Electrical engineering technician
Electrical engineering technicians install, repair and maintain electrical equipment, systems and controls.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on where you work as an electrical engineering technician, you could:
- install turbines, switchgear and power lines
- service traffic lights, street lights and motorway signs
- assemble, fit and repair drives, motors and programmable logic control (PLC) panels
- upgrade rail and signalling systems
- fix electrical faults in machines and carry out safety inspections
- install and maintain lights, heating, lifts and escalators
We've identified this as a potential green job
For an electrical engineering technician to be a green job, you could:
- install and maintain renewable technologies like wind turbines and heat pumps
- use environmentally friendly materials like biodegradable or recyclable plastics
- follow industry standards to make sure you are working in an environmentally responsible way
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, in an office, at a power station or in a factory.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- move into leadership, managing a team of technicians
- become self employed as an electrical sub contractor
- take on electrical design work
- train more to qualify as an electrical engineer
- become a building service engineer or facilities manager
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
More Information
You can take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and may help you to find a trainee position with a company.
Relevant courses include:
- electrical installation
- electrical and electronic engineering
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
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
More Information
You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship to become a technician. Apprenticeships include:
- Installation and Maintenance Level 3
- Engineering Technician Level 3
- Power Industry Substation Fitter Level 3
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
More Information
You can apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and qualifications. For example, from electrical, electronic, power or building services engineering.
You can find out more about careers in electrical engineering through Tomorrow's Engineers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.
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