Course Overview:
The Electrical Installation course at St. Pierre and Alix Life Skills Training College offers comprehensive training in domestic and commercial wiring systems, preparing learners to install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical infrastructure safely and professionally. With electricity being a fundamental part of modern living and business, qualified electricians are highly sought after across Uganda for housing projects, small industries, schools, and NGOs.
This hands-on, industry-aligned course equips students with both theoretical understanding and practical competence to handle electrical circuits, wiring systems, lighting, appliances, and safety components. The course follows national training standards under the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and provides the foundation for both employment and self-employment in the energy and construction sectors.
What You Will Learn:
1. Basic Electrical Theory and Safety
Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of electricity—voltage, current, resistance, and power. They also learn about electrical units, conductors and insulators, and basic calculations used in wiring design. Safety is emphasized from the start, with detailed training in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of tools, and electrical hazard prevention.
2. Electrical Tools and Materials
Trainees gain hands-on familiarity with essential tools such as wire strippers, pliers, multimeters, testers, screwdrivers, drills, conduit benders, and ladders. They also learn about materials including wires, switches, sockets, fuses, circuit breakers, cables, trunking, and conduits.
3. Domestic Wiring and Installation
The course covers the step-by-step process of wiring residential buildings—installing lighting points, socket outlets, circuit boards, and switches. Students are taught to interpret house wiring diagrams, follow installation regulations, and work with both surface and concealed wiring systems.
4. Electrical Circuits and Load Balancing
Trainees learn how to create and analyze both series and parallel circuits. They are trained in calculating load demands, voltage drops, and circuit protection. Load balancing and energy efficiency techniques are introduced to help learners design safe and sustainable systems.
5. Appliance Installation and Repair
Students are trained to install, wire, and test electrical appliances such as water heaters, electric cookers, fans, and lighting fixtures. They also learn to perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on faulty switches, wiring, and connections.
6. Circuit Protection and Control Systems
To ensure safety and compliance, students study fuse systems, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), residual current devices (RCDs), and control panels. They are also taught how to test earth connections, install grounding systems, and use testers for safety checks.
7. Solar and Alternative Energy (Introductory)
In response to the growing demand for off-grid energy, the course includes an introduction to solar power systems. Students learn basic concepts of photovoltaic panels, solar charge controllers, inverters, and batteries, especially for rural installations.
8. Estimation, Costing, and Entrepreneurship
Students are trained in how to estimate materials, labor costs, and time for both small and medium-scale projects. They also learn business skills, including marketing services, providing quotations, client communication, and managing a freelance electrical practice.
Who This Course Is For:
This course is suitable for:
- Youth interested in skilled trades and technical careers
- School leavers (P.7, S.4, S.6) seeking professional qualifications
- Adults looking to transition into electrical work
- Builders and technicians wanting to expand their skill set
No previous electrical experience is required, but learners should have basic math skills and an interest in hands-on technical work.
Practical Experience:
Students work in a dedicated electrical lab and workshop where they carry out simulations, practice installations, and complete real wiring tasks. They also install or repair electrical systems in classrooms, staff housing, and local community structures—under supervision of skilled instructors.
Practical tests, wiring boards, and live installations are used for continuous assessment, preparing learners for real-world scenarios.
Certification and Career Opportunities:
Graduates are awarded a national certificate in Electrical Installation under the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT). This qualification opens doors to various career paths, including:
- Domestic and commercial electrician
- Maintenance technician
- Site electrician for construction companies
- Self-employed electrical contractor
- Electrical appliance repair specialist
- Solar energy technician (with further training)
The course is a stepping stone for advanced training in industrial electrical systems, automation, or electronics.
Course Duration:
The course runs for 12 to 18 months depending on the learner’s availability and includes workshop practice, theoretical lessons, and final assessments. Short courses (3–6 months) in wiring, appliance repair, or solar basics are also available for specific interests.
Required Materials:
The institute provides shared workshop tools and safety gear.
Students are expected to acquire:
- Overalls and protective boots
- Multimeter/tester
- Basic hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, tape measure)
- Notebooks and safety gloves
Students also receive guidance on assembling a personal toolkit for professional use post-graduation.
Success Story:
Simon Mubiru, a graduate of the program, started wiring homes in his neighborhood and expanded into solar installations with a local NGO. He now trains young people in his church and has a growing reputation as a trusted electrician in Wakiso and neighboring communities.
