Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

The Work

Electricians employed by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) engage in electrical power supply and distribution.  
 
Electricians employed by electrical contractors are usually engaged in the installation of lighting, heating and power equipment and the repair of existing equipment and appliances.  
 
Those in industrial employment are generally engaged in the maintenance and repair of factory plant, machinery and generating equipment.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
• Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
• Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
• Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hasards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.
• Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
• Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
• Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
• Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hasardous.
• Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.

Further Information

• Electrician - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Electrician - from: YouTube [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Electrician is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Electrical apprenticeship

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. The Apprenticeship Jobs Portal lists opportunities, but it is also advisable to contact electricians in your region to see if they have apprenticeship opportunities. Large companies such as the ESB also take on a significant quantity of apprentice electricians each year.

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering opeartions, Construction skills at NFQ Level 5 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Carpentry-Plumbing-Electrical (Pre-Apprenticeship), Construction and Engineering Technology (Pre-Apprenticeship) at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship Electrician NFQ level 6 will involve color vision test as part of application search apprenticeships

The Electrician Apprenticeship last four years, at the end of which you will be fully qualified to seek work with established companies or to work as a self employed electrician.

Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

Some employers provide manual handling training to new employees, but some employers require that you have completed a Manual Handling & safepass certificate prior to employment. ‘Manual Handling’ refers to physical activities in most workplaces, and in particular when the activities involve lifting heavy objects which could result in back injury. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €65k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Jobs.ie/ NAO/ Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ WRC/ Excel

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth for this occupation was well above the national average; employment grew strongly in the second half of 2022, significantly above pre-COVID levels. As the Census data indicates, electricians and electrical fitters account for the largest share of those employed in this occupation, with employment growing by almost 7,000 persons since 2016. 

There was a relatively high number of vacancies for electricians advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022. Employment permits mostly related to customer engineers and field service engineers and were for roles within the ICT sector. Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey were for electricians in the construction sector. There have been increasing numbers of new apprenticeship registrations for electricians in recent years (over 2,600 in 2022), with over 500 craft awards made in 2021.

Employment is expanding for this occupation with demand occurring across a variety of sectors. Although supply is considered sufficient for the housing sector (based on DFHERIS report), demand is being driven in part by energy efficiency and the green agenda. There also appears to be a shift in the skills mix required for electricians to energy performance in building, energy sector policy, maintenance and repair. Although no shortages are identified at present, they may potentially emerge if employment continues to grow at its current rate.

• Electricity Supply Board (ESB)

  • Head Office, 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2
  • 1850 372 757
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• SOLAS

  • Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 533 2500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here