Electrician
Electricians install power, lighting and renewable technologies in buildings. They also inspect and repair electrical control systems and machinery.
Also known as: Electrical fitter, electrical technician, installation electrician
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 45 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As an electrician, you could:
- test electrical systems to make sure they're safe
- build electrical control panels
- service and repair electrical components in machinery
- fit smart controls for lighting, heating and security systems
- install electrical and fibre-optic cabling in homes and businesses
- respond to emergency call outs
Working environment
You could work on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be cramped and at height.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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 use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a electrician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a work accreditation scheme
- applying directly
College
You could start a college course to get some of the technical knowledge and skills that may help you get onto an apprenticeship, or find a trainee position with a company.
Courses include:
- electrical installation
- electronic and electrical engineering
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Even with a qualification, you will still need practical experience in the workplace, along with further on-the-job training, to become fully qualified.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do an apprenticeship with an electrical company, such as:
- Installation and Maintenance Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Domestic Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are open to all ages.
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
Work
If you've worked as an electrician and do not yet have a level 3 qualification, you may be able to get your skills and experience recognised through the Experienced Worker Assessment .
There are 2 assessment routes available, with one requiring at least 3 years' experience and the other needing 5 years.
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 in building services or electrical engineering.
Restrictions and requirements
You may need an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card to prove you have the qualifications and experience to do electrical work.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work in:
- site supervision
- estimating and contract management
- electrical project design
- training apprentices in a further education college
You might also become self-employed and set up your own electrical business.
Career tips
It's very important to check what training courses are offering before signing up. Electrical Careers give advice on how to choose the right training and qualifications to become a qualified electrician.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleElectrical engineering technician
- Job roleElectrical engineer
- Job roleBuilding services engineer
- Job roleLift engineer
- Job roleSmart home installer
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0