Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial and domestic environments. Electricians might work in both indoor and outdoor settings. Electrical equipment and systems may include switchboards, motors, cables, fuses, thermal relays, fault current protection switches, heating, lighting, air conditioning and metering equipment as well as crime and fire alarm systems and renewable energy technologies. They are able to work on their own proficiently and work without immediate supervision in the most efficient and economical manner.
They may contribute to the design of electrical systems. They are able to set out jobs from drawings and specifications and requisition the necessary installation materials.
Electrical safety is an important area of Electricians’ work. On completion of their work the electrical systems must be safe to use. They must adhere to safe working practices without endangering themselves or others.
Installation Electricians work on the installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of low voltage (less than 1000v) electrical and electronic devices and appliances.
Maintenance Electricians work on the maintenance of electrical and electronic installations including automated production systems. Duties include the supervision of the equipment, its maintenance and necessary repairs.
For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to fulfil this role, please visit https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/installation-electrician-maintenance-electrician/.
There are no formal entry requirements but each employer might state their own requirements. This will likely include level 2 qualifications in English and maths.
The apprenticeship will typically take between 42 – 48 months to complete, depending on prior skills and knowledge.
Apprentices will complete work-based learning and will be paid a wage, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. In-house training will be provided by the employer with an Assessor visiting and supporting in the work place.
Further training will be provided at the Isle of Wight College, depending on the needs of the learner and the employer. This method of delivery allows for a flexible approach which is tailored to each apprenticeship.
Candidates will be required to achieve the Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification, (Installation) or (Maintenance).
Apprentices without level 2 English and mathematics will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship will end with an End Point Assessment (EPA). This measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours each apprentice has developed. Employers will decide when the apprentice is ready to be assessed.
The End Point Assessment consists of:
By the end of the apprenticeship the candidate will have satisfied the requirements for registration as Eng Tech by the Engineering Council.
Apprentices will go on to full time employment or self-employment/company ownership.