Electrical Installation

This Electrical Installation programme will help you develop the practical skills, technical knowledge and professional behaviours needed to progress within the electrical and wider electrotechnical industry.

No previous electrical experience is needed. You will combine practical workshop training with electrical theory, helping you understand how and why electrical installations work while developing your practical skills.

Year 1 – Electrical Installation

Year 1 provides an introduction to electrical installation and the electrotechnical industry. You will spend a significant amount of time in our electrical workshops, learning how to use electrical tools, equipment and materials safely and correctly.

You will study areas including:

• Health and safety, safe isolation and safe working practices
• Electrical tools, equipment and materials
• Basic electrical principles, science, circuits and components
• Cable types, wiring systems and installation methods
• Installing and terminating cables and accessories
• Lighting and power circuits
• Reading electrical drawings and circuit diagrams
• Testing and checking electrical installations
• Developing accuracy, workmanship and good working practices

Practical activities will become more challenging as you develop your confidence and ability, helping you work safely and to the standards expected within the electrical industry.

Year 2 – Electrical Installation

In Year 2, you will build on your practical skills and electrical knowledge through more advanced installations and develop a greater understanding of electrical systems, regulations, science and industry standards.

You will develop your knowledge and skills in areas including:

• Health and safety within electrical installation
• Electrical science, principles and installation technology
• Electrical wiring systems, cable selection and installation methods
• Lighting and power installations
• Electrical components and equipment
• Earthing and bonding
• Electrical drawings, diagrams and specifications
• Requirements of electrical installations
• Inspection, testing and verification principles
• Fault identification and problem solving

Planning and completing practical installations to industry standards

You will develop greater independence in planning your work, selecting materials and equipment and completing practical installations accurately.

Throughout the programme, you will also develop professional behaviours including communication, teamwork, organisation and taking responsibility for your own work.

You will take part in work experience and/or work-related activities, which may include employer engagement, industry visits, demonstrations and projects. You will also be encouraged to seek relevant work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.

You will be issued with a College uniform, which must be worn as required. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn during practical activities.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical and knowledge assessments.

Knowledge may be assessed through online examinations, written assessments and assignments, covering areas such as electrical principles, health and safety and installation technology.

Your practical skills will be assessed in our electrical workshops, where you will be expected to complete electrical installation tasks safely, accurately and to the required standard.

Lessons will combine practical workshop sessions with classroom-based learning to develop both your practical skills and technical knowledge.

Your tutors will provide regular feedback to help you understand what you are doing well and where you need to improve.

Assessment takes place throughout the programme to make sure you develop the practical skills and knowledge required to progress within the electrical industry.

What could this course lead to?

After Year 1, you could progress to Year 2 Electrical Installation or apply for an electrical apprenticeship where a suitable opportunity is available.

After Year 2, progression opportunities could include:

• An electrical installation or electrotechnical apprenticeship
• Level 3 electrical or electrotechnical study
• Other apprenticeships within building services engineering
• Further study within construction and building services
• Employment within the electrical, construction or building services industries

With further training and industry experience, career opportunities could include installation electrician, maintenance electrician, electrical engineer or technician, building services engineer or electrical supervisor. You could also progress into self-employment or run an electrical contracting business.

Completing the College programme alone does not make you a qualified electrician. Becoming a fully qualified electrician normally requires further workplace training and assessment through an appropriate industry-recognised route, such as an electrotechnical apprenticeship.