Electrician

You can take a Level 2 and 3 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), 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can do an installation electrician advanced apprenticeship.

You can also train to do this job in the armed forces. You can find out more at:

• Army
• Royal Air Force

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships
• Army apprenticeships
• RAF apprenticeships

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.

Registration

• you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Further information

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

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

Your work will depend on what type of electrician you are, for example:

• installation electrician - install power systems, lighting, fire protection, security and data networks in buildings
• maintenance electrician - check electrical systems to make sure they're working correctly and safely
• electrotechnical panel builder - make and install control panels that operate electrical systems in buildings, like heating or alarms
• machine repair and rewind electrician - fix and maintain electrical motors and transformers found in industrial equipment
• highway systems electrician - install and maintain street lighting and traffic management systems

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.