inside wiremen and outside linemen are the two major kinds of electricians. Inside wiremen tend to specialize in wiring within structures, whereas outside lineman labor outside for most of their careers, requiring a moderate amount of physicality to execute specific tasks.
Electricians usually start their days early, with each day delivering new challenges and problems to solve. Some jobs may require you to stay late to complete tasks, and you may find yourself arriving home late at night due to a lengthy amount of travel.
How many hours does an electrician usually work?
The typical number of hours an electrician would work in a day is about 8 hours/ 40 hours a week. Although these can vary due to an unfinished job, emergencies and other circumstances resulting in working overtime and even weekends.
It’s rare for industrial electricians to work part-time, unless self-employed.
Do Electricians have to travel a lot? Life of an electrician
Well, it’s not uncommon for a sparky to travel up to 100 miles or more from their home to complete work. Some may even find themselves staying in hotels to complete work. It all depends on the company you work for and the type of electrical work you will be carrying out, domestic or commercial/industrial. Some days you may only travel 10 minutes to get to work, whereas other days you may find yourself traveling for hours.
Can the job be physically demanding?
Some may say that the trade isn’t as harsh on the body compared to other trades, however there is still a substantial amount of physicality involved when carrying out tasks that may require climbing and lifting as well as working in tight places.
Some workers may even go to extra lengths of doing a full stretching routine to ensure they don’t tear a muscle when performing certain tasks, such as long wire pulling and climbing up and down ladders.
Reminder: Do your morning Stretch!
What’s the pay like?
Usually, electricians earning high sums of money are established self-employed electricians. Self-employed electricians can expect to be paid around £35,000-£40,000 a year in London & South East. This sum could be much higher as reported in the studies above.
Electricians can expect to earn around £40-£80 per hour for normal work they can envisage to do. For instance, when conducting an installation for an electric cooker, you can expect to earn £50-£80 for a 0.5hr-1hr job. Similarly, a light fitting replacement could be charged at around £40-£60, again for a 0.5.hr-1hr job.
What kind of tools/equipment do electricians tend to use?
Wire Strippers: This is an essential tool used when stripping the insulation from a cable.
Insulated Screwdrivers: Electricians tend to use a variety of different types of insulated screwdrivers on a daily basis.
Approved Voltage Indicator (AVI): This is a vital tool for an electrician as it can determine the presence as well as absence of electricity. An AVI is usually used on sockets, circuit breakers, and outlets.
Other tools that an electrician tends to use on a daily basis include Battery drills, a multifunctional tester, fish tape, and torches.
Working with electricity can be considered highly dangerous, therefore it is vital to ensure the correct safety equipment are taken into consideration when carrying out a certain task. This may include helmets, safety goggles, insulated latex gloves that help prevent shocks and electrical damage, and other equipment depending on the task at hand.
Most electricians will go through multiple types of safety electrical training and spend a significant amount of time on this before starting out their careers. This type of electrical training is vital as working with electricity can be very dangerous.
Interested in taking on an electrical training course? thinking about learning a trade?
Visit the following article to learn more about the different routes you can take to become a fully qualified electrician.
In conclusion, for those intrigued by the life of an electrician and considering pursuing this profession, understanding the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards is crucial. Electrical training courses, including basic electrical courses, serve as foundational steps toward becoming a skilled electrician. These courses equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems safely. With dedication and proper training, aspiring electricians can embark on a fulfilling career filled with opportunities for growth and financial stability. Take the first step today and explore these training options to kickstart your journey.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
Yes, you can absolutely become an electrician in the UK without completing a traditional apprenticeship. The industry has evolved to accommodate various entry points and professional backgrounds. Thanks to structured, accredited training programs—the Fully Qualified Route for novices, the Domestic Installer Route for specialists, and the Experienced Worker Route for seasoned professionals—you can achieve recognized qualifications that match your unique circumstances.
When considering becoming an electrician, one of the most common questions is, “How many years will it take to qualify?” The answer depends largely on the route you choose and your current experience level. Whether you’re starting from scratch, specializing in domestic work, or seeking formal certification for years of experience, there’s a path designed for you. In Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, and across the UK, electrician courses have become more flexible than ever, accommodating various needs and goals while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Embarking on a new career path can be both exciting and challenging. Khaled, an aspiring electrician, recently transformed his professional journey by completing the Gold Card Electrical Course at Learn Trade Skills. Despite initial struggles with theoretical studies, this course empowered him to overcome obstacles and reignited his passion for the electrical industry. Below is Khaled’s personal account of how Learn Trade Skills not only enhanced his technical abilities but also profoundly impacted his career trajectory.
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