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Electrician

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Electricians in the UK install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings, vehicles, and machinery. They work in a variety of settings including residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. To become an electrician, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship or a relevant college course, followed by obtaining a recognised qualification such as the Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations. This career requires good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and safety awareness, as working with electricity can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Electrician

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The typical annual salary for electricians in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £40,000, depending on experience and location.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 130,000 electricians working across the UK, with demand expected to grow due to new construction and infrastructure projects.

Job Outlook

The job prospects for electricians are good, with a predicted growth rate of around 3% over the next decade, reflecting ongoing need for electrical work in homes and businesses.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Apprentice Electrician

A role focused on gaining practical experience while learning electrical installations and maintenance under supervision.

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Commercial Electrician

Specialising in installing and maintaining electrical systems in commercial properties such as offices, shops, and factories.

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Electrical Maintenance Technician

A position involving routine inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems in various settings.

Exploring the Role of an Electrician 🧑‍🔧

Research the Role

Learn what electricians do, the skills needed, and where they work. Understanding the job helps you decide if it suits your interests.

Watch videos or read articles about electricians to see the kind of work they do daily. Find out about tasks like installing lighting, fixing electrical faults, and reading electrical diagrams.

Gaining Relevant Education and Skills 🎓

Complete GCSEs

Aim to achieve good GCSE results in subjects like Maths, Science, and Design Technology, which are important foundations for becoming an electrician.

Strong grades in these subjects will help you access further training and apprenticeships. Focus on developing your problem-solving and practical skills.

Starting an Apprenticeship or Trainee Programme 🔧

Apply for Apprenticeships

Look for electrical apprenticeships offered by companies or training providers. These combine work experience with technical training.

An apprenticeship typically lasts 3 to 4 years, during which you will learn on the job while studying for recognised qualifications such as the Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations.

Gain Experience and Certification 📝

Complete Your Training and Obtain Qualifications

Finish your apprenticeship and earn the necessary certifications, such as the Electrical Installation Level 3 Diploma and the Part P registration.

These qualifications are essential for legal and safety reasons and allow you to work independently as a qualified electrician. Consider gaining additional specialisms like solar or data cabling.

🎯 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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