You can take a Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation which may help you to find a trainee position with a company.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
Electrician
Alternative titles for this job include Electrical fitter, electrical technician, installation electrician
Electricians fit, service and fix electrical equipment, circuits, machinery 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
How to become an Electrician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
Apprenticeship
You can do an advanced apprenticeship as an installation electrician.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More information
More information
Registration
you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Further information
Electrical Careers has more details about how to become an electrician.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- maths knowledge for understanding technical plans
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with your hands and use equipment safely
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- customer service skills for working with colleagues and clients
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your work will depend on the type of electrician you are:
- installation electrician - installing power systems, lighting, fire protection, security and data-network systems in all types of buildings
- maintenance electrician - checking systems to make sure they're working efficiently and safely
- electrotechnical panel builder - making and installing control panels to operate the electrical systems inside buildings
- machine repair and rewind electrician - fixing and maintaining electrical motors and transformers
- highway systems electrician - installing and maintaining street lighting and traffic management systems
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, at height and outdoors in all weathers.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into design engineering, site or project management, consultancy work or training.
You could also set up your own business.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Electrical (Electro technical) Advanced Apprenticeship (Buildings & Structures)
- Wage : £148.00 Weekly
- Location: Dorking RH4 1EB
Electrical Apprentice
- Wage : £148.00 Weekly
- Location: Bury BL9 6PW
Courses In England
Diploma in Electrical Installation (Electrical Electrician Electricity installation wiring IEE)
- Provider: Barking & Dagenham College
- Start date: 04 September 2019
- Location: Romford
Award In The Requirements For Electrical Installation Level 3 - C&G 2382/18
- Provider: HERTFORD REGIONAL COLLEGE
- Start date: 02 April 2019
- Location: Turnford