How satisfied are the nation’s sparkies?

A NEW study from Draper Tools has revealed Britain’s electricians experience high levels of job satisfaction, with more than 80% feeling satisfied with their careers.

The news comes as Draper launches its new XP1000 range of VDE hand tools, featuring 21 pliers and 55 screwdrivers, plus sets of both and tethered plier options too. The company worked closely with the trade over a two-year period to develop the range, taking time to understand the highs and the lows of the industry along the way.

What satisfies sparkies?

When it comes to the two top reasons why electricians enjoy their jobs, it all comes down to a love of problem-solving and the satisfaction that comes with using tools on a daily basis.

More than a third of electricians feel like they’re providing a vital service, which contributes to their job satisfaction. A third also said they enjoyed travelling to different locations for work. And just over a quarter cited the money as one of the most satisfying aspects of the job.

Commenting on the findings, Phil Rowley, Sales Director at Draper Tools said: “As part of developing the XP1000 range, we spent a long time listening to the thoughts and feedback of the electrical trade. We worked closely with key figures in the industry to get our product offering right, but we also wanted to really get to know the sector and the people within it.

“We couldn’t help but be impressed with the passion and the pride electricians have for their work and this has certainly fed into the development of the range. It’s been a fascinating journey, getting to the heart of what matters to this vital sector.”

The tools for success

Other reasons electricians love what they do included getting good feedback from customers, regularly interacting with different people and how every day is different. A quarter cited the banter with other trades as one of the things they enjoy about the role.

Tools of the trade are all part of the appeal too – a quarter of electricians said they get a sense of satisfaction from adding to their tool collection. And around 1 in 6 even admitted they get enjoyment from simply sitting back and admiring their tools.

Draper’s Phil Rowley continued: “Of course, having quality tools is essential to doing a good job when you’re dealing with electrics. But we were bowled over by the amount of love and pride people have for their tool collections.

“We hope our XP1000 range will go on to earn its place in the hearts of the nation’s electricians. The entire collection has certainly been a big investment for us, but we’re confident there is a lot to love about it. It’s reliable, comfortable, safe and comes with our Draper Expert Lifetime Warranty too.”

The recently launched Draper XP1000 range is tested to 10,000V, suitable for use on live AC circuits up to 1,000V and DC circuits up to 1,500V, and fully compliant to EN60900 standards. It’s already getting great feedback from early testers of the range, with over 85% of them saying they’d recommend it.

Short fuse: the downsides of the job

While there’s no doubting the love electricians have for their work, there are a few downsides. The biggest complaints were about rude customers and bosses. And more than a third of electricians get frustrated when those around them don’t understand the basics of how electrics work.

While some like the banter, 29% said dealing with other trades was one of the worst things about the job. Just over one in six cited poor workmanship by other trades as making their jobs worse.

Not being offered a hot drink on the job was also a common complaint from more than a quarter of respondents. There are some more serious concerns too: a small number of electricians worry about the daily risks associated with the job. 

Life lessons and looking back

On the whole, it’s a rewarding career choice, with more than half of the nation’s electricians feeling this way. Feelings were split when it comes to career progression, with 51% saying there are plenty of opportunities to progress.

More than a third have never regretted their decision to train as an electrician. But there are a few things they wish they’d known as an apprentice, the most common being the importance of paying attention to detail.

30% of the electricians in the Draper study would tell their younger selves that “it takes time, but hard work eventually pays off”. More than a quarter wish they’d known how important people skills would be when they started out. The same number admit they’d have like to have known more about running their own business. While a tool-loving 1 in 6 would warn their younger selves just how addictive buying new tools can be.

What would you tell your younger apprentice self? Join the discussion by following Draper Tools on social media.

To see the full study findings and all the information on the new Draper XP1000 range, visit www.drapertools.com/xp1000