Please tell us about your line of work.
I am a Regional Manager for the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT), which includes carrying out the role of an Inspector. I assess members who work across a wide range of building types, including domestic, industrial and commercial premises. The day-to-day work can be varied; however, each day the format will usually consist of completing two assessments with each one lasting about three hours.
After initially making contact with the member, the preparation paperwork needs to be sent to them to ensure that they are fully informed of the programme for the forthcoming assessment. This paperwork consists of confirmation letters and checklists for the member to use, ensuring that the assessment will go smoothly.
They will be asked to provide several sites so that one can be selected by the Inspector for the practical part of the assessment process on the day.
On arrival at the office, the Inspector will conduct an opening meeting, the assessment then progresses to look at the company’s paperwork, a review of notifications, test sheets, insurance details, calibration records of tester/s and the member’s qualifications. This process ensures that the member is compliant with current requirements of the scheme.
Following the office assessment, a site inspection will be carried out. On arrival at the chosen site, a “Safe Isolation” of the installation will be carried out by the member allowing for a full inspection of the installation. The member will be asked to complete a selection of tests, which will be compared with the test certificate supplied for the installation. At the completion of the assessment, a closing meeting will take place where any improvement actions will be highlighted and discussed with the member, and the Inspector will outline the procedure that will follow.
How did you get into your line of work?
My personal progression into the role of an Inspector came after many years of electrical work. I started my career as an Electrical Apprentice for five years with a Local Health Authority working in maintenance at a hospital. From there I moved to British Telecommunications, known as the General Post Office (GPO) back then, again working in maintenance.
After 17 years, I left to start my own electrical business, which required me to join a scheme and I chose the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers as they came highly recommended. I have been involved with NAPIT now for 10 years and during that time I have had the privilege of working as an Inspector but have also been involved with the training and assessment of courses.
The experience in NAPIT training and my electrical qualifications gave me the opportunity to explore the position of becoming a lecturer, which involved me gaining a formal teaching qualification (Certificate in Education). I also embarked on a teaching degree (BA Hons in Education). While it is not a requirement to have a degree to become an Inspector, I have found the skills gained during my teacher training most useful as it gives you an insight into how people learn. It also develops your people skills, which are essential when carrying out the inspections and interacting with installers and members of the public.
What qualifications are required?
The core qualifications every Inspector is required to have is at least an electrotechnical apprenticeship or equivalent, hold a current BS 7671 certificate, an Inspecting and Testing qualification (there are many around but in my day it was City & Guilds 2391) and most importantly have current experience in the installations they are inspecting.
What kind of person would this suit?
The role of an Inspector can appeal to almost anyone, however, you must have good people skills and be able to assess using various methods to effect a good outcome for the member. Of course, an enthusiastic interest in electrical installations helps!
When reviewing the installation at the site inspection, attention to detail is essential, you need to look at every aspect of the work that is presented to you as an Inspector and not base your opinions on how you would carry out the work personally.
You are looking for compliance with BS 7671 and the Building Regulations in all areas from installation practices to connections of cables and devices. You also need to ensure that the installation has the right selection of protective devices and correct labelling of consumer units.
Are there any challenges involved that people need to be aware of?
The role of Inspector can be very demanding and each assessment is very different as there are many variables that come into play. For example:
- Access to site may be difficult if it is in a very rural location.
- The member may be very nervous.
- It might be that your site may take you some miles from the office so a willingness to travel is a requirement.
- It can include quite a long day; perhaps starting and finishing outside the 8 am -5 pm normal working day at times. This doesn't happen every day though
- Some members may have had difficulties on previous assessments, so it is essential to be approachable and reassuring.
What are the best part of your job/most enjoyable aspects?
The most enjoyable part of the job is meeting with the members, seeing the great variety of installations that they are involved in and their businesses developing. The range of work I’ve seen is immense from a small two-up two-down house part-rewire to a £2 million mansion new-build. It’s also great to see the pride and care members have in the work they put forward for inspection.
I’ve noticed that the advent and ease of online buying negates the need to make the traditional, time-consuming visits to the wholesalers as goods are delivered directly to the door. This lack of contact can then make your visit in some rural locations and in some towns very welcome as members often don't have contact with other electricians via the traditional wholesaler’s route. I feel that I sometimes can provide that essential link, perhaps explaining any new regulations and their implications on the member’s line of work, be it commercial or domestic.
What advice would you give to those who are embarking upon their electrotechnical career?
Anyone who is thinking of embarking on an electrotechnical career will need to take the first step, which is to get an apprenticeship and choose placements that will enable them to get as much experience as possible. Talk to National Scheme Operators who have student membership available at little cost.
Once a member any changes to industry thinking can be easily accessed, you can attend trade meetings and network with other working members. This will all build good working relationships and may lead to work after the completion of your apprenticeship.
Once qualified ensure that you follow any requirements for continuing professional development, which may include further qualifications.
Are there any skills gaps at the moment, which more young electricians should aim to fill?
Emerging technologies in our sector will require electrotechnical engineers in the future to have a wide range of skills. This is to meet the ever-pressing need to reduce our consumption of energy. The coming of smart homes and the technology that is associated with this means electricians in the future will need to be skilled with the ability to work with these smart technologies. The industry will need people who can integrate existing wiring regulations with new and emerging technologies. This may open additional opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.