Consider the dependence humans place on electricity. The power grid is essential for the supply of electricity to homes, offices, and other places. It is easy to see why electricians are in such high demand.
Electricians are well-paid, can work in cool places and do cool things, as well as being able to take their skills to any country around the globe. What is the difference between the bright sparks and the dim bulbs? How can you become an electrician?
How to get started as an electrician
It takes time to become a good electrician. Good electricians can earn attractive salaries all over the globe. Average salaries for electricians are around:
- In the UK, PS30-50 p/h
- Australia: $45 per hour
- $20-45 p/h in New Zealand
Your training is the first step to a solid foundation. Your career as an electrician will be easier if you pay attention throughout your studies. The apprenticeship or course is the most common way to learn. Training can take around four years. You’ll learn while you learn, and you can earn once your apprenticeship is completed and you have been licensed and registered.
Focus on customer service
Although maths and physics knowledge help become a trusted electrician east auckland, running a successful electrical company will require excellent customer communication skills. Customer service is the foundation of being a competent electrician.
What are you going to be focusing on?
- Customers’ needs are best understood by listening to them.
- Communicate your ideas to others in a way that they can understand.
- Manage their expectations throughout the project.
Communication is key to keeping you and your customers on the right page. A customer will appreciate being informed even if things go wrong. Treat your customers as you would like them to treat you. Referrals from satisfied customers and repeat business are two of the best ways for electricians to get business.
Establish strong relationships
Customers are not the only ones who need to communicate. All staff, subcontractors, and suppliers deserve the same treatment. Poor communication is a waste of time and money. Communicate well with others and establish positive relationships.
Never stop learning
Do not think that completing an apprenticeship is a sign you have to stop learning. There are many courses and skills that you can learn. You should also consider safety and business development courses if you are looking to start your own electrical business.
You’ll also need to be aware of changes in local electrical standards and technological advances. You must keep up with key trends and learn new things to be a top performer.
Cash flow is key
While getting paid well is important, it’s not the overheads that matter. While your hourly rate-out may look good on paper, you must be careful about how much you earn.
It’s simple things such as ensuring that you have all your materials costs recovered, creating minimum call-out charges and recovering industry-standard margins on materials that can make a huge difference to your bottom line.
Invoicing customers consistently and regularly will greatly improve your cash flow. An efficient job management system such as Tradify can help you keep track of overheads, recover expenses and get paid quicker.
