whats expected from an electricians mate?

Mark1985 · Oct 4, 2012

Hi everyone

I'm 27,completed my level2 and level 3 had some experiance along the way installing fire alarm system an now im PAT testing...

My question is i'm looking to become a sparks the proper way start off as a mate etc,i'd like to do commercial work but all jobs i see advertised through agencies involve containment,which i have little experiance..if i got a start on site as a mate...would i be expected to do all the containment?? is it as case of getting thrown in at the deep end an gettin on with it?

whats to be expected? anyone got any advice on starting out like this??

Cheers
Mark

johnboy6083 · Oct 8, 2012

an electricians mate is expected to assist the electrician with all work carried out. If yopu are competent at some types of work, you may be left to do those types of work alone.This does not generaly include terminating. Of course a mate with experience who is also studying electrical installation will be encouraged to carry out terminating and testing with supervision.

Dont be afraid to ask questions when on site.

Paul.M · Oct 8, 2012

mb2010 dont be afraid to tell the interviewer that you dont have much experience in containment, its the norm for people coming out of college etc. If you want to gain experience in containment go to the wholesalers and buy some tray and make some up at home, whats the worst that could happen? Cut finger on rough edges and a bit out of pocket if it doesnt work out in the long run. Price worth paying if it gets you a job.

I did the same in college with MIMS cable, could'nt get it right so I bought some and loaned the stripping and potting tools from college and practiced at home. We all have a subject that we are not that good at (mines motors btw) and we have to work harder in those areas, at least you know what is your shortfall and are doing something about it, well done now get on with it mate. Good luck.

Baker1988 · Oct 9, 2012

hi im currently in my second year at college and did not have much experiance in commercial (only domestic) i then got a job from a agency as a electrical mate on a commercial site and i was thrown into the deep end by the boss he told me to go in the plant room (on second floor) and put the containment and swa in for the refrigeration units which had to be wired into a 3 phase board(on the ground floor) about 50 meters away i had a few problems but there is always other electricians who are willing to share there knowlage with you so it all worked out fine so dont worry about it if u cant do something just ask