Course Summary

This course is aimed at those who are currently employed - or who are about to be employed - in the electrical industry. You will be expected to demonstrate competence in the workplace and at College by developing both practical and job knowledge skills.

The two routes available on this apprenticeship are Installation and Maintenance.

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial and domestic environments. Electricians might work in both indoor and outdoor settings. Electrical equipment and systems may include switchboards, motors, cables, fuses, thermal relays, fault current protection switches, heating, lighting, air conditioning and metering equipment as well as crime and fire alarm systems and renewable energy technologies. They are able to work on their own proficiently and work without immediate supervision in the most efficient and economical manner.

They may contribute to the design of electrical systems. They are able to set out jobs from drawings and specifications and requisition the necessary installation materials.

Electrical safety is an important area of electricians' work. On completion of their work, the electrical systems must be safe to use. They must adhere to safe working practices without endangering themselves or others.

Installation Electricians work on the installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of low voltage (less than 1000v) electrical and electronic devices and appliances.

Maintenance Electricians work on the maintenance of electrical and electronic installations including automated production systems. Duties include the supervision of the equipment, its maintenance and necessary repairs.

Entry requirements

To access this course, you must have a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification. You also need to feel passionate about learning more about the subject.

Course Content

Knowledge and Skills

Electricians will use engineering knowledge and understanding to apply their technical and practical skills. They will contribute to the design, development, manufacture, construction, commissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes, systems or services. Electricians must:

• Understand and apply the principles, practices and legislation for the termination and connection of conductors, cables and cords in electrical systems
• Understand and apply the practices and procedures for the preparation and installation of wiring systems and electrotechnical equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
• Understand and apply the principles, practices and legislation for the inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
• Understand and apply the principles, practices and legislation for diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
• Understand and apply the electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems
• Oversee and organise the work environment.

In addition,

Installation Electricians must:

• Understand and apply the principles of planning and selection for the installation of electrotechnical equipment and systems in buildings, structures and the environment.

Maintenance Electricians must:

• Understand and apply the practices and procedures for planning and preparing to maintain electrotechnical systems and equipment.

In all of these activities, electricians must understand and apply health and safety and environmental regulations, guidance notes and relevant codes of practice; and the requirements of the current edition of the Wiring Regulations.

Behaviours

Electricians will be expected to:

• Work reliably and effectively without close supervision
• Accept responsibility for the work of themselves and others
• Accept, allocate and supervise technical and other tasks
• Use oral, written and electronic methods for the communication of technical and other information
• Work effectively with colleagues, other trades, clients, suppliers and the public
• Undertake work in a way that contributes to sustainable development
• Maintain and enhance competence in own area
• Exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via College end tests, on-line theory tests and on-site visits, culminating in a Portfolio and end-point assessment AM2S.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

Your employer should provide Personal Protective Equipment.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion of the course will result in recognition as a qualified electrician (installation or maintenance). This could result in full-time employment or self-employment within the industry.

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