An Electrician in the UK

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CC BY-NC-SA

Bilete: Jens Sølvberg

Before listening, use the dictionary to check that you know the meaning of the following words: further afield; this job is top of the pile in the trade; aptitude; repetitive; refurbish; liaising; give and take; socket; switch; scenario; wireless; Velcro

Listen to the following interview with an electrician in the UK and find out:

• Where he works. (type of company - large/small, etc)
• Where about in the UK he works.
• Why he chose this profession.
• What type of tasks he has to do on a typical day at work.
• What personal qualities he suggests are needed by an electrician.
• Does he describe any work processes or services that he provides?
• What he likes best and least about his job.
• How he thinks this line of work will change in the future.
• Where he sees himself in 5 - 10 years' time.

After you have practised, add more dialogue for some of the following situations:

• The boss says that Joe hasn’t turned up for work. Harry is asked to suggest someone else to help him.
• There are not enough switches. Harry is told to go to the electrical supplier to get some more.
• Harry has to work on the outside of the building. He complains to his boss that it will be too cold.
• Harry is given the job of checking out a problem with a power failure in a residential area. It is urgent.