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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

£48,000 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

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:

  • electrical installation
  • electrical and electronic engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

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 for an advanced apprenticeship to become a technician. Apprenticeships include:

  • Installation and Maintenance Level 3
  • Engineering Technician Level 3
  • Power Industry Substation Fitter Level 3

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.

Further 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 and carry out safety inspections
  • install and maintain lights, heating, lifts and escalators

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an electrical engineering technician to be a green job, you could:

  • install and maintain renewable technologies like wind turbines and heat pumps
  • use environmentally friendly materials like biodegradable or recyclable plastics
  • follow industry standards to make sure you are working in an environmentally responsible way

Find out more about green careers

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

Engineering Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: ONGAR, ESSEX

The Royal Navy - Accelerated Apprentice (Submariner) - Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

  • Wage: £33,000 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HNC Engineering (Electrical & Electronic)

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Maidstone

HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering (HTQ)

  • Provider: WARRINGTON & VALE ROYAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2025
  • Location: Warrington
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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