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Electrical engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Electrical engineering technicians install, repair and maintain electrical equipment, systems and controls.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£43,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

on call as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an electrical engineering technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

More Information

College

You can take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and may help you to find a trainee position with a company.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation
  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 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 could become a technician after completing an electrical engineering technician or electrical installation and maintenance technician advanced apprenticeship.

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

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and qualifications. For example, from electrical, electronic, power or building services engineering.

More information

You can find out more about careers in electrical engineering through Tomorrow's Engineers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on where you work as an electrical engineering technician, you could:

  • install turbines, switchgear and power lines
  • service traffic lights, street lights and motorway signs
  • assemble, fit and repair drives, motors and programmable logic control (PLC) panels
  • upgrade rail and signalling systems
  • fix electrical faults in machines
  • install and maintain lights, heating, lifts and escalators
  • carry out safety inspections

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, in an office, at a power station or in a factory.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • move into leadership, managing a team of technicians
  • become self employed as an electrical sub contractor
  • take on electrical design work
  • train more to qualify as an electrical engineer
  • become a building service engineer or facilities manager

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Installation Electrician and/or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Heysham, Morecambe

Electrical Engineering Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC IN ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

  • Provider: HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 18 September 2023
  • Location: HARTLEPOOL

HNC Engineering (Electrical)

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Maidstone
Find courses near you

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