How to become an electrician: training, qualifications and career progression

Our in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an electrician in the UK, from training and qualifications to salary and career insights.

The UK electrical industry is brimming with opportunity and there is an ever-growing demand for skilled electricians. If you are looking for a dynamic career that offers job security and the chance to make a tangible impact on those around you, then why not consider becoming an electrician?    

In this article, we explore the skills and qualifications needed, the different Electrician courses available, and how to kickstart your career.

About the profession and demand for electricians in the UK

Currently, the demand for skilled electrical professionals in the UK outstrips the number of qualified electricians, creating a significant skills gap.

The surge in renewable energy installations and increasing reliance on smart technologies has created a constant need for qualified electricians. In fact, The UK Trade Skills Index predicts that the UK will need a staggering 100,000 new electricians by 2032, presenting a golden opportunity for those looking for a secure, rewarding career with a competitive salary.

The role, responsibilities and essential skills of an electrician

An electrician’s role places them at the heart of every home and business, and their work is vital to the flow of modern life.

What does being an electrician involve?

The responsibilities of an electrician range from troubleshooting malfunctioning lighting to maintaining critical medical systems. With the safety of others in their hands, electricians must be meticulous in following regulations and codes to ensure that electrical systems can function without creating risk.

What are the skills required to be an electrician?

Being an electrician requires more than knowing your way around a toolbox. Electricians need to be able to:

• Decipher wiring diagrams and blueprints
• Use specialised tools with precision
• Diagnose and solve problems
• Think analytically to design and implement new systems
• Understand and adhere to safety codes and regulations
• Communicate clearly with others
• Collaborate with clients, builders and other tradespeople

In an ever-changing landscape of new technology, electricians also need to be able to evolve and adapt to new innovations and systems.

How to start your career as an electrician

Whether you’re starting out or looking to change careers, you may be thinking about how to become an electrician. In reality, there are a number of routes to becoming a certified electrician in the UK, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Apprenticeship route

Traditionally, electricians have learnt their trade through apprenticeships. It’s the most hands-on way to learn the ropes and combines both theoretical and practical elements of the job. On an apprenticeship, you spend around 4 years working alongside qualified electricians, gaining invaluable experience while attending part-time classes.

For an advanced apprenticeship, such as our Level 3 Advanced Electrical Installation Apprenticeship, this must include English and maths. At the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll take an assessment to test what you’ve learned during your training.

There are two options for apprenticeships if you want to become an electrician:

1. Installation and Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship
2. Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship

There are several benefits to doing an apprenticeship:

• Earn while you learn: You’ll receive a salary from your employer, so there’s less financial strain while you study.
• Get practical experience: Daily on-the-job training ensures you develop real-world skills, preparing you for the job.
• Network building: Apprenticeships often lead to permanent positions with the same company and foster valuable industry connections.

How to become an electrician without an apprenticeship

To become a qualified electrician without an apprenticeship, there are a number of routes you can take. You can enrol on full-time study, part-time or evening courses, or even on-the-job training. Each method of study will equip you with the necessary skills and qualifications to start your career as an electrician – read on to find out more about these different options and to establish which is the right one for you.

Full-time education

For those who prefer a structured learning environment, you can enrol on one of our courses:

• Electrical Installation – Level 1 Diploma (CONEL)
• Electrical Installation – Level 1 Diploma (WestKing)
• Electrical Installation – Level 2 Diploma (CONEL)
• Electrical Installation – Level 2 Diploma (WestKing)
• Construction Skills (Painting, Tiling, Carpentry, Brickwork and Electrical) – Level 1 Certificate (WestKing)

Check out our full list of construction courses here.

There’s a lot to be gained from full-time courses:

• Theoretical grounding: You’ll gain a deep understanding of electrical principles, preparing you for complex tasks and assessments
• Flexibility: You can choose from a range of course lengths and specialisations to suit your learning style and career goals
• Networking opportunities: Being part of a college allows you to connect with fellow students and teachers and build your professional network

However, full-time courses can be expensive and not everyone is suited to academic life. Also, even after completing these courses, you’ll still need to get practical industry experience and complete an apprenticeship or a Level 3 NVQ from City and Guilds or EAL. Finally, you’ll complete an industry assessment of competence (AM2) in order to become fully qualified.

Part-time or evening courses

For many students, the challenge of juggling work and family life means that they’re unable to commit to full-time education. If you’re wondering how to become an electrician while you work, then part-time or evening courses offer a flexible alternative. By spreading the curriculum over a longer period you can stay in your current job while upskilling or retraining. We have a wide range of free short courses to get you started.

Part-time courses have many advantages:

• Work-life balance: You can manage existing commitments while gaining valuable electrical skills at a suitable pace.
• Less financial burden: You can ease the pressure by spreading the cost of education over a longer period.
• Enhance your skills: You can build on existing knowledge or transition from one area of work into another.

The downside is that you’ll have to wait longer to become fully qualified. Also, with studies spread out over a longer period of time, it can be harder to access practical training or apprenticeship opportunities.

Apply for our part-time and short courses:

• Electrical Installation – Level 2 Diploma (CONEL)
• Free short courses

On-the-job training

Some electrical contractors offer on-the-job training, where you work on projects with experienced electricians and learn as you go. This is a good option if you struggle with formal education or prefer a highly practical approach.

On-the-job training provides:

• Hands-on experience: You’ll build practical skills and apply them to real projects.
• Mentorship: By learning from seasoned professionals, you’ll benefit from their insights and guidance.
• Potential job placement: Some programs lead directly to employment with the training company.
• Earn while you learn: You’ll receive a salary while you learn your trade, leaving you in a better financial position.

However, on-the-job training doesn’t always leave you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and the quality of training depends entirely on the employer.

If you have been working in the industry for at least 3-5 years but are not yet fully qualified, you can complete the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessments, which are based on the same content as industry apprenticeships.

Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your individual learning style, financial situation, and career goals. Consider your strengths, resources, and how fast you want to progress before choosing the pathway that works best for you.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

With time being a valuable commodity, you may be wondering ‘How quickly can I become an electrician?’ The length of time it takes to complete the relevant electrical certification can vary depending on which route you take.

• Apprenticeships usually take around 4 years, combining on-site work with college.
• Full-time education takes 1-2 years, followed by on-the-job training.
• Part-time or evening courses can take much longer.
• Domestic installer courses offer a quicker route (as little as a month) but these are not recommended by the industry as they don’t offer enough opportunities for you to consolidate your learning or complete supervised tasks.

How much does it cost to become an electrician?

The amount you’ll spend to become an electrician depends on your chosen route.

Licensing, certification, and regulations

In the UK, there isn’t a central licensing body for electricians, but specific sectors do require licences to work on their installations. Eg. NICEIC for domestic installations and NAPIT for electrical safety testing in rented properties.

When it comes to certification, you should register with a competent person scheme such as the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS). In order to become registered with the ECS, you will need to prove you have the correct training, qualifications and knowledge of current wiring regulations. Some employers or clients may also require specific certificates like EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) or PAT (Portable Appliance Testing).

Knowledge of the appropriate regulations is essential to ensure safety, so you’ll need to stay up to date with:

• The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671): The bible of electrical safety in the UK, outlining wiring and installation standards.
• Building Regulations: Additional regulations specific to different types of buildings.
• Electrical Safety at Work Regulations: Mandates employers to ensure employee safety when working with electricity.

Building a career as an electrician

Once qualified, you can choose from a broad spectrum of careers within your new area of expertise.

• Domestic Electrician – installing lights and sockets in homes
• Industrial Electrician – maintaining complex systems in factories and power plants
• Communications Electrician – setting up data networks and maintaining internet systems
• Renewable Energy Installers – working with solar panels and wind turbines
• Electrical Engineers – designing and testing innovative systems
• Fire Alarm and Security Specialist – working with fire alarms and security systems

First-year apprentice electricians can earn from around £10,000, but this increases to around £22,500 in the final year. Once qualified, trained electricians can command an average salary of around £33,500, while more experienced professionals can earn upwards of £42,500.

Next steps

So, if you like what you’ve seen so far and want to become an electrician, it’s time to take the next step. Consider which route would best suit you. Check out our full range of Electrical courses here.

If you think an apprenticeship would offer you the right balance of work and study, find out more about our 4-year Electrical Installation and Maintenance apprenticeship here.

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