Licensed electrician: how to train and review the role
Installs and tests conduits, wiring, distribution boards and fittings at construction or fit-out sites, following drawings and the electrical supervisor's instructions. Reports to the electrical foreman or site engineer and works beside plumbing and civil gangs.
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Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Mostly ITI electricians or helpers who learnt on the job and later got a wireman licence. Check licence validity, testing instrument use and safe isolation habits. Give a practical task such as wiring a small DB and ask them to explain each step and test.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Lays conduits and pulls wires as marked
- Fixes switches, sockets and fittings neatly
- Wears protective gear and follows isolation rules
Stage 2
Independent
- Wires distribution boards to drawing and labels circuits
- Tests continuity and insulation with instruments
- Identifies simple faults and fixes them
- Works without repeated supervision
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Reads electrical drawings including load schedules
- Commissions and tests a full floor
- Trains helpers and checks their work
- Records test results and signs off honestly
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Isolation and lockout
The electrical foreman shows how to switch off, lock and tag a circuit before work, then watches the joiner do it. Only after correct repetition is independent work allowed.
- 2
Conduit and wiring standards
Using a finished sample room, the foreman explains bends, boxes, colours and neatness. The joiner repeats a small section and the foreman inspects it.
- 3
Tools and instruments
The joiner learns safe use of meter, megger and drills. The foreman checks reading and handling in a short practical sign-off.
First year
- 1
Drawing reading
The site engineer explains load schedules, circuits and symbols. The electrician wires a floor from the drawing and the engineer checks against it.
- 2
Testing and records
The electrician performs insulation and continuity tests and writes them in the test sheet. Wrong readings are rechecked with a senior.
- 3
Fault finding practice
A prepared faulty board is given for diagnosis. The foreman reviews steps taken, not just result.
Towards senior
- 1
Commissioning a floor
The senior electrician leads energising, labelling and handover with the electrical engineer. Defects found at handover are recorded.
- 2
Training helpers
The electrician trains two helpers using a skill checklist. The foreman signs off helpers on specific tasks.
- 3
Coordination with other trades
The electrician joins pre-plaster meetings to agree conduit routing with civil and plumbing gangs. Clash reports show improvement.
Performance review
Monthly check with the foreman on site, and a written half-yearly review. Include observation of isolation, testing and finishing quality.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Safe working | Observe isolation, protective gear and tool handling |
| Wiring quality | Inspect conduits, boards and labelling against standards |
| Testing records | Check test sheets for completion and plausible readings |
| Drawing adherence | Compare executed work with drawings and changes |
| Fault resolution | Review time and quality of rectifying defects |
| Helper development | Check helpers' sign-offs and later errors |
Evidence to bring
- Test sheets
- Foreman's inspection notes
- Defect and snag lists
- Helper skill checklist
- Isolation and permit records
Questions to ask in the review
- What unsafe practice have you seen on site?
- Which circuits gave you trouble during testing?
- Where do other trades damage your work?
- What drawing information was missing?
- Which tool or instrument do you need?
- How are your helpers doing?
- What skill would you like to develop next?
Pitfalls
- Assuming a licence means safe habits
- Rewarding speed over testing
- Not giving instruments to workers
- Skipping feedback on finishing quality
Questions about this role
Not alone. Check practical safety and quality first. Confirm licence requirements with your adviser.
Use a skill checklist with real tasks and sign-offs on site, with the foreman watching.
Explain testing as part of the job, make instruments available, and do not accept unrecorded work.