Jimbo the Electrician on tools, TikTok and true skill
- Welshman James Watkins never anticipated becoming an electrician but accidentally found a trade he loves
- Thousands of people follow James’ content on TikTok, where he celebrates the true skill of his trade
- James loves Steel Blue boots for their comfort and how easy they are to slip on and off.
James Watkins—known as Jimbo the Electrician—didn’t always want to be an electrician. Two of his friends had signed up to study it at trade school, so he decided to do the same.
“I literally fell into it,” James said. “I realised I loved it almost as soon as I started working.
“I also like that there’s so much to it that you’re constantly learning new things.”
These days, James is well known as a passionate advocate for his trade— sharing his skills and creating content, not just on TikTok but also on YouTube and Instagram, to promote the best-practice ways of doing things.
A job well done
James, who hails from Wales in the UK, got an apprenticeship through his college and, eight years later, still works with the same company—although he did move away to work for Thomas Nagy (Tom the Sparky on social media) for a year.
He works mostly on factory, industrial and commercial jobs, including maintenance and installation, and said he gets a great deal of satisfaction from doing work “that looks nice”. His social media followers are used to seeing neat installations with clearly organised cabling, and a pristine and ordered tool bag.
“I’ve always had a thing for tools, buying new tools, setting up my tool bag different ways and changing my bag,” James said. I do like my tools to be organised. If I know exactly where a tool is, I don’t waste time digging through a toolbox trying to find it.”
A social media star
Pride in his tools was where James’ social media career began.
“My first TikTok was about a new pencil I bought and that had a hundred thousand views,” James said. “It just went from there.”
His social content is a mixture of fun and funny videos and solid advice for other electricians. It has proven very popular—and he now works with brands on sponsored posts, has an educational newsletter, and regularly appears on trade podcasts and other industry content.
“It has almost become a job in itself because I am earning decent money from it,” James said.
“But my main aim is to educate other electricians—to give them help and tips.”
View this post on Instagram
Why James loves Steel Blue work boots
James discovered Steel Blue boots after seeing other tradesmen wearing them on social media. When he saw them on a stand at a trade show, he decided to buy his first pair.
“They’re slip-on boots and I just absolutely love them,” he said. “They’re quick and easy to get on and off if you’re working in and out of a house; there’s no laces—they save you a lot of time. They were comfortable from day one.”
Head to your local Steel Blue stockist to discover work boots that are a mark of true skill, or shop online.
