About SPARK and Real-World Careers

The Electrical Trade Academy is dedicated to teaching foundational electrical knowledge and safe working practices — the kind that underpin careers across a wide range of technical and industrial sectors.
Whether you’re a beginner, a student, an employee in a hands-on role, or someone looking to pivot into a more technical field, this platform exists to help you gain the real-world knowledge needed to progress with confidence.

The Electrical Trade Academy is built around our unique SPARK Methodology — a clear, five-part framework that ensures every lesson gives you what you need, not what you don’t.

Here’s what SPARK stands for:
S — Structured Learning
Each lesson follows a clear progression, designed to build knowledge layer by layer. No random rabbit holes, no missing steps — just a practical path you can follow.

P — Practical Focus
Theory without application is useless. Our lessons show you how electrical concepts work with real tools, circuits, and environments — the kind you’ll actually deal with in industry.

A — Actionable Skills
Every tutorial leaves you with something to apply — whether it’s understanding a protection method, spotting risks, or confidently explaining a key concept.

R — Real-World Relevance
From electrical installations to robotics, from HVAC to lighting control systems — electrical knowledge is everywhere. We teach with those real applications in mind.

K — Knowledge That Lasts
This isn’t crammable trivia. It’s durable, career-ready understanding that sticks with you and forms a foundation for whatever path you take next.

Careers requiring such electrical knowledge span almost every sector:

Direct electrical work (i.e. as an Electrician)
From medical machine installation to elevator wiring and controls
From production line machines and robotics to server farm installations
From plant operators to maintenance personnel
From HVAC system installations to electrical fault finding
From theatre electrics and lighting rig controls to electrics in commercial spaces

The list is endless, but offers an appreciation of the extent of career possibilities.

ABOUT ME:

I spent the first 16 years of my pre-electrical career working on corporate projects with the predecesor of Network Rail, involved with telecomms infrastructure upgrades before moving to the BBC as a Project Manager on property refurbishment projects.

Then came a career change opportunity coinciding with with an awakened passion for the world of electrical work. The past 15+ years gave me the perfect opportunity to create the best and safest electrical upgrades and rewires for a wide range of clients, strategically and methodically resolved countless issues and outages, and became an advocate of electrical safety awareness and best practice in both domestic and commercial settings.

Whilst still a practising electrician, another turning point emerged that gifted the opportunity to offer my knowledge, experience and help to others by leveraging the advantage of online video learning – the perfect solution to help the many while remaining focussed on content quality.

I look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Simon Barrass