what is an industrial electrician?

As an industrial electrician, you diagnose electrical failures during the manufacturing process. You use diagnostic equipment to identify and resolve the issues to minimise downtimes, and you require an in-depth understanding of electrical systems to repair any faults promptly. As an industrial electrician, it is important to understand blueprints and technical drawings of electrical systems and the electrical code specifications.

If a building needs to overhaul its electrical system, you install and test it to ensure it's safe and usable. You also install systems in brand-new buildings that don't have any wiring yet. If an industrial building has electrical faults, you fix the equipment and work out what the problem is. You provide year-round maintenance and repair services to keep everything in good working order.

As an industrial electrician, you work on large-scale electrical projects and complex electrical systems. For instance, you are likely to work in large electrical firms like power generation stations or solar energy production. Some industrial electricians also work in automotive industries like car manufacturing. Companies that rely on heavy machinery to manufacture goods hire industrial electricians to avoid downtimes caused by electrical system malfunctions. Therefore, you can work for any manufacturing or service industry.

Would working as an industrial electrician suit your safety skills and good vision? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive as an industrial electrician.

industrial electrician jobs
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average industrial electrician salary

The compensation package of industrial electricians depends on the complexity of the role and the level of expertise. That's why according to ONS, the average pay for industrial electricians in entry-level positions is £30,457 per year while experienced workers take home over £40,000 annually. Most industrial electricians work overtime to increase their pay.

what factors affect the salary of an industrial electrician?

Your level of experience and qualifications dictate your compensation package. Apprentices make the lowest salaries since they have the least experience and fewest qualifications. However, master industrial electricians negotiate higher pay due to their expertise and experience. The hours you work also affect your pay. For instance, working part-time attracts a lower salary than working full-time. Overtime rates also allow you to earn more since the hourly rates are higher.

Sometimes, your location influences your pay due to the fluctuating demands and cost of living. Working in a large city improves your salary prospects since employers consider the cost of living when calculating salaries.

Womale operating a touch-screen display.
Womale operating a touch-screen display.
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types of industrial electricians

The types of industrial electricians depend on experience level, including:

  • apprentice industrial electricians: as an apprentice industrial electrician, you work and attend training sessions to acquire knowledge in electrical systems. Most employers compensate you for your time, but you perform minimal supportive roles.
  • journeyman industrial electricians: when you complete the apprenticeship programme, you become a journeyman. You perform electrical equipment repairs, maintenance and installation tasks based on your level of expertise. You follow a supervisor's instructions and ensure safety measures are adhered to in the workplace.
  • master industrial electricians: when you log sufficient hours as a journeyman, you qualify to become a master electrician. Your job is to supervise various tasks and train journeymen in their duties. You can also open your own business as an electrician.

 

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working as an industrial electrician

Working as an industrial electrician means taking on a lot of responsibility. However, it also means being part of a high-paying field with good job security. Here's what you should know about working as an industrial electrician:

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education and skills

Some of the routes to becoming an industrial electrician include:

  • college course: join a college and learn the technical knowledge necessary for an industrial electrician. When you complete the training, you become a trainee electrician. With practical experience, you can work as a qualified industrial electrician. The qualifications are a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in electrical installation or T Level in building services engineering.
  • apprenticeship: you can pursue apprenticeship programmes to combine practical experience with training. Some of the apprenticeship programmes include installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship. The programmes require 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.

industrial electrician skills and competencies

Some of the skills that industrial electricians include:

  • physical stamina and dexterity: you do manual work that requires physical stamina and attention to detail. Apart from lifting heavy objects, you also climb ladders or scaffolding when repairing or inspecting equipment. Manual dexterity enables you to manage the detailed aspects of working with electrical systems.
  • administrative skills: as an industrial electrician, you deal with a lot of paperwork, like writing reports and preparing maintenance schedules for various equipment. Organisational and administrative skills come in handy.
  • caution: as an industrial electrician, you should be cautious when repairing industrial equipment to avoid accidents or injuries. Caution helps you adhere to safe working practices.
focused male looking closely at his work
focused male looking closely at his work
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FAQs

FAQs about working as an industrial electrician

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