examine and maintain the station transformers, switchgear, generators and motors, again developing his skill at tracing and repairing faults. As there are some 231 power stations up and down the country and 15 apprentice schools, it is often possible for apprentices to be located near their homes.

Further education
     From the beginning of his training the apprentice is released with pay from work one day each week to attend a course of study at technical college. In some areas release may be given for a series of short full-time attendances at a college. The course usually taken by apprentice electrical fitters not only supplements their practical training, but prepares them to take a City and Guilds of London Institute Certificate, such as No. 58. At the end of this course papers are taken in calculations and drawing and in electrical trades theory. Further study may lead to endorsements in subjects such as switchgear assembly and wiring, or the maintenance of power station auxiliaries. A craft apprentice of exceptional ambition will occasionally attempt the City and Guilds Electrical Technician’s Course No. 57 or an Ordinary National Certificate in electrical engineering.