Name: Lary Edwards
Centre: Nottinghamshire
Years with OLCI: 1½

What did you do prior to becoming an electrical tutor?
After completing a six year apprenticeship that covered everything from a plug top to a power station, I became a qualified electrician, carrying out work on all types of electrical installations. I then progressed through to becoming an electrical manager.

What do you like most about being an electrical tutor?
Having the opportunity to pass on my experience to the students, and teaching them the proper way to install the various installations. I enjoy watching them progress through their various exams and practical workshops to achieve the level 2 and 3 qualifications.

Do you have any particular tips on how to pass the practical assessments?
Watch, look and listen, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Read the task notes and follow the instructions. Working alongside a qualified electrician, gaining practical experience on various installations, is the best way to practise.

What’s your best practical tip for electricians working on-site?
Always be proud of the work that you do, achieving the sense of satisfaction from a job well done is priceless. Do it properly – you are a professional! Be reliable, arrive on time, do a good day’s work and abide by the relevant health and safety requirements. Be flexible in your approach and respect your fellow man.

What are the best things about being an electrician?
No two jobs are the same, they all differ in some way or another – the scope and variety mean you are never bored. Problem solving and fault finding give you a sense of achievement in your work, plus the potential to earn a good living. Also, some of the characters you meet on the job are priceless. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every day of my 47-year career and I have never been out of work.

Do you have any funny stories from working as an electrician that you’d like to share?
Hundreds of them! Here’s one but please do not try this yourself. When I first started my apprenticeship, the electrician I was allocated to said, “The first thing we have to do is see if you are suitable to become an electrician. We have to test your resistance so hold onto these test leads.” As they were connected to a meter you can imagine my reply. So he held them first whilst I operated the meter – nothing to it. So, me being the daft one, picked up the leads, and allowed him to operate the meter, not realising that it had a switch to take it from Ohms to mega Ohms – generating 500 Volts! I nearly jump out of my skin, to which he comments that “we’ll have to think about career planning – you’ll never make it if your resistance is so low!”

Remember, I was lucky this had no effect on me – never mess around or play with electricity. Treat it with respect.

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