If you’re at the beginning of your electrotechnical career, you may be trying to narrow down a list of the essential tools you’ll need to support your practical learning over the next couple of years.
Alex Robinson | Head of Product Development (Training)
Collecting the right set of tools can sometimes be costly, but with the festive season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to be building your tool kit and perhaps giving friends and family a gentle nudge for gift ideas.
Keep reading to be in with the chance of winning an Acel 10-piece electrician’s toolkit and rucksack!
We’ve asked our Head of Product Development, Alex Robinson, to share his recommendations on tools you’ll need. Having started his career as an electrical apprentice, Alex has over 20 years’ experience within the industry, working on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as teaching at one of the largest colleges in the UK, Coleg Cambria.
Alex Robinson, Head of Product Development at NICEIC:
I’ll never forget the pride I felt when I bought my first set of tools at the start of my electrical apprenticeship.
There I was, excited and ready, holding a brand-new set of gear that I had no idea how to use. I even marked them with my initials – AR – though one of the seasoned electricians soon added a couple of extra letters with a permanent marker (I’ll leave it to you to guess which ones!).
If you're putting together your first set of tools, I’d recommend starting with these:
As I moved through my apprenticeship and started gaining more experience at college, I began to build on my kit with some additional tools I was learning to use. These included:
By the time I was nearing the end of my four-year apprenticeship and getting ready to officially become a qualified electrician, I had saved up enough to make a few big purchases: a cordless drill/driver and a multifunction tester. These two items served me faithfully for the next decade in the trade.
Whether you're working on basic tasks like clipping twin-and-earth cable in a home or installing PVC conduit in a commercial setting, these tools will cover all your bases. And if you’re considering entering the SkillELECTRIC competition, this list will cover most of what you need to tackle the challenge head-on.
Finally, don’t forget to check out helpful resources like our Pocket Guide App or NICEIC publications to stay on top of the latest industry standards and best practices.
*****
Want to be in with the chance of winning a 10-piece electrician’s toolkit and rucksack worth £270 and some extra NICEIC goodies?
Electric Center, in association with CK Tools, is kindly contributing an Acel AC0892010-piece toolkit and rucksack to one lucky NICEIC student member!
All you need to do is complete the survey below and tell us more about what you’d like to see from the NICEIC Student Membership and your name will be entered into a prize draw.
Take the survey
*****
NICEIC student membership survey prize draw terms and conditions:
1. Promoter
This competition is run by Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC, registered at Warwick House Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 5ZX, UK.
2. Eligibility
Open to UK residents aged 18 years or over, and who are members of the NICEIC student membership scheme.
3. How to enter
Enter between 3/12/2024 and 17/12/2024 by completing the survey linked above. No purchase necessary. Only one entry will be accepted per person.
4. Prize
The prize is a 10-piece electrician’s toolkit worth £270. No cash or other alternatives. Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC may substitute a prize of equal or greater value if necessary.
5. Winner selection and notification
Winner will be selected at random and notified within 28 days of the competition closing. If the winner doesn’t respond within 30 days, a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be notified by the email provided within the survey, to learn when and where the prize will be delivered.
6. Data and publicity
Personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By entering, participants agree that their name and image may be used for promotional purposes unless they opt out.
7. Liability
Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC accepts no liability for loss or injury as a result of participation, except where liability cannot be excluded by law.
8. General
Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC may amend or cancel the competition if necessary.
9. Governing Law
This competition is governed by English law.
10. Contact
For queries, contact marketing@niceic.com
Keep reading to be in with the chance of winning an Acel 10-piece electrician’s toolkit and rucksack!
We’ve asked our Head of Product Development, Alex Robinson, to share his recommendations on tools you’ll need. Having started his career as an electrical apprentice, Alex has over 20 years’ experience within the industry, working on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as teaching at one of the largest colleges in the UK, Coleg Cambria.
Alex Robinson, Head of Product Development at NICEIC:
I’ll never forget the pride I felt when I bought my first set of tools at the start of my electrical apprenticeship.
There I was, excited and ready, holding a brand-new set of gear that I had no idea how to use. I even marked them with my initials – AR – though one of the seasoned electricians soon added a couple of extra letters with a permanent marker (I’ll leave it to you to guess which ones!).
If you're putting together your first set of tools, I’d recommend starting with these:
Basic tool set for an apprentice electrician
- Toolbox or tool bag
- Insulated screwdriver set (Phillips, Posidrive, and Slotted)
- Insulated side cutters
- Insulated pliers (long-nose and short-nose)
- Electrician’s knife
- Tape measure
- Spirit levels (pocket-sized and large)
- Hacksaws (junior and full-sized)
- Hammers (claw and lump)
- Masonry chisel
- Safe Isolation kit (including a voltage indicator, proving unit, lock-off device, and warning labels)
As I moved through my apprenticeship and started gaining more experience at college, I began to build on my kit with some additional tools I was learning to use. These included:
Tools for advancing in your training
- Ratchet crimping tool
- Plasterboard saw
- Mitre box or saw
- Bush wrench
- Nylon cable draw
- PVC conduit cutters
- 20mm bending spring
- Adjustable spanners (x2)
- Metal file set (hand, half-round, and round)
- Automatic wire strippers
By the time I was nearing the end of my four-year apprenticeship and getting ready to officially become a qualified electrician, I had saved up enough to make a few big purchases: a cordless drill/driver and a multifunction tester. These two items served me faithfully for the next decade in the trade.
Whether you're working on basic tasks like clipping twin-and-earth cable in a home or installing PVC conduit in a commercial setting, these tools will cover all your bases. And if you’re considering entering the SkillELECTRIC competition, this list will cover most of what you need to tackle the challenge head-on.
Finally, don’t forget to check out helpful resources like our Pocket Guide App or NICEIC publications to stay on top of the latest industry standards and best practices.
*****
Want to be in with the chance of winning a 10-piece electrician’s toolkit and rucksack worth £270 and some extra NICEIC goodies?
Electric Center, in association with CK Tools, is kindly contributing an Acel AC0892010-piece toolkit and rucksack to one lucky NICEIC student member!
All you need to do is complete the survey below and tell us more about what you’d like to see from the NICEIC Student Membership and your name will be entered into a prize draw.
Take the survey
*****
NICEIC student membership survey prize draw terms and conditions:
1. Promoter
This competition is run by Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC, registered at Warwick House Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 5ZX, UK.
2. Eligibility
Open to UK residents aged 18 years or over, and who are members of the NICEIC student membership scheme.
3. How to enter
Enter between 3/12/2024 and 17/12/2024 by completing the survey linked above. No purchase necessary. Only one entry will be accepted per person.
4. Prize
The prize is a 10-piece electrician’s toolkit worth £270. No cash or other alternatives. Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC may substitute a prize of equal or greater value if necessary.
5. Winner selection and notification
Winner will be selected at random and notified within 28 days of the competition closing. If the winner doesn’t respond within 30 days, a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be notified by the email provided within the survey, to learn when and where the prize will be delivered.
6. Data and publicity
Personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By entering, participants agree that their name and image may be used for promotional purposes unless they opt out.
7. Liability
Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC accepts no liability for loss or injury as a result of participation, except where liability cannot be excluded by law.
8. General
Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Certsure LLP, trading as NICEIC may amend or cancel the competition if necessary.
9. Governing Law
This competition is governed by English law.
10. Contact
For queries, contact marketing@niceic.com
