Sep 2010 Working towards nationally recognised qualifications, electrical apprenticeships are government run training schemes, comprising of ‘on the job’ training, classroom theory and workshop practice. Recognised and valued by employers all over the UK, they show that you have been trained in the skills needed to become a licenced electrician.
The apprentice works directly under the supervision of a qualified electrician installing, maintaining and testing electrical systems, equipment and appliances under stringent safety regulations.
There are many benefits to doing electrical apprenticeships. You can earn while you learn, and learn in a way that is best suited to you – through hands-on experience. Employed electrical apprentices must receive a minimum wage of £95 per week. However, as skills develop, many employers tend to increase wages.
During electrical apprenticeships the employer and/or training provider will make sure that you have support. Their job is to ensure that your electrical training fits your personal requirements, offers the skills needed for the job and satisfies national standards. They will also be there to help you through any difficult times.
Electrical apprenticeships are demanding but are very rewarding. Because you are trained in the skills employers want, they give you more choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, get promoted or go on to higher education in college or university.
Competition for electrical apprenticeships can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the prospective employer. As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest usually takes place at a local college or a specialist training organisation. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block.
Advanced electrical apprenticeships typically take between 3 – 4 years to complete and cover the following three main areas of the electricity industry:
Generation – Operating and maintaining the equipment that produces electricity in power stations. Diagnosing and repairing faults on machinery, testing equipment and handling the materials that the plant uses to generate electricity.
Transmission – Installing and maintaining the network that supplies electricity to homes and businesses. This work can involve many tasks, like joining and repairing cables, maintaining substations, and building or repairing power lines.
Distribution – Installation and maintenance of plant and equipment associated with electricity distribution, transmission and generation. Health and safety plays a major role in all areas of training.
Electrical apprenticeships are designed by the Sector Skills Councils, while the National Apprenticeship Service helps to fund the training. Industry reports and research suggest that there is a UK shortage of 37,000 electricians over the next 5 years. These apprenticeships have been designed with employers, so offer structured training that enables individuals to learn the exact skills they need. Targets are set to ensure progression and ensure that the employer is providing the right support to succeed.
