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Electrician

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Electricians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They need to understand wiring, safety regulations, and electrical codes. The job often involves working both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in challenging conditions. To become an electrician, you typically complete an apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Electricians play a vital role in ensuring buildings are safe and powered efficiently, making this a rewarding career for those interested in practical problem-solving and technical work.

Electrician

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The typical annual salary for an electrician in the UK ranges from around £24,000 to £40,000, depending on experience and specialisation.

Employment Opportunities

There are approximately 70,000 electricians employed across the UK, with steady growth expected due to ongoing infrastructure projects and renewable energy developments.

Qualification Requirements

Most electricians in the UK complete a Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations or equivalent, and must register with a competent persons scheme to work legally.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Apprentice Electrician

A beginner role where you gain practical experience while working under the supervision of a qualified electrician, learning electrical installation and maintenance skills.

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Commercial Electrician

Specialising in electrical work for business premises, including offices, shops, and factories, focusing on installation and maintenance of commercial electrical systems.

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Electrical Maintenance Technician

Responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems within buildings or industrial settings to ensure safety and functionality.

Exploring the Role of an Electrician ⚡

Learn about the electrician profession

Start by researching what electricians do, including the types of work they perform and where they work.

Watch videos or read articles about electricians to understand their daily tasks and responsibilities. This will help you decide if this career suits your interests and skills.

Identify the skills required

Find out what skills and qualities are important for electricians, such as problem-solving, manual dexterity, and attention to detail.

Understanding these skills early will help you focus on developing them through your education and experiences.

Speak to professionals

Try to meet with or interview qualified electricians to learn about their experiences and advice.

Networking with professionals can give you valuable insights and tips for entering the profession.

Gaining Relevant Education and Qualifications 🎓

Complete your school GCSEs

Aim to achieve good GCSE results, especially in maths, science, and technical subjects.

These subjects provide a strong foundation for further electrical training and are often required for apprenticeship programmes.

Enroll in a vocational course or college

Join a college or vocational course specialising in electrical installation or engineering.

Courses such as Level 2 or Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installation can prepare you for working as an apprentice.

Gain relevant certifications

Obtain essential health and safety certifications like the ECS or CSCS card.

These certifications are often necessary to work on construction sites and in various electrical roles across the UK.

Completing an Apprenticeship and Gaining Experience 🛠️

Apply for an electrical apprenticeship

Find and apply for apprenticeships with electrical contractors or companies.

An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with classroom learning, providing practical experience under supervision.

Learn on the job

Work alongside experienced electricians to gain hands-on skills and understand industry standards.

This stage is crucial for developing your technical abilities and confidence in handling electrical systems safely.

Complete your training and assessments

Finish your apprenticeship and pass any required exams or assessments to become a qualified electrician.

Once qualified, you can register with relevant bodies such as NICEIC or ELECSA to work professionally and independently.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Electrician. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a work accreditation scheme
  • applying directly

College

You could start a college course to get some of the technical knowledge and skills that may help you get onto an apprenticeship, or find a trainee position with a company.

Courses include:

  • electrical installation
  • electronic and electrical engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Even with a qualification, you will still need practical experience in the workplace, along with further on-the-job training, to become fully qualified.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship with an electrical company, such as:

  • Installation and Maintenance Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Domestic Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are open to all ages.

You can also train to become an electrician through an apprenticeship in the armed forces.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

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Work

If you've worked as an electrician and do not yet have a level 3 qualification, you may be able to get your skills and experience recognised through the Experienced Worker Assessment.

There are 2 assessment routes available, with one requiring at least 3 years' experience and the other needing 5 years.

Direct Application

You may be able to get a job as an electrician if you've got experience and relevant qualifications from a related career, for example in building services or electrical engineering.

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Career tips

It's very important to check what training courses are offering before signing up. Electrical Careers give advice on how to choose the right training and qualifications to become a qualified electrician.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become an electrician from:

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