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Summary

Role Profile
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.

Typical Job Roles
Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician

Duration:
It is unlikely that a candidate coming to this apprenticeship without previous relevant experience would complete the apprenticeship in less than 42 months, and a typical completion time is 48 months. This may reduce if an apprentice is part-qualified or has relevant experience on entry.

Programme Delivery:
Candidates will be required to achieve the Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (Installation) or (Maintenance), by attending college on day release for the taught element of the apprenticeship.

Knowledge outcomes will be assessed via on-screen assessments, plus a range of assignments, projects and written assessments covering theory and practical skills.

Performance outcomes will require auditable evidence, demonstrating competence within the workplace against the assessment criteria.  Apprentices will complete a portfolio to evidence this.

On completion of the Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification and Functional Skills (if applicable) the apprentice will then enter the End Point Assessment, where they will be required to achieve the Achievement Measurement (AM2). 

Resources:
Resources will be available through Microsoft TEAMS and Smart Assessor, the e-portfolio platform used by the college for apprentices.

On Programme Assessment

End Point Assessment
The AM2 is a robust assessment that includes a timed practical assessment (16.5 hours typically over 2 and a half days) and 40 multiple-choice question theory assessment.  It will assess the apprentice’s skills, knowledge and confirm behaviours against the theory and performance criteria within the standard.

Apprentices will be expected to demonstrate competencies expected by the Electrotechnical industry in the following key occupational areas;

• The interpretation of specifications, drawings and diagrams
• Risk assessments and health and safety
• Safe isolation
• Planning and preparing to install, terminate and connect wiring systems
• Installing, terminating and connecting wiring systems
• Inspection, testing and certification
• Fault diagnosis and correction of electrical faults
• The understanding and application of industry recognised procedures, working practices and the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations

In accordance with an installation specification and the relevant statutory and non-statutory regulations, candidates will be expected to install, terminate, connect, inspect, test and commission;

• Lighting and power circuits
• A three-phase distribution board and sub-circuit
• A central heating/sustainable energy system
• A safety services circuit and device
• A data-cabling system.

The assessment is set out in four sections;

• Section A – Composite installation
• Section B – Inspection and testing of the complete composite installation
• Section C – Fault diagnosis and correction
• Section D – Assessment of applied knowledge

Core Knowledge and Skills Requirement

A Standard contains a list of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need to have learned by the end of their apprenticeship.

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.

20% Off-the-Job Training
“Off the job training is a statutory requirement for an apprenticeship. It is t

Maths & English

Individual employers will identify any relevant entry requirements in terms of previous qualifications, trainability tests, or other criteria. Most candidates will have English and mathematics at level 2 on entry.