Starting a career as an Electrician has numerous advantages, and as with any role, a few challenges too. An electrician is responsible for installing, testing and maintaining the electrical system within different properties and businesses. You could work with various different systems or specialise in one type – like lighting or security.

You need to know how to install initial wires and connect them to sockets, fittings and power supplies. You need to fit fuse boxes and circuit breakers and test out the electrical equipment once you finish. It is complex work that requires a lot of skill and expertise.

Fortunately, you don’t need to have a degree to be an electrician. You can become a fully qualified electrician with an Electrotechnical NVQ from levels 2-3. There are no written exams required, and it’s all work-based.

You can earn money while you learn through an apprenticeship. You will learn how to use different electrical tools and manage various electrical systems. If you want to go on to further develop your skills, you can take a few more courses in specialised skills.

Most electricians work for themselves or as part of a small business. People always need electricians for emergency calls and routine maintenance checks. As long as there is a demand for the trade, you should have a solid client base.

It’s important to understand the work environment of an electrician before you commit to the role. Electrician work can be physically taxing and may require heavy lifting and pulling over extended periods. You will need to get used to working on your feet, standing on ladders and being exposed to harsh Weather Conditions. Even in the freezing winter and heat of summer, you could be working outside on electrical systems.

You need to be in good physical health to be an electrician. A large part of the job is physical labour, so you need to care for your body. Eat healthy food, get some rest and exercise to keep your body in good health. Make sure to take enough time to rest and chill out so you can recover from the physical labour too.

Dressing for the weather conditions can vastly improve your daily life. You need to invest in the proper clothing to protect your body from the weather conditions and work. Buy some insulated steel-toed boost and a warmer jacket for cold weather.

Once you have developed your skills as an electrician, you can look into starting your own business. Self-employment is a big advantage of the job and can open up a world of opportunities for you. You will have more control over your working hours, projects and team members. However, you also need to learn how to manage a business and bring in clients.

Start your career as an electrician and keep learning as you work.

The post Launching a career as an electrician: Challenges and solutions appeared first on The Knowledge Review.