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Electrician

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

Electricians fit, service and repair electrical machinery, equipment, circuits and wiring.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 40 a week

You could work

on call as customers demand

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See which sectors you’ll find this job in, what qualifications you need to work in this area and if these types of jobs are going up or going down. This information can help you make good career decisions.

Explore job trends for this group.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an electrician

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can take a college course which may help you to find an trainee apprentice position with a company. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering (Electrical)
  • Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation
  • T level for Installation and Maintenance Electricians

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 can do an installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship.

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

Direct Application

You may be able to move into electrical installation work if you've got experience and relevant qualifications from a related industry, for example building services or electrical engineering.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an electrician from Electrical Careers and Go Construct.

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 for understanding technical plans
  • 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 and use equipment safely
  • customer service skills for working with colleagues and clients
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you could:

  • check electrical systems to make sure they're working safely
  • build and install control panels that operate electrical systems in buildings
  • repair electrical motors and transformers in industrial machinery
  • install street lighting and traffic management systems
  • fit electrical wiring, sockets and switches to new-build homes
  • rewire homes and commercial premises during refurbishment

Working environment

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

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 move into electrical design engineering, site or project management, estimating or electrical contracts work.

You could also set up your own business or train apprentices.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Electrical Apprentice

  • Wage: £136.50 Weekly
  • Location: Newton Aycliffe

Installation Electrician and/or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Welwyn Garden City
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Electrical Installation

  • Provider: GLOUCESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2021
  • Location: Gloucester

Electrical Installation Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 September 2021
  • Location: Newton Abbot
Find courses near you

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