Training to be an electrician – our complete guide

Thinking about a new and exciting career change? If you’ve ever considered training to be an electrician, then you probably want to know the kind of work this job involves. Find out all the essential info about learning this key skill.

In the UK, training to be an electrician can be the start of an exciting and rewarding career. But, where do you start?

In this guide, we'll talk you through the benefits of training as an electrician. We'll also look at the qualifications you need and how to gain practical experience. So, let's get started...

Why train to be an electrician?

Changing career paths can be a daunting prospect. However, with the right attitude and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience.

Some of the benefits of being an electrician in the UK include:

• Being your own boss

• Interesting and challenging work

• Excellent earning potential

• Varied working environments

• Skills that can help you for the rest of your life

Many electricians love their job and find it's a brilliant career choice. But it's not for everyone. So you need to do your homework to understand if it's the right job for you.

What does an electrician do?

An electrician’s main responsibilities lie in the designing, installation, maintenance, testing, and repairing of electrical wiring systems and equipment.

Many electricians often find their work involves fixing electrical problems or installing electrical, lighting and heating systems in homes or commercial properties.

A typical day for an electrician...

As with any professional trade, electricians are often responsible for a huge range of different electrical work and tasks. As a result, no two working days are ever the same.

Here are some of the typical jobs you might be hired to do, once you’re a qualified electrician:

• Installing and rewiring residential buildings

• Carrying out PAT tests on electrical equipment

• Installing fibre optic and broadband cables

• Installing computer network systems

• Designing and installing electrical control panels

• Working with streetlights and traffic management systems

• Working on domestic and commercial construction sites

• Maintaining electrical motors, transformers, and machinery

• Electrical vehicle charging and design

You’ll also need to keep on top of an ever-changing set of industry regulations. That way you can continue to carry out your work to a professional standard.

How much does an electrician earn?

To help you decide if you want to train as an electrician, it's useful to understand how much you could earn. Below are the average electrician earnings in the UK:

• Apprentice electrician– £11,000 in the first year (up to more than double that in their final year)

• Trained electrician– an average salary of £32,000

• Qualified electrician– upwards of £52,000 depending on specialist experience

Find out more in our guide to how much electricians earn.

Getting qualified as an electrician

Once you’ve decided that you’d like to become an electrician, you naturally need to get the right qualifications before you can begin work.

For example, a Level 3 NVQ Experienced Worker qualification is a good place to start. Following an initial assessment, electrician training courses are tailored to an individual’s requirements.

While ensuring that all course material is covered, tutors also work with each trainee to focus on areas of importance.

Official trade qualifications in the UK

Now is a great time to be a tradesperson in the UK. Because becoming a qualified tradesperson has never been more accessible. Getting official trade qualifications sets you up with the right skills to do the job well. Plus, it shows potential customers that you’re dedicated to your trade. Types of

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What's involved in electrician training courses?

Once you join an electrical training course, you’ll be introduced to a variety of study areas. Most electrician training courses in the UK will typically involve:

• A general overview of electrical components and theory

• High-level maths and physics

• Often a mixture of remote learning and on-site training

• Various hands-on practical assessments

• Specialist modules focusing on specific electronics or areas of electrical work

When training, it's important to use a fully accredited training provider for construction industry professionals.

Working environments for electricians

As an electrician, you can expect to work in a wide variety of different and challenging environments – both indoors and outdoors.

It’s not uncommon for electricians to find themselves working in:

• Large industrial settings, such as factories, plants, and construction sites

• Warehouses

• Homes and domestic properties

• Public buildings and outdoor spaces

Generally, the type of electrical work that you do will determine your working environment. Something to think about when considering specialist work.

How can I learn a new trade?

What are the advantages of learning a new trade? Trade jobs are highly skilled and always in demand by customers. That means that there is less likely to be a shortage of jobs than perhaps in other areas of work. Getting on board with a new trade is something to consider regardless of where you are

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Skills needed to be an electrician

With the variety and challenges of being an electrician, you'll need to combine a range of skills to successfully carry out your work.

Here are some of the main skills you may need:

• Electrical knowledge and all relevant UK regulations, such as BS 7671

• Technical ability to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems

• Ability to solve problems and troubleshoot electrical faults

• Awareness of Health & Safety regulations and practices

• Strong people skills to communicate in a friendly and efficient way with your customers and colleagues

• Time management to efficiently handle multiple projects or tasks

For more on how to decide what type of electrician to become, take a look at our guide to the differences between commercial and domestic electricians:

Becoming a domestic vs commercial electrician

Specialising as an electrician Electricians are well-known for installing and maintaining a wide range of different electrical systems. That applies to a variety of environments and projects. Having a broad scope is one of the factors that make such a skilled job so appealing. However, if you are

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Upskilling as an electrician

Of course, even once you’ve become a fully qualified electrician, the learning never stops, and you should always be looking to upskill your services.

Upskilling is one of the best ways to expand your potential work options. Here are just a few ways that you can go about doing this:

• Learning how to install specialist technology, such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points

• Researching correct smart device installation and maintenance

• Improve your sales and business marketing skills

• Look at schemes such as the Registered Competent Person Electrician or BSI accreditation for further qualifications

And on top of these, you can also join Checkatrade to get full access to all our resources!

We’ve plenty of articles discussing everything there is to know about working in the electrical industry, including articles on how to start an electrician business.

Re-training as an electrician: a first-hand account

One of the most common reasons that electricians talk about when discussing why they joined the trade, is improving their work-life balance.

To give you a genuine insight into the experience of becoming a qualified electrician, we spoke with recently qualified electrician, Mark Brown...

What made you want to re-train as an electrician?

"It’s something I’ve always fancied doing. My dad is an electrician, and I’ve always had an interest in it but thought I’d missed out by not getting an apprenticeship when I was younger."

"I worked in construction for 19 years, sometimes as an electrician’s mate. Then, at the age of 42, I was made redundant from working offshore due to Covid-19 and reassessed my options.

I decided that I wanted to be an electrician…. I suppose I always did, but life took me down other roads."

What was the most difficult part of the training and the most enjoyable?

"The sheer volume of information to be digested and retained was hard, especially having to get back into maths after 30 years."

"However, this part which I call the hardest was also the most enjoyable, because once you start to get your head around it, you realise that you love it.

Well, I did anyway. I think it brought out my inner geek."

How has this training affected your career? Are you now working as an electrician?

"I only completed my last exam, which was a practical one, on Monday the 22/02, so I’m now actively seeking employment as a domestic electrician or even as an electrician’s mate.

I’m very optimistic though, as the qualifications I have gained are invaluable."

Would you recommend this course to other people looking to re-train?

"I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to retrain. I can only speak for my own experience regarding the instructor/lecturer that I had, Allan Morrison. He was outstanding."

"He could go from anecdotal stories from his time as an electrician to the darkest depths of BS 7671 without drawing breath.

This enhanced the whole learning experience, as real-world examples help to make sense of and give perspective to the very formally written regulations."

FAQs

Can I train to be an electrician at 40?

Absolutely. A lot of people start electrician training later in life and you'll find a range of apprenticeships and courses available for adults.

How long is a level 2 electrician course?

A Level 2 electrician course typically takes around one year to complete, depending on the training provider.

How long does electrical safety training last?

Generally, electrical safety training lasts for between one day and one week. The exact duration of the training will depend on the specific training course content and requirements.

Which training is best for electrical engineering?

If you're considering electrical engineering, a popular choice of training is a university degree.

Alternatively, you might want to consider an HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering.

What is the difference between level 2 and level 3 electrical installation?

Level 2 covers the basics of electrical installation, while Level 3 includes advanced skills.

A Level 3 qualification is required for you to become a fully qualified electrician in the UK.

Can you do an electrician course online?

You can carry out some theory-based elements of electrician training courses online.

However, you will need practical hands-on experience for full qualification as an electrician.

What training should an electrician have?

To work as a qualified electrician in the UK, you will need a Level 3 NVQ Diploma, AM2 assessment, and ongoing health and safety certifications.

Can I train to be an electrician part-time?

Yes, you can. Many training providers will offer evening, weekend and other part-time electrician training courses. So, your training can fit around your current job.

What is electrical compliance training?

Electrical compliance training in the UK ensures that electricians follow legal safety standards and regulations for electrical installations.

By doing regular electrical compliance training, you can stay updated on the latest regulations and continue to carry out your electrical work safely and legally.