The UK electrical industry has seen a growing demand for skilled people nationwide. As infrastructure continues to grow. There is a necessity for an increased workforce.
A wide variety of apprenticeship and vocational courses are available to provide hands-on technical training. In support of electrical infrastructure, machinery, wiring, repair, installation, and technological advancements.
Since the electrical trade is interlinked with various industries that include construction, power supply, and sustainable energy projects, technical education through electric trade schools provides the necessary skills to meet requirements as per industry standards.
According to current trends, the revenue for electricians is expected to grow around 0.9% compounded annually from 2024-25. This can be attributed to the growing demand for repairs over new installations due to cost-of-living pressures.
Acknowledging the aforementioned facts. This is a favourable prospect for an electrician with an electric trade school qualification. Equipped with all the necessary courses that cater to different sectors as per industry norms.
A lot of it involves mixing theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training. Made easy by a large number of trade schools providing a wide range of courses from certifications to diplomas, with fast-track learning and flexible schedules.
How UK Electrical Trade Schools are Fueling the Next Generation of Electricians
Electrical trade schools provide a structured learning environment. Workshops, on-site internships, and equipment give access to the practical application of learned theoretical knowledge based on electrical principles and safety standards. Here is how UK Electrical Trade Schools are fueling the next generation of electricians:-
- By addressing the skills shortage- Trade schools offer a constant supply of electricians to the industry through courses that meet specifications and skill sets. This ensures a constant flow of talent and upskilled individuals as per industrial requirements. Much of it involves camping, which includes internships and offering full-time contracts through electrical companies.
- By providing hands-on training- An electrician’s job is predominantly practical and on-site. Dedicated workshops and demonstrations offer real-life applications to problems that can be resolved diligently. This prepares the electrician for any situation, as per the client’s needs, whether the client is domestic/ corporate/small-scale.
- By providing a comprehensive curriculum- The current courses offered follow City and Guilds 2365 level 2 and 3 diplomas, which is a course in electric installation. City and Guilds 2357/5357 Level 3 NVQ in electrical maintenance. PAT testing. 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022). All the above-mentioned courses are standards that a person must pass to become a certified electrician. This ensures that the electrician is knowledgeable in all aspects of his/her trade.
- Ensuring that industrial norms and safety standards are met – An electrician’s job is risky. Considering the daily amount of wiring and machinery they have to go through. Safety regulations are paramount, prioritizing a worker’s working conditions.The 18th edition Wiring regulation ensures that electricians are not only skilled but also acquainted with safety and legal parameters.
- Keeping Up With The Current Trends In Technology- As per the latest technological advancements. An electrician doesn’t only need to fix wiring and electrical items. They also need to know how to integrate different devices with electrical equipment. Smart devices and IoT fall under this bracket.
- By offering specialized courses – With new technologies on the rise, A variety of different courses are being offered in alternative areas. Electric trade schools have made it mandatory for electricians to pursue other areas of interest, such as:-
- Fire alarm installation – As there is an Increased requirement for safety devices
- Solar Photovoltaic cell (PV) installation: As there is an increased requirement for sustainable energy sources.
- Smart home technologies and IoT integration- An Increase in modern households being interconnected with smart devices.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point installation- The popularity of electric vehicles over fuel-driven ones
- Electrical Energy Storage Systems- Requirement for battery backup in power shortage areas.
- Offering flexible and accessible schedules – Not everybody has the time and patience for an apprenticeship. Electrical trade schools offer an alternate learning pathway that includes part-time courses and fast-track options. Making electrical training accessible to a wider range of people helps learning the trade as an alternate career option. This will prove to be highly beneficial for school kids, college students, and adults alike.
- Boosting employment rates- A trade school degree offers lucrative opportunities in different fields. As per basic industrial requirements, the career of an electrician extends not only to certifications and skill extension but also to self-employment and maintenance support in the field.
- Contributing to Infrastructure- With the rise of new sectors, there is a need for new infrastructure. Building designs are becoming more complex. The integration of different electrical devices. Maintenance for different kinds of electrical devices in buildings and sites requires electricians who are well-versed in the intricacies of the trade.
- Integrating with industry-experienced individuals – Most of the electric trade schools offer apprenticeships under the guidance of experienced individuals. Not only does this ensure that the quality of work is up to the mark, but it also offers a learning curve to people who are interested in working as an electrician.
Summary
There are many trade schools that offer electrician courses. The government financially backs most of them or are private. Current trends in industrial requirements have driven much of the demographic to pursue it as a career option. Considering the curriculum, most of it is tailor-made to suit a wide range of standards and adapt to newer technologies. An electrician, thus can be expected to carry his own business or be employed contractually.
An electrical trade school offers employability, upskilling, and growth to the country’s youth. The growing presence of electric trade schools has become more prominent as electricians continue to be an integral part of the working industry. However, there are certain challenges like adapting to newer technologies, a biased outlook towards vocational courses, and bridging the gap between employers and trade schools.
So, to be ahead of the game as an electrician. One requires the necessary tools that bridge the gap between being a tradesman and a businessman. Trade Mastermind helps you in growing your electrician business through a signature plan that offers marketing, sales, and operations all under one roof!
