The skills you must have as an electrical operative
Electrical operatives are responsible for the development, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems and products. Electrical engineering is a broad sector with many sub-sectors requiring specialist skills and knowledge. At PPR, we have worked with clients seeking electrical operatives in areas as diverse as the energy sector, alarms and security, and the rail industry.
Different industries require specialist skills when it comes to electrical engineering. There are, however, many transferable skills and knowledge will be essential for all electrical operations. As an electrical operative, the following skills will usually be required, whichever sector you are working in.
Essential skills for an electrical operative
- Confident using CAD software to create projects and design electrical circuits
- Experience installing electrical circuits in buildings
- Testing electrical components, circuits, and appliances for safety
- Analysing data to solve faults within electrical components and circuits
- Understanding of the latest industry regulations regarding electrical installations in your specific sector
- Technical ability including a solid understanding of maths including algebra, physics, and critical thinking
As an electrical operative, you will also require a wide range of soft skills as well as electrical skills and training routes to complete your work to a high level. These may include but are not limited to the following.
Attributes of a successful electrician
- Independent problem solving skills
- Excellent communication and people skills
- A good level of physical fitness
- Time management and attention to detail
- General customer service skills if operating at customer facilities
Alongside these skills and knowledge, electrical operatives will need to be qualified to various levels of competency depending on the electrical work being carried out. Electrical operatives are always in demand, so it is a popular career choice with many opportunities. Electrical training courses at training centres are often undertaken by entry stage school leavers but also by postgraduates and adults either looking to change their career or become more skilled in a relevant sub-sector – with a full range of electrical courses to choose from.
Some qualifications you may require as an electrical operative include the following.
Qualifications for an electrical operative
- Level 3 diploma in electrotechnical services
- 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as electrics, electronics, physics, or computing
- A postgraduate qualification
- Higher National Diploma (HND) in electric engineering
Many electrical operatives enter the electrical industry via apprenticeship schemes, learning valuable real-life skills while they study. A range of professional qualifications and programmes are also available for time-served, experienced electricians such as working towards achieving Chartered (CEng) status with the Engineering Council.
