Electricians are responsible for commissioning, installing and maintaining electrotechnical technology in a variety of buildings and systems. From domestic work to major engineering projects, the electrotechnical industry provides a wide range of job settings.
The work of an electrician may involve:
- complex developments, like shopping malls, sports stadiums, hospitals and new housing projects
- advanced data cabling, data-handling systems and fibre-optic systems
- computer-controlled building management systems
- renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines or photovoltaics (solar panels)
- control equipment for complex industrial manufacturing and processing.
Electricians normally work standard hours, Monday to Friday. They need, however, to be flexible as the actual hours worked will depend on the project, priorities and deadlines. Many electricians are self-employed and their working hours can vary from week to week.
The job can involve working inside and outside, sometimes in cramped and uncomfortable positions.
Salaries may range from €11,200 as an apprentice to over €45,000 a year for a senior experienced Electrician.
Electricians should be:
- practical and have good hand skills
- able to follow technical drawings, building plans and other instructions
- careful, methodical and work safely at all times
- good at problem solving
- resonably fit and have normal colour vision
- analytic
- interested in electronics.
Electricians need to be technically proficient, work safely at all times and carry out their work in an environmentally friendly manner. The work often involves a preparatory stage, identifying the work to be done through rigorous inspection and testing. Communication skills are important, as electricians regularly have to provide functional and technical advice to colleagues and customers. Electricians may sometimes be responsible for overseeing the work activities of others and for awarding safety certificates.
Further Information:
https://www.apprenticeships.ie