If you’re considering changing careers to train as an electrician, you may be feeling anxious about whether or not electrical work is a good fit for you and your skills. This blog will explore what makes a good electrician so that you can decide whether being an electrician is the right career for you. Let’s get started!

1. Do you like working with your hands?

It’s rare to find an electrician sitting behind a desk, instead they are moving, building, fixing and problem-solving with their hands. If you’ve always loved hands-on, practical projects like home DIY or building furniture, becoming an electrician could be a natural fit for you.

2. Do you have good attention to detail?

Many of the tasks carried out by electricians require meticulous attention to detail, particularly jobs that require complex wiring or reading blueprints. One small mistake in electrical work can be extremely dangerous, so having a precise attention to detail is a crucial skill.

3. Do you enjoy problem solving?

A key part of being an electrician involves diagnosing and resolving technical electrical issues efficiently. Electricians need to be able to analyse situations and come up with informed, safe and creative solutions. So, if you’re someone who likes to figure out how things work and won’t give up until you find an answer, a career as an electrician could be perfect for you.  

4. Are you comfortable with basic maths?

Electricians are frequently required to work out calculations relating to power, voltage and resistance, so anyone looking to work in this field will need to have an understanding of basic maths. You don’t need to be a complete maths whiz, but a solid understanding of measurements, basic algebra, and technical diagrams will go a long way!

5. Are you physically capable?

Being an electrician can be physically demanding. You may need to climb ladders, carry heavy equipment, crawl through tight spaces and work in basements and attics. However, if you don’t mind getting dirty and you are comfortable moving around and spending time on your feet, you should have no issues working as an electrician.

6. Are you looking for a job with security?

The demand for skilled tradespeople like electricians is on the rise. So if you’re looking for a stable job that will always be in demand and has great opportunities to grow, becoming an electrician could be your best decision yet.

So, would I be a good electrician?

If you answered yes to most of the questions above then yes, you may have what it takes to be a good electrician!

At Access Training, we offer a selection of electrician courses and apprenticeships that can fast-track your journey to becoming an electrician. Use the buttons below to browse our electrical courses or get in touch with us today!

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Changing careers at 40 can be a daunting decision, but it’s never too late to explore a different path and transition into a new field. In fact, at 40 years old you probably have the perfect balance of experience and self-awareness that can set the stage for a fulfilling new professional chapter.

At Access Training, we have been helping people make meaningful midlife career changes for over 20 years. In that time, we have delivered over 35,000 trade courses to adult students from all sorts of different backgrounds –  so you can trust us to give the best advice on changing careers later in life.

If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your current role, this blog will guide you through the stages of a midlife career change so that you can successfully transition into the career of your dreams!

How to Change Careers at 40

1. Assess Your Current Situation

Before diving into a new career, first take some time to evaluate your current situation. What about your current role do you like or dislike? What are some non-negotiables for a new role? What things excite you? What are your best skills? What skills do you want to improve? What would you enjoy doing every day?

Understanding what you’re looking for and why you want a career change will help you make an informed decision when choosing your next role.

2. Consider Your Transferable Skills

One of the best things about a midlife career change is that throughout your lifetime, you will have acquired a wide range of transferable skills. You may have strong communication and leadership skills, or perhaps you’re good at problem solving or working in a team. You can then frame these skills in a way that aligns with your new field.

For example, if you’re good at critical thinking and problem-solving, you may be a good fit for a career in the trades where encountering unexpected issues and challenges that needs fixing is a common part of the job.

3. Research, Research, Research!

Once you have created a list of your top skills, start researching how they can be applied in a new field. This will also help you to identify whether you need to acquire new skills or credentials.

Consider enrolling on courses or workshops to gain additional experience in your new field. At Access Training, we have helped thousands of students get qualified and find work in the trades, so if a trade career sounds appealing to you, browse our trade courses today. Don’t forget: a short-term investment into your learning can pay off in a long-term satisfying career.

4. Prepare for Financial Changes

Changing careers, particularly later in life, can involve a temporary dip in earnings, so you should ensure you are prepared for this period of financial adjustment. Consider how much money you will need to train in your chosen career and how you will supplement your income through other means while you gain experience in your new field.

Having savings put to one side to help support you while retraining can help to reduce the stress associated with a career change and give you more freedom to focus on your goals.

5. Believe in Yourself

A midlife career change can be challenging, and you may experience setbacks and doubts along the way. However, at 40 years old, you have the advantage of maturity and life experience on your side that many younger professionals do not have. Stay resilient and trust that the skills and experience you have built up over the years are valuable.

You may even discover new strengths and interests that you never knew you had. So stay dedicated and believe in your ability to thrive in a new field – it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!

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To learn more about midlife career changes to the trades, check out our blog Career Change at 30.