Electrical trades see surge in popularity as career choice
Judith Edwards • Published 4 Oct 2010 11:36
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In the last year, close to 100,000 students have targeted the electrical industry as their career choice, making it the most popular job-path among students.
This boost for the industry has been welcomed by trade organisation the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers, (NAPIT) and the latest figures show that 97,411 people signed up for courses in the electrical trade, a third more than opted for social care.
Hairdressing, came in third with 47,506 City & Guilds students. Fourth and fifth places, respectively, went to construction with 43,474 enrolling for courses while 43,335 students signed up for the catering industry.
The attraction of a career as an electrician were underscored by 21-year-old Lewis, in the second year of his training, who said: "I'm better with my hands so I thought screwdrivers, drills... that's my kind of environment, rather than heads in books and essays. It's getting harder and harder to get into universities so I think what I chose to do was the right decision."
Professional assistance is readily available from NAPIT, which offers student membership to provide a helping hand in the form of literature, guidance packs and discounts on products and equipment. NAPIT also offers advanced training once a student has joined the organisation after qualifying from college or university.
NAPIT chief executive John Andrews said: "These figures really are encouraging, what many people fail to realise, with the constant pressures on young people to go to university, is that the world we live in is designed, built and maintained by electrical engineers.
"Without electrical engineering and the many benefits it brings we would still be living in the middles ages or having a lifestyle reflected by Third World countries.
"These youngsters choosing electrical apprenticeships today can expect an exciting and rewarding career in the years ahead."
The rise in the number of people taking vocational courses was also highlighted by Chris Jones, director general and chief executive of City & Guilds, who said: "Growing numbers of people are recognising the value of work-related learning and equipping themselves with the right skills and training they need to succeed and lead in today's fast-paced economy."
Formed in 1992, NAPIT has seen its membership base steadily increase through its promotion of professionalism, best business practices and leadership in the electrical and allied industries.
This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 23 Sep 10
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