Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Construction

Electrician

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. To become an electrician, one usually completes an apprenticeship or technical college course, gaining practical experience. Electricians need to be precise, safety-conscious, and good problem solvers, ensuring electrical systems are safe and efficient. The work can be physically demanding and requires working in various environments, often at heights or in confined spaces.

Electrician

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The typical salary for an electrician in the UK ranges from £24,000 to £40,000 per year, with experienced electricians earning up to £50,000 or more.

Employment Opportunities

There are approximately 130,000 electricians employed across the UK, with steady demand expected due to ongoing construction and maintenance needs.

Job Growth

The job market for electricians is projected to grow by around 8% over the next decade, which is faster than average for all professions.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Electrical Maintenance Technician

Specialising in maintaining and repairing electrical systems in commercial or industrial settings, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Residential Electrician

Focusing on installing and maintaining electrical systems within private homes and small residential buildings.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Electrical Installer

Involved in the installation of electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment in new buildings or during renovations.

Exploring the Profession 🧑‍🔧

Research the Role

Find out what electricians do, the skills required, and the working environment. Understanding the profession helps you decide if it's the right career for you.

Look for videos, articles, or talk to qualified electricians to get insights into their daily tasks. This will give you a realistic picture of the job.

Identify Skills and Qualities

Make a list of the skills and qualities needed, such as technical ability, problem-solving, and good hand-eye coordination.

Assess your current skills to see what you need to develop. Focus on maths, physics, and practical skills that are essential for electrical work.

Education and Training 🎓

Complete Relevant Qualifications

Enroll in a recognised electrical course or apprenticeship that covers essential skills and safety procedures.

You can start with GCSEs in maths, physics, and technology, then progress to vocational courses like Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installation.

Gain Practical Experience

Participate in work placements or apprenticeships to develop hands-on skills under supervision.

Real-world experience is vital. Look for local companies or training providers offering apprentice positions to learn on the job.

Gaining Qualifications and Certification 🛠️

Achieve Industry Certifications

Obtain necessary certifications such as the ECS or City & Guilds to demonstrate your competence.

These certifications are recognised across the UK and are often a legal requirement for working independently as an electrician.

Register with Professional Bodies

Join professional organisations like NICEIC or ELECSA to enhance credibility and access further training.

Being registered can help with finding work and building a professional reputation in the industry.

Start Working as an Electrician 💼

Find Employment or Start Freelance

Seek employment with electrical contractors or start your own business once qualified and registered.

Building a network and gaining good references will help you secure contracts or steady employment. Keep updating your skills with ongoing training.

Continue Professional Development 📚

Keep up with industry changes, new regulations, and technology through courses and seminars.

The electrical industry evolves with new safety standards and innovative technologies. Staying current ensures your skills remain competitive.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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:

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.