Nurturing Future Electricians: The Apprenticeship Journey in Paisley

Introduction

Paisley, a town rich in history and culture, is not only known for its stunning architecture and vibrant community but also for its commitment to fostering talent in various trades and professions. One such profession that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of our homes and businesses is that of an electrician. In this blog, we will explore the apprenticeship journey of future electricians in Paisley and the path they take to become fully qualified professionals capable of conducting Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) on properties.

Chapter 1: The Apprenticeship in Paisley

1.1 - The Appeal of an Electrical Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships in Paisley are highly sought after by young individuals seeking a hands-on career in the electrical industry. The appeal of an electrical apprenticeship lies in the opportunity to gain practical skills while earning a wage, setting a solid foundation for a successful career as an electrician.

1.2 - Apprenticeship Programs in Paisley

Various institutions and organizations in Paisley offer structured apprenticeship programs for aspiring electricians. These programs typically combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, ensuring that apprentices receive a well-rounded education in electrical systems and installations.

1.3 - The Role of Employers

Local electrical contractors and businesses in Paisley play a pivotal role in shaping the future of apprentices. They provide apprentices with the necessary exposure to real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Chapter 2: Learning the Ropes

2.1 - Classroom Education

Apprentices in Paisley spend a significant portion of their training in classrooms, where they learn the theoretical aspects of electrical systems, safety protocols, and local regulations. These foundational lessons are crucial for understanding the intricacies of electrical work.

2.2 - Hands-On Experience

The true essence of an apprenticeship lies in hands-on experience. Apprentices in Paisley have the opportunity to work alongside experienced electricians, gaining valuable practical skills and insights. This experiential learning process helps them develop confidence and competence in their craft.

2.3 - Safety First

Safety is paramount in the electrical industry, and apprentices in Paisley are taught to prioritize it from day one. They learn about the safe handling of tools, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the measures necessary to prevent electrical accidents.

Chapter 3: The Path to Qualification

3.1 - Building a Portfolio

Throughout their apprenticeship, aspiring electricians in Paisley accumulate a portfolio of completed projects and practical experience. This portfolio serves as a testament to their skills and becomes a valuable asset as they progress in their careers.

3.2 - Qualifications and Licensing

To become a fully qualified electrician in Paisley, apprentices must pass the necessary exams and acquire the relevant licenses and certifications. These credentials are essential for demonstrating their competence and adherence to industry standards.

3.3 - The Role of Professional Associations

Professional associations for electricians in Paisley provide support and networking opportunities for newly qualified electricians. Joining these associations can open doors to further education, job opportunities, and continued professional development.

Chapter 4: Specialization in EICR Testing

4.1 - What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a thorough assessment of the electrical systems and installations in a property. It aims to identify potential hazards, faults, or non-compliance with safety standards. EICRs are essential for ensuring the safety of occupants and compliance with regulations.

4.2 - EICR Training

Electricians looking to specialize in EICR testing undergo specific training that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct these inspections accurately. This training covers inspection techniques, report writing, and interpreting findings.

4.3 - Importance of EICRs in Paisley

EICR testing is a critical aspect of maintaining electrical safety in Paisley's properties. Landlords, businesses, and homeowners rely on qualified electricians to conduct regular EICRs to identify and address electrical issues proactively.

Chapter 5: Future Prospects and Contributions

5.1 - Meeting Local Demand

As Paisley continues to grow and develop, the demand for skilled electricians, especially those capable of conducting EICRs, remains steady. Apprentices who complete their training and specialize in EICR testing are well-positioned to meet this demand.

5.2 - Contributing to Community Safety

Electricians who conduct EICRs in Paisley play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of homes, businesses, and public spaces. Their work contributes to the overall well-being of the community by reducing the risk of electrical accidents and fires.

5.3 - Nurturing the Next Generation

Experienced electricians in Paisley often take on apprentices, passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation. This mentorship helps maintain the high standards of electrical work in the town and fosters a sense of community among electricians.

Conclusion

The journey from apprentice to fully qualified electrician capable of conducting EICR testing in Paisley is one filled with learning, dedication, and a commitment to safety. As the town continues to evolve, the role of these skilled professionals becomes even more critical. They not only ensure the electrical systems in properties are safe and compliant but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of Paisley as a whole. With a strong foundation in apprenticeship, rigorous training, and a passion for their craft, these electricians are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, keeping the town's lights on and its properties safe. Landlord certificates Paisley

TESLA WIRELESS POWER

An artist\'s rendition of the Tesla Model III

£30K ELECTRIC CAR EXPECTED TO APPEAL TO THE MASSES

04SEP 2014

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Tesla Motors, the company responsible for producing the all-electric Model S, a car that Consumer Reports rated the “Best Car Ever Tested” in 2013, is expected to today announce plans to build a new $5 billion dollar plant in Nevada which will produce electric car batteries for their upcoming 2017 model.

Being dubbed the “Gen III,” the new Tesla all-electric car is expected to have a range of 200 miles per charge and retail for approximately $35,000 dollars – A price point which is expected to appeal to the masses. The Tesla “Gigafactory” is projected to produce 500,000 battery packs for electric cars each year by 2020. Sources familiar with the project have indicated that the Nevada location was selected due to its proximity to America’s only active lithium mine.

Designed to reduce battery costs by 30 percent, the Gigafactory is Tesla’s company advantage in producing a more affordable, mass-market electric car. For industry watchers, however, the move also translates to a lot more demand for lithium.

In a note sent to shareholders in late March, Lithium Exploration Group CEO Alex Walsh said Tesla is expected to consume up to 15,000 additional tons of lithium carbonate once its Gigafactory operations are in full swing in 2017. To put the amount in perspective, total global demand for lithium carbonate in 2012 was around 160,000 tons, according to international metals and minerals research and consulting firm Roskill.

A MATTER OF TIME

“It’s just a matter of time before electric vehicles take over the market,” said Dennis Bryan, senior vice president of Western Lithium. “Given the continued growth factor in lithium, we expect demand to increase substantially.”

Sales and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) like the Tesla Model S, Tesla Roadster, and Nissan Leaf have been steadily increasing over the past few years thanks to the financial savings associated with “fueling” a car with electricity. The cost to “fill up” is under $5 dollars, as opposed to $40 dollars or more to refill an automobile with gasoline. Financial savings can be even greater when you install a home solar energy system to collect sunlight and recharge an EV with solar power.

Previous reports have shown Tesla’s new Gigafactory will be powered by on-site renewables including solar and wind power: solar panels

SOLAR POWERED TESLA GIGAFACTORY AT A GLANCE:

• Expected to drive down the per kWh cost of EV battery packs by more than 30 percent
• Forecasted to produce approximately 500,000 EVs per year by 2020
• Will take up approximately 500-1,000 acres
• Will employ approximately 6,500 workers
• Model 3/Model III will be 20% smaller than Model S,
• Expected to have electric range of 200 miles at approximate cost of $35k
• Design expected to be unveiled in 2016, car available for purchase in 2017

TESLA SOLAR POWERED SUPERCHARGING

Tesla Motors is simultaneously building a national network of solar powered electric vehicle fast charging stations.

Tesla’s EV ‘Supercharger’ technology provides a half charge (approximately 150 miles of driving range) in as little as 20 minutes, all compliments of a beautiful solar panel canopy which adorns the top of the EV charging station.

electricians

HOW TO REPLACE YOUR FUSEBOARD

What you MUST know before replacing your fuse board

Having made the decision to replace your old fuse board, it is important to ensure that this important job is completed by a competent electrician.

Think of your fuse board as the main hub of your home – its the ‘thinking centre’ to all electrical aspects in your home. If the job is carried out incorrectly, your home will be in a dangerous condition and your family is then at risk from electrical harm.

Firstly, I will outline the main reasons why you may need or want to upgrade your old fuse board to a new 17th Edition Consumer Unit:

• You are having some other electrical work carried out and need to comply with the regulations.
• Your old fuse board is overloaded and starting to cause problems for the remainder of the installation.
• Your wiring installation is in poor condition but you cannot afford a rewire, changing to a 17th Edition Consumer Unit will offer some protection.

Whatever the reason upgrading an old consumer unit to one incorporating two residual current devices (RCDs), is a job that many people will now have to consider at some point.

The above points may have been raised by another tradesperson in your home such as a builder if are having a large building project undertaken.

Please DO NOT be tempted into hiring anyone who IS NOT a qualified electrician to carry out electrical work in your home, even if they offer to carry out the work for a fraction of the price because ‘they know all about electrics’

It’s not just the price that counts, a competent electrician will be fully qualified, Part P compliantand fully insured to do the job AND have a lengthy guarantee on the job for years to come.

If the person fitting the consumer unit is not qualified, Part P compliant, and is not insured, it really is better to walk away. These people are not interested in your safety or future well being, they are only interested in your cash!

Yet over the years I have come across the same objections about price when quoting for a replacement consumer unit /fuse board. They normally go as follows…

• I can buy one myself for £80 in a well known DIY Shop
• My mate that works for %%%%%% can do it for £xxx
• I’ve had a quote from my builder and he reckons he can do it for £xxx
• Mick down the pub said if I get the board he’ll fit it for £50

Please don’t believe anyone who say you don’t need a certificate or dis-regards the importance of certification. Not only if an electrical certificate your peace of mind that your home is safe, it is also an important document that is needed should you wish to sell or let your home in the future.

It is not simply a peace of paper signed by the electrician, it is a legal document and the electrician needs to carry out several tests on the installation before they can issue a certificate.

The Electrician who carries out the installation should also issue the certificate. BEWARE some ‘electricians’ employ someone else to issue the certificate. This practice is NOT APPROVED and means your electrician is not Part P compliant.

So having obtained a quote from a genuine electrician, you might be wondering how they arrive at the cost.

So what is the Cost?

When you ask an Electrician to quote for a Fuse Board/New Consumer Unit, there are a number of things he will take into consideration, therefore costs will vary. You should be aware of these:

The materials involved

You can now go to a high street hardware/DIY shop and buy new Consumer Units for a reasonable amount of money, they come preloaded with MCBs, which may or may not be the right rating for your circuits, you will have to add to that the cost of Meter Tails and the fact that if anything goes wrong with the unit you will need to pay to have it removed and a new one refitted.

On the other hand your electrician will have accounted for all necessary items required and if he supplies the board it will be of good quality and if anything goes wrong with the unit he will have to replace it at no cost to you. You only Pay Once.

Checking earthing and bonding arrangements

Before the consumer unit is changed, the electrician will have checked the distributor’s equipment at the origin of the installation (where your meter is) along with the earthing and bonding arrangements. This is to ensure that they are properly connected, safe and that they comply with the regulations. If they do not then work may have to be postponed until the distributor rectifies any issues highlighted.

The time involved for installation

This will depend on the size of the property, number of circuits and location of the old fuse board. Stripping out the old, marking up cables ensuring they are in good condition and long enough then installing the New Consumer Unit.

The time involved in Testing

All of the circuits in the property will have to be tested, there is a series of predefined tests that must be applied to each of the circuits, and the results of this testing form a big part of the certification you will receive.

This is perhaps the most important part of changing a Fuse Board, however it is often the part that is not carried out correctly or at all by those who charge below market value for installing a new Consumer Unit. Often they will Fudge the test and fake the certificate, because they haven’t allowed time in their cost to do it correctly or they just are not capable of testing to the correct standard.

Allowance for Fault Finding

A good electrician will have built in an allowance for some Fault Finding because experience tells us that there are often minor issues that need to be resolved, if this has been built into the cost then often the electrician will not bother you with the detail, but will just rectify simple faults as found. Major faults would be notified to you and be discussed as a separate Job.

Again someone who is quoting below market value will not have factored in time for fault finding and you run two serious risks here. The first is that you are likely to be presented with an “Extras” bill at the end which could be substantially higher than your original quote or secondly the “electrician” will bodge the job in order to make it work so he can get paid his original fee, the result is you are left with a potentially dangerous installation.

Certification and Registration

Electricians have to comply with strict regulations, a change of consumer unit is a serious undertaking and must meet all of the relevant Standards and Regulations, in order to comply with these Electricians will issue Certification for both the Electrical Installation and for Compliance with Part “P” of the Building Regulations. Apart from the fact that doing this properly takes time, it also requires the electrician to be registered with an awarding body and all the associated costs that go with that, such as ongoing training, insurance, membership fees.

Profit

And finally we get to Profit, which is after all why any Electrician is in Business. A good electrician who runs a good business will have built in a profit margin into his quote for the job, this is how he stays in business and can provide a good service to his clients, he will be happy to take payment in any legal manner.

Your cheep quote electrician, will not have factored in profit, because in his mind it is pretty much all profit, he will supply a cheap quality consumer unit, fudge the test results, hide any faults that show up and then tell you he prefers to be paid in cash.

He is likely not registered, not insured and possibly not even qualified. If anything goes wrong and it will you have absolutely no comeback.

Conclusion

When you take all of the above into consideration, you will appreciate that there is a big difference between what you can buy a Consumer Unit for off-the-shelf in a well known DIY Chain, and the cost of a fully installed fully certified and fully guaranteed Unit. You should ask yourself when you get a cheap quote “How can he do it so Cheap”?…what is not getting done…

Most reputable electricians would agree that anything below £350 is too cheap and something is being missed and anything above £550 for a standard domestic board is too high (unless there are mitigating circumstances).

PERIODIC INPECTION REPORTS WESTEND GLASGOW LANDLORD CERT

Periodic Inspection Explained

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at appropriate intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as 'periodic inspection and testing'.

A periodic inspection will:

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
• Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
• Identify any defective electrical work.
• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.

Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.

How often is a periodic inspection required? Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

• 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
• 5 years for a rented home.
• 3 years for a caravan
• 1 year for a swimming pool.

Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:

• When a property is being prepared for letting.
• Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.

Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens? 
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
• The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
• The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that  may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
• The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
• The presence of adequate identification and notices.
• The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
• Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

The competent person will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.

If any dangerous or potentially dangerous condition or conditions are found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be 'unsatisfactory', meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.

If you would like to arrange for a Periodic Inspection to be carried out, the following leaflets may be helpful:

electricians glasgow

Expanding as an electrical contractor

As with all businesses the problem arises when you look to expand and take on more work. there is a few problems with this that you must over come. Firstly being an electrical contractor, basically an electrician working in the westend of glasgow for more than 10 years, i have found that i can pretty much keep myself busy with 2- 4 jobs daily during the week and 1-2 jobs at the weekend. Which in itself provides a great income for electricians but to take you electrical business to a new level you must have things in place, the idea similar to the chicken and the egg dance - which one comes first?

Well let me tell you, when you start up in business you do want to be able to get to the point where you are getting more work than you can actually manage to do, and it is at this stage you would consider taking on more staff. The difficulty comes when you hire the staff, are they the right person for the jon, in my case are they a good electricians, willl they be loyal to your business, will they try and steal from you, be it materials of even cash? you never know so it is essential that when the time comes to expand you make sure you find the best person for the job.

the main reason i would want to take on another electrician would be that i cannot be in two places at the one time, so here comes the next problem to overcome - new vehicles - i would need to offer my new electrician a van to do his work from, a mobile office if you will, and from this he will generate income for the business without you having to drive around with you new employee and also give him a sense of responsibility and freedom to get his work done with the boss breathing down that back of his neck.

with these two new additions to the business - new employee - new van the cost of running your small one man band electrical contractor business has just went through the roof and its at this point you start to doubt yourself or well i did, but that is the wrong thing to do as i will explain later in my blogg. i needed to find the extra exposure to find more work to keep now two electricians busy not just one, i now need to turn to advertising again which dosnt come cheap. But this is the only way for the cash circle to work. you need to spend money to make money but it usually works out a lot more than you were planning on spending, that being said it dosnt take away the fact that your business would be growing and your turnover with dramaticallly increase, but having that extra cash for that rainy day might come in handy.

hope you like what i have said and check out my website www.wesuk.co.uk

Electricians clarkston glasgow