Electrician

Pacifico

Hey lads, i was just wondering how difficult it is to become a electrician.

Would you have to go through FAS to get an apprenticeship?

Thanks in Advance.

F.

Auburn

As far as I know (don't quote me on this), you need to ask a qualified electrician to take you on. This is arranged either through a personal contact, or sometimes positions are advertised. The electrician then pays your insurance and gives you your on-the-job training.

There's also exams to complete (called blocks) in FAS. I think there's about three/four sets of these to complete during your apprenticeship. Your electrician decides when he/she will send you to complete these. It is up to them to decide when you are ready.

My uncle is an electrician and is training my cousin as his apprentice. From what she has been telling me, many electricians are reluctant to take on apprentices because the insurance is expensive and the electrician's own reputation is on the line if the apprentice messes up. Therefore, they prefer to take on only friends/family/acquaintances that they know are reliable. Also, the actual theory that you need to learn for the exams is quite technical and can be difficult if you are not technically-minded.

I just read over what I've written above and it sounds like I am trying to put you off. I'm not. Although you will only get apprentices wages for a few years, once you're qualified, it's a very lucrative business. It's a great skill to have and there always seems to be a demand for it.

Pacifico

Thanks for the reply.

Just another question, do you have to attend classes if you dont go through FAS?

Thanks

F.

Sposs

Well if you dont do it through FAS and take the Theory exams you will never be properly qualified.

Auburn

Yes you have to attend classes. The apprenticeship is broken up into blocks of practical experience and then blocks of theory. As Sposs says, if you don't do them then you're not properly qualified. Any electrician worth his salt would want his apprentice to be as knowledgeable as possible. If you never go for the exams then technically you would not be recognised in the industry as an electrician.