A Spotlight On Electrical NVQ 's

Lots of people choose a career within the electrical industry because it both appeals and motivates them. Often (and more correctly) referred to as 'Electro-Mechanical Engineering', we'll simply refer to it as the Electrical Industry for the sake of simplicity here. Equally we'll focus on those credentials that fit the UK domestic and commercial sector rather than those from around the world. By starting on the main subjects and checking the 'add-ons' later on we can review the centre of the electrical industry.

Basically there are two clear ways to gain admission into the electrical market. The first is for those wishing to train via a more traditional apprenticeship route, and the second is for people who are entering the field at a later stage in life. There are two sets of people for consideration firstly the 'Junior Entrants' and secondly the 'Mature Entrants'.

People who do not want to pay any extra salaries, but want to enter the industry with the focus of being self employed are who we refer to as Mature Entrants. Alternatively, 'Junior Entrants' will pick up lots of their work place skills by working with an already reputable electrical company. During their first years in the working environment, a young apprentice, or junior entrant, will have a host of additional skills to learn.

The distinct types of entry have differing styles of training - The Junior Entrants syllabus involves NVQ/SVQ's as well as proving working skills. An NVQ qualification would need to be obtained as part of the training program. This means that work programs or apprenticeships have to be sought in order to arrange the necessary course work and testing phases of work.

By opting to work on a freelance basis, many Mature Entrants appear to focus on those areas that provide profitable and practical solutions other than NVQ's. Instead most of them aim for the techniques that will get them up and running as quickly as possible and give them the best return against the cost to train in the first place. This system does meet the purposes set out and therefore often provides a faster and more direct route into a trading position.

With regard to regular earning potential we have two clear paths - one for employees and the other for the self-employed. For the sake of this document we will assume that everyone involved in electrical employment is working full-time. Skill and knowledge levels can often determine salary levels, although this is equally via a proven ability or certification scheme.

With the right level of experience, 'Junior Entrants' salaries can rise considerably from twelve to thirty thousand pounds per annum. 'Mature Entrants' salaries though are often more difficult to work out, but can rise to 70.000 and above as reported in UK newspapers. Often costs such as tools, clothes and even transport need to be assessed and included in the business mix overall. Self employed people also have to allow for added expenses. Whilst there is lots of available work, a severe skills shortage means electricians are very much in demand. Working 7 days a week is totally achievable for most people if they want it. It should be noted that figures of 70-100k p.a. advertised are not necessarily easy to come by and would require some long working hours to obtain them.

There is often a considerable differential between the working expectations of Mature or Junior Entrants. For a 'Junior Entrant', most work is on a simple working week basis. But due to the needs of the domestic market the Mature Entrant is often more reliant upon when their client base gets back from work. There are however lots of opportunities for self-employed electricians to do work on small business systems during normal office hours.

Once a career in electrical work has been chosen, a Junior Electrician is often at the mercy of their employer when it comes to learning new skills and expertise. Alternatively, the mature entrant can gain other training outside of their chosen field, such as gas and plumbing work. Within the domestic market this allows them to work under a range of headings without having to rely upon sub contract suppliers.

One new, fast growing area - one that invokes a wide array of skills sets and is new to the industry overall - is that of the 'Green Engineer'. Looking together to the UK and the EEC this activity could be of benefit to both Junior and Mature Entrants, providing new growth and opportunities to both disciplines.

Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Visit Electrical Certificates or 2391 Courses.