Re: As an ex industrial Sparky, I have to agree.
As an electric apprentice in Germany the first thing you get tatooed on your forehead are
The Five Security Rules
1. separate completely (isolate the installation from all possible sources of electrical power);
2. fix (protect against reconnection) in the open position all the breaker components or switching device in the on position, or adopt preventative measures when that is not feasible;
3. verify there is no electrical power, after having previous identified the place of work and the installation which has been placed without electrical power;
4. ground and connect in a short circuit;
5. protect against nearby power sources and delimit the working zone.
Well, in most of the rest of the world one can call himself an electrician once he managed to identify the working end of a screwdriver.
Apprenticeship as electrician lasts 3.5 years in an electrical company, half of the time spent in schools of the chamber of crafts. One even learns metalwork like operating a lathe, welding and blacksmithing.
At the end you undergo theory and practice exams. Well, that certifies as engineer in the rest of makeshift wrigglers world. To certify as engineer in Germany you have to pack up another 2.5 years of studying and internships. Spending at least 5 years on site after that, you might be accepted as a real engineer by your fellow work mates.
If you then get your arse up to work abroad your´e in for a culture and probably electric shock.