1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Electrician

Electrician

Alternative titles for this job include Electrical fitter, electrical technician, installation electrician

Electricians install power, lighting and renewable technologies in buildings. They also inspect and repair electrical control systems and machinery.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£44,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 45 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 Electrician

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 gain some of the technical knowledge 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

You'll 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 a 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:

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card to prove you have the qualifications and experience to do electrical work.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an electrician, you could:

  • test electrical systems to make sure they're safe
  • build electrical control panels
  • service and repair electrical components in machinery
  • fit smart controls for lighting, heating and security systems
  • install electrical and fibre-optic cabling in homes and businesses
  • respond to emergency call outs

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an electrician to be a green job, you could:

  • install solar panels on buildings
  • work on the roll out of electric vehicle charging points
  • service and maintain controls on low carbon heating and cooling units

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be cramped and at height.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work in:

  • site supervision
  • estimating and contract management
  • electrical project design
  • training and assessment

You might also become self-employed and set up your own electrical business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Electrician

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: CLIPBUSH BUSINESS PARK, HAWTHORN WAY, FAKENHAM

Apprentice -Electrification Plant Electrician (Level 3)

  • Wage: £16,000 a year Annually
  • Location: YO1 9NX
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Electrical Installation

  • Provider: PETROC
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Barnstaple

Electrical Installation

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Ipswich
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.