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Electrician

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and equipment.

Tasks & duties

Electricians may do some or all of the following:

meet with clients to discuss installation, maintenance or repair of electrical wiring and equipment
study and interpret wiring diagrams and floor plans
install electrical wiring and equipment
repair or replace electrical wiring and equipment
purchase materials and equipment needed to install or repair electrical wiring and equipment
test electrical work for safety
keep records of the problems they find with electrical equipment and the servicing they carry out
prepare quotes for clients to install, repair or replace electrical wiring and equipment
discuss the cost of this work with clients

Specialisations

Electricians usually specialise in the industrial, domestic or commercial area. However, the skills required to perform each type of electrical work are transferable.

Skills & knowledge

Electricians need to have:

knowledge of electrical theory
knowledge of electrical legislation, codes, and standards of practice
knowledge of how to install electrical wiring and equipment
excellent communication skills
the ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and floor plans
good problem-solving skills for diagnosing electrical faults
basic maths and physics skills
record-keeping skills
first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills
knowledge of safety procedures

Entry requirements

To become an electrician you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply.

Switched on Careers website - ETITO's apprenticeship zone
Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation (ESITO) website - industry training information

Electrician apprenticeships are part of the Modern Apprenticeships scheme, which is for people aged 16 to 21.

Secondary education

School Certificate or NCEA Level 1 English, maths and science is needed. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA Level 2 in these subjects and physics is an advantage.

Training on the job

During your apprenticeship training you are supervised by a registered electrician and your skills are assessed.

Electricians may attend workshops, seminars or training courses to keep up to date with the latest electrical cabling, equipment and fittings.

Registration

Electricians need to be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. To apply for registration you need to have a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply and pass an electrical regulations exam.

Useful experience

A pre-apprenticeship National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 2 or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply Level 2 can be helpful to gain background knowledge of electrical theory and safety.

Useful experience for electricians includes electrical appliance repair work, or work as an electrical engineering technician or electrical labourer.