Electrician

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Electricians fit, service and fix electrical equipment, circuits, machinery and wiring.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

 

College

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

 

Apprenticeship

You can do an installation electrician advanced apprenticeship.

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.

 

Direct Application: 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.

 

You’ll need the following skills:

  • 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

 

You will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.

 

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

The following salaries are a guide only:

  • Starter: £18,000 
  • Experienced: £42,000

 

Working Conditions

  • You’ll usually work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.  You may work evenings or weekends. Hours may be longer if you work on-site as a contractor.
  • 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.

Additional Information

Next Steps SW

Electrical Careers

Go Construct