Sparks Electrical News September 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

6

HOW TO RUN YOUR ELECTRICAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONALLY

T his is the first of a new series focusing on how to become an electrical contractor and run of a successful business. The South African prepaid industry is a growing one, and with men and women being given access to skills devel- opment and training, we are seeing more people considering careers as electricians and plumbers. Almost every building, whether residential or commercial, has basic utilities such as electricity and plumbing, therefore the demand for qualified installers is always high. If you’ve considered becoming an electrician, Citiq Prepaid has put together a list of things to help you understand what your career path will look like: Get certified Electricians don’t need to have a university degree but industry-

recognised training is required to become a qualified installer. If you are considering a career as an installer then we encourage you to make contact with the Electrical Contractors Associa- tion (ECA). Through professional partnerships and accredited training centres, the ECA offers a variety of skills development and training courses to equip aspiring electrical practitioners. Consider an internship You have just got your certification and are keen to start your own business. However, sometimes the best thing to do is con- sider an internship. An internship gives you the opportunity to gain on-the-job training from experts with years of experience, so you can hone your skills in a real world setting. Many certifi- cation programmes or trade schools will also help you connect with professional contractors you can work with as an apprentice. Professional equipment Once you start gaining experience, it’s important to invest in the right tools and equipment. Start off small and grow your collection of equipment before starting your own business. This ensures that your start-up costs are low and that you feel confidently equipped to go out on your own. Apart from equipment, your main expense is likely to be a van or truck that you can take to jobs and use to transport all your professional equipment. Register your business Once you’ve made the brave decision to start your own electrical business, it’s important to sort out the different admin tasks i.e. business registration, legal and tax. To get your business up and running, speak to a professional from the onset about your best op- tions. In the next issues, we will provide detailed infor- mation about registering your own business. Market your business It has become more important than ever for small businesses to market themselves, especially in such a competitive industry. Most businesses understand the importance of creating a website, being active on social media and building a strong brand. These are important for electrical companies as well. In upcom- ing articles, we provide more insightful tips and re- sources for marketing your electrical business. Note: If you are considering becoming an electrician, there are several pathways you can choose from and gain all the necessary knowledge and experi- ence required. With an immense pool of expertise from which to draw, the ECA is well placed to pro- vide members with excellent and accurate advice on all aspects of running a safe, efficient and prof- itable contracting business. For more information, visit www.ecasa.co.za

Enquiries: www.citiqprepaid.co.za

NO ORDINARY GLAND

T ufflon compression glands from Pratley are made from a tough engineering plastic that is unlike ordinary PVC. This renders them virtually unbreakable, and makes them ideal for ap- pliances and instrumentation in a wide range of ap- plications and industries, from sewerage and chemi- cal plants to abattoirs. An IP68 seal also protects the gland from the ingress of dust, and renders it com- pletely waterproof for immersion up to 2 m.

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 955 2190

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2019