So you’re considering a career as an electrician? You’re not? You should be. It’s one of those professions that won’t become obsolete for a very, very long time. Think about it: our lives revolve around electrical goodies and gadgets. And those goodies and gadgets break and need repairs. Without proper installations or maintenance and repairs, our existing infrastructures and lifestyles would be practically medieval. Titan Electrical is here to tell you a bit more about what this job involves and requires.
The day to day activities of electricians are actually a lot more interesting than many people know. It’s not just about connecting wires (though, let’s face it, that’s already a pretty complex task when you don’t know what you’re doing – which wires go to which side when changing a plug again?). While the installation of controls, wiring, and lighting systems on new buildings is part and parcel of what an electrician is considered capable of doing, an electrician also needs to interpret blueprints of electrical systems to be able to discern precisely where those installations need to go. They also make service calls to inspect the proper functioning of circuit breakers, transformers, and electrical components and have to have very comprehensive knowledge of the various testing equipment required in order to do that job (I’m occasionally flummoxed by a spirit level!). All of this needs to be done while adhering to strictly regulated national requirements.
That’s all fine and well, but where do you start? There’s a number of colleges and universities that might spark an interest (ahahaha!). First of all, you’d need to have obtained good grades in maths and science to start your journey (physical sciences, information technology, and electrical technology would be beneficial too). If maths wasn’t your strong suit, then College SA offers a bridging course as well as N1, N2, and N3 qualifications in electrical engineering. Intec College offers a one year long N4 certificate as well. On top of that, there are a number of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges that offer courses in electrical engineering, such as: Majuba College, the South West Gauteng Technical and Vocational Education and Training College, the Johannesburg Institute of Engineering and Technology, and the College of Cape Town. There are also a number of further education and training (FET) colleges where you can do Nated level courses (for which you only need 40% in order to pass).
The courses you would complete in order to qualify as an electrician vary depending on which level you are doing, though – as you’d imagine – they largely feature maths, engineering science, electrical trade theory, and industrial electronics. You can read more here. Remember, though, that a Master Electrician studies for the same number of years as a doctor! Considering the potential danger of not knowing what you’re doing, it’s no wonder that there’d be such a high requirement for expertise!
If you know someone who is considering a career as an electrician, or are even interested in making a career change yourself, then perhaps this article has provided you with some useful information! Whatever your career options, Titan Electrical is always happy to show you what we do when we visit your home!
