Electrician
OFO No: 671101
Other names for Electrician:
- Construction Electrician
- Electrical Contractor
- Electrical Fitter
- Electrical Wireman
- Electrician (Engineering)
- Electrician (General)
- Winder Electrical Technician
Youtube clip – A Description of Electrician Job
Youtube clip – Meet an Electrician
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is an Electrician?
Electricians are in demand!
An Electrician is trained and qualified to install, operate, repair, upgrade and service various electrical systems.
These systems can include wiring, specialised electrical equipment and different fixtures. Electricians need to work within relevant codes and regulations.
Some Electricians may also install and service street lights, intercom systems and various control systems. They work in homes, complexes, housing developments, large skyscrapers, factories, power stations etc.
Electricians can specialise in different areas, namely:
- Regular Electrician
- Engineering Electrician
- Construction Electrician
- Mining Electrician
- Auto Electrician
- Aircraft Electrician
What does a Electrician do?
- designs layouts based on job specifications and local codes
- reads building plans to understand electrical circuits
- studies electrical configurations
- orders supplies
- tests and inspects circuits and systems using specialised equipment
- installs complex electrical equipment
- upgrades existing systems
- fixes wires and circuits
- maintains and services electrical systems
- trouble-shoots – diagnose and find solutions
- works with various electrical equipment and tools
- drives from one site to another
- makes sure of safety at all times
- works according to government regulations
Are you … ?
- interested in electricity?
- physically fit and agile?
- observant?
- responsible?
- a person with an eye for detail?
- a person with good colour vision?
- good with your hands?
- a person with excellent judgement?
- safety conscious?
- self motivated?
How do I become an Electrician?
You can get training from a lot of TVET (FET) and private colleges.
Check with your local college what they offer.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Electrical Engineering Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Chemical Electrician (First Line Maintenance/Installation Electrician) Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- Learnership –Electrical Engineering (Engineering and Technology) Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Learnership – Electrical Engineering (Transmission) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- Learnership – Electrical Engineering (Distribution) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 7
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as an Electrician without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
Here are some examples of private institutions:
- PROTECH TRAINING: (Centurion)
Offers both Apprenticeship and Learnership programmes
- AA TECHNICAL COLLEGE: (Johannesburg and Cape Town)
Offers an Apprenticeship: 2-4 years : Automotive Electrician
Minimum requirements:
Grade 10 or Grade 11 (Std 9) or equivalent with Maths and Science would be recommended
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Electromechanician/Millwright … or … Electrical Engineer
Is becoming an Electrician the right career choice for me?
