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Meet Ryan, 19, from Tyne and Wear. Find out about his life as an electrician for a ship repair company. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

Health and safety awareness is a big skill that I use every day. Alongside that is teamwork.

What is your job?

I'm responsible for all the electrical equipment and maintain it. Any welding sets that need repairing get sent to my department and I’ll fix them. I’ll look after anything else, such as lighting.

What skills do you use at work?

Health and safety awareness is a big skill that I use every day. Alongside that is teamwork. We’ll always have two or more people on the job because we need enough people to make sure the electrical circuit is safe. Time keeping is also important – I have to make sure I'm here at 7 o'clock in the morning.

What GCSEs did you take to become an electrician?

For my GCSEs I did the core subjects as well as Religious Studies, Sport Studies, Public Services, and French. After that I went to sixth form where I studied English Literature and Engineering. Within Engineering, I did Electronics. The electronics we studied at sixth form gives me good knowledge of how to repair and maintain electrics.

Is this the job you always wanted to do?

I used to wonder 'do I want to do something to do with sport?' but as I grew up I took Engineering at sixth form and I got an insight into the electrical side. I really enjoyed that. I thought, this is what I want to do, to be hands on.

How did you get the job?

I got an interview from Tyne North who help provide training in engineering. They looked for electrical companies that offered apprenticeships, and they found one that interested me. I did a health and safety test, and then an interview, and then I got the job!

Top tips

• You have to put the hard work in to get where you want to be

• It’s all about the experience

• The electrical department is massive, and you’ve got so much to learn, so starting young and doing an apprenticeship is really helpful.

What to expect if you want to be an electrician

• Electrician average salary: £18,000 to £42,000 per year
• Electrician typical working hours: 30 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be an electrician?

You could get into this role via an apprenticeship, a college course, working towards the role, or applying directly if you have relevant skills. College options include Level 2 and Level 3 courses, such as a T-level in Building Services Engineering for Construction (Level 3, England-only, from Sept 2022).

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

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