Electrical Installations

Electricians are always in demand in today's growing construction industry. You can work in a wide variety of environments, from wiring houses to designing, testing and inspecting electrical installations in large industrial complexes. Electricians are well respected and can expect to earn a decent wage, with good career prospects. Changes in the law mean you now have to have the correct qualifications to pursue a career in electrical installations. Once you have completed your NVQ Level 3 and the technical certificates you can register with the Joint Industrial Board (JIB), which will allow you to work on most construction sites.

Local electrical companies Colchester Institute has worked with include Lock Electrical, Colne Valley Electrical and Bowling Garrard Electrical Ltd.

Course Aims
Aimed at those wishing to become a fully qualified electrician, leading to Levels 2 and 3 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology (City & Guilds 2330) with the right to apply for JIB registration in Electrical Installations.

Entry Requirements

• Aged 16 or above
• Appropriate employment
• Interview and assessment

Course Content

• A minimum of two of the four types of electrical system: domestic, electrical, commercial and agricultural
• A minimum of two of the four types of installation: wiring systems, wiring enclosures, forms of access equipment, wiring equipment
• Health and Safety
• Key skill modules include communication and application of number

Assessment

• Continual assessment based upon a portfolio of evidence collected both in the workplace and at College, the college element of the qualification consisting of multi-choice and practical, workshop based tests.

Progression

• Level 3 Apprentices can progress to higher education or a professional qualification

What's it like doing an Electrical Installations Apprenticeship?

• Name: Marcus Smith
• Age: 22
• Apprenticeship: Electrical Installations Level 2
• Job title: Apprentice Electrician

What are your day-to-day duties at work?

work in houses, offices and factory units preparing the wiring for buildings, fault finding and testing. I drill joists, feed cables, connect sockets and light switches. I find out customers' special requirements.

How has the Apprenticeship helped you with your job role?

It has given me more insight into why I am doing the work. I am a lot more clued up on the regulations. There is plenty of support around College with the tutors, Learning Support assistants, and the Library.

What are your ambitions for the future?

want to be one of the best electricians around and go on to the Advanced Apprenticeship scheme.

What did you do before joining the Apprenticeship scheme?

Sixth Form, three A levels then a variety of jobs while I was deciding what to do.