How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You’ll usually need an electrical qualification to work as an installer.
You could do a college course to get some of the technical knowledge and skills that may help you get onto an apprenticeship, or to find a trainee installer position with a company.
Courses include:
- electrical installation
- electronic and electrical engineering
- electrical wiring regulations (18th edition)
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
You may also need to complete a short course on the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, depending on your experience and any existing qualifications you hold.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Installation and Maintenance Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an installation or construction company.
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
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Work
You could start as an installation labourer, working with qualified installers, and do training on the job with the support of your employer.
If you’re a qualified electrician you could take a short training course in the installation and maintenance of small solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This would allow you to fit solar panels and connect them to a building's electrical mains network.
You could take solar PV training to fit solar panels to buildings if you’re a qualified roofer. You'll still need to work with an electrician to connect the panels to a building’s power system.
Check with training providers to find out about the courses they offer and which might be best for you.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for jobs if you have experience and qualifications in electrical installation and maintenance.
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Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Career tips
You can demonstrate that you work to industry quality standards by applying to have your installation skills recognised through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
You can also extend this to other renewable technologies, like solar heating, battery storage and heat pumps, if you work in those areas.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a solar panel installer from: