Unfortunately, life is not full of money trees that blossom every year, and sometimes we find ourselves in difficult financial situations with limited options. COVID-19 has impacted everyone, and during these uncertain times, you should consider searching for a stable career or learning a new skill. But before you decide on what you want to do for the rest of your life, you should think about the things you have a passion for. If you want a new career where you can be your own boss and will always be in demand, why not try learning a trade, like electrician work?
Be Inspired
If you find something that inspires you, then go for it! Sure, being an electrician my not sound like an inspiring or exhilarating job, but it is perfect for people who like to work with their hands. It may sound easy, but this challenging work takes a lot of patience and can be physically demanding. It is a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities. Check out this link for some motivational and inspirational quotes to get you thinking about what you want to do with your life.
Get the Grades
To qualify for a Level 1 electrician diploma, you will need at least a C in four or more GCSEs or other equivalent. Once you have completed this, you will be qualified to progress to a Level 2 diploma. With each diploma, you will learn something different, starting with the basics, and you will learn practical skills and technical information. You will also need to learn about the different tools and equipment you will need, mathematics, what kinds of working environments there are, health and safety guidelines, interpersonal skills for dealing with clients.
You need at least a Level 3 diploma to qualify as a journeyman electrician. During your studies, you can apply to do an apprenticeship and get some work experience. It will take a minimum of 4 years of studying to become a qualified electrician.
Learn a Trade
Some people are better suited to certain trades, such as construction, masonry, glaziery, carpentry, plumbing, plastering, and landscaping. To become an electrician, you will have to put in the same amount of effort to learning this trade, as you would any other trade. There are certain necessities to be a successful electrician, such as studying and competing your training, having the dexterity and being physically able to do the work, and being able to understand more complex jobs.
Once you have completed your qualifications and training, you can get out there and start looking for jobs. Places like http://www.hottelectrics.com.au have several service options available and tailor-made services, which will provide you with the opportunity to use what you have learned to provide people with a top-quality service.
Figure Out What Kind of Work You Want to Do
There are more diplomas you can do past your Level 3 diploma. There are various foundation degrees and undergraduate degrees, and you can progress to a Master’s degree and doctorate degree, which could eventually lead you to become a master electrician. There is more than one kind of electrician, and it is a good idea for you to think about what kind of electrician you want to become and explore your options.
You can specialize in different kinds of electrician work, and some of these jobs include, highway systems electrician, instrumentation electrician, domestic electrician, commercial electrician, auto electrician, electrical machine repairer and rewinder, general technician electrical, and marine electricians.
There are many benefits of becoming an electrician, including potentially high earnings, flexible working hours, varied working environments, the option of being self-employed or being employed at a company, and high demand.
5 Reasonable Questions to Ask Before and After the Job Is Done
Before someone hires an electrician, there are certain questions they will ask to make sure that person is properly qualified and fit to do the job. Because working with electrical wiring can be dangerous if not done properly, people will want to make sure they are hiring a professional. Here are the questions they will likely ask:
- Can I have a copy of the necessary certificates? Having a certificate stating the work that was completed, with the electrician’s stamp of employment and qualifications showing everything was done according to legislation, is a must. Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) and Building Regulations Compliance Certificates not only cover you for insurance purposes but legally keeps you on the right side of the road.
- What about the warranty? Are you covered in the event of an electrical failure, due to human error or negligence and for what length of period?
- How will this be maintained? How essential is it to have a plan in place, advice from the pros can differ from person to person as well as the rules set in place from firm to firm. A regular check-up and maintenance schedule is always a good idea. It is better to be safe than sorry.
- Do I need to sign a contract? Have everything written down and signed by both parties, this is the safest and most clear-cut route when handling business so no party is blind-sided by a surprise invoice that was never mentioned. All fine print is checked off by both participants.
- Is everything documented and registered? If you ensure that all work carried out is registered and documented, you will have no trouble or issues down the line should a problem occur or if a person wants to sell the property.
If you are an electrician who takes pride in their work and does their job efficiently, you will have return customers, referrals after a job well done, and high customer ratings on trading websites and forums. The more work you do, the more impressive your portfolio will look, and this will increase your chances of finding more clients. If you want a satisfying and fulfilling career, being an electrician may just be what you are looking for.
Image Credits: Anthony Indraus, Steve Johnson
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