Electrician

Job overview
Electricians install electrically operated equipment such as generators, water-heaters, refrigerators, stoves and heaters and undertake its maintenance and repair.

Also, they can specialise in armature winding, cable-splicing and the maintenance of high-tension cables.

What do people do in this job?
During the building of a new factory, for example, electricians install the electrical cables.

By law, only qualified electricians are allowed to connect cables to electric motors and switchgear and to handle the electrical wiring of electrically-equipped buildings.

They must inspect all motors, switchgear and transformers regularly to ensure safe functioning.

If working at a power station they install and maintain power generators.

All electrical meters and transformers must be serviced regularly.

In the distribution of electricity, the electrician supervises the erection of pylons, the connection of high-tension cables on these pylons and the thorough insulation of the pylons.

Suitable transformers and switchboards to reduce the current must be installed at substations.

What kinds of people are suitable for this job?
Electricians must be alert and cautious, as their work can be dangerous.

They must be able to function efficiently under pressure.

Electricians must be physically fit, have good eyesight and not be colour-blind.

What qualifications are needed?
Good school-leaving results in science or technical subjects and post-school qualifications such as City and Guilds certificates directly related to the trade.