Northern Ireland Apprenticeships
Earn While You Gain Valuable Job Skills As An Electrician Apprentice

To begin training with the Northern Ireland apprenticeships program, you must already be employed as it is a requirement that you are employed from day one of your training.

Finding an employer requires a job search in the usual places, but be sure to search for electrician apprenticeship openings since you need to find an employer willing to train you in the skills you need. In order for your training to be recognized, it must be with an employer approved by the Department for Employment and Learning.

The Northern Ireland apprenticeships offer structured learning where you spend four days each week learning skills through on the job training with your employer, and one day per week learning in the classroom with a Training Supplier. Since you are employed by your sponsor, you will receive a wage while you are learning. The wage you earn depends upon the skills you have but is protected by the apprentice minimum wage law so you will at least be guaranteed a minimum rate of pay.

The training you receive through the supplier is paid for by the Department of Employment and Learning, so you won't have a large expense to worry about. The DEL also offers your employer a monetary incentive after you have successfully completed your training so this helps motivate employers to work with the electrician apprenticeship program to ensure your mutual success.

Once you have an employer, you both work with the DEL to set up a training program for you so that you learn the skills needed to qualify for national quality standards. An electrician apprenticeship program is typically four years in length. During that time you will learn practical hands-on skills that you will need to fully function as an electrician upon completion of your training. You'll also attend classes during your training so you learn about the theory and practice of your trade.

Safety is very important during an electrician apprenticeship. You will work under close supervision of a qualified electrician and only advance in your duties as you gain more complex skills. Your growing skills and increasing knowledge prepares you to take on more difficult jobs as your training progresses until you reach the point where your apprenticeship is complete and you earn your credentials to work as an electrician.

To become an electrician, you need certain skills and aptitudes. You can’t be color blind and you shouldn't have a fear of tight spaces or heights. You'll also need to be handy with a variety of tools and have a knack for math and science. Being proficient with the English language is also necessary since you must be able to communicate well verbally and be able to understand the written word.

Potential employers for Northern Ireland apprenticeships may look more favorably upon older or better educated students since they have shown they have the innate ability to learn the complex tasks needed to become an electrician. Younger students unable to find a sponsor for an apprenticeship can turn to the Training For Success program. This program can give you the skills and additional training you need to qualify for a Programme-Led or traditional apprenticeship.

Completing the Training For Success program can also give you confidence for going on job interviews and assistance with job applications. Northern Ireland apprenticeships don't have set start dates like traditional college. If you can't find a sponsor employer in the fall, keep trying since once you are employed you can begin your electrician apprenticeship right away.

Being an electrician means you will be in demand as an employee throughout your working life since the trades are always needed, even in times of a down economy. You can learn how to become one through an electrician apprenticeship program that leads to national qualification through the Northern Ireland apprenticeships course that lets you earn an income while you gain valuable job skills.