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Electrician

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

Electricians fit, service and repair electric machines, equipment and wires.

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

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
  • getting accredited
  • applying directly

College

A college course can give you some of the technical knowledge and practical skills you'll need to become an electrician. You'll still need practical experience in the workplace to become fully qualified.

Doing a course may help you get an apprenticeship or trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

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

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 or domestic 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

Work

If you've worked as an electrician for 5 years or more and do not have a level 3 qualification, you may be able to get your experience recognised through the Experienced Worker Assessment.

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 building services or electrical engineering.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can find out more about professional and industry bodies for electricians from Electrical Careers.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming 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 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

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

Depending on the type of electrician you are, you could:

  • check electrical systems to make sure they're safe
  • build and install electric control panels
  • repair electric parts in machines
  • install street lights and traffic management systems
  • fit wires, sockets and switches in homes
  • rewire homes and business properties

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:

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

Apprentice Electrician - Cumbria/Whitehaven

  • Wage: £10,600.00 Annually
  • Location: Nursery Road, Sellafield
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Electrical Installation

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Ipswich

Diploma in Electrical Installation

  • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Bridgwater
Find courses near you

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