Electrical engineering technician

Electrical engineering technicians install, repair and maintain electrical equipment, systems and controls.

In this guide

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

Most relevant

  • Physics - Electrical engineering technicians need a thorough understanding of electricity, circuits, magnetism, and electromechanics to install and repair systems like motors, turbines, and power lines. Physics principles help them diagnose faults, understand how power is generated and distributed, and work safely with high-voltage equipment.
  • Mathematics - Electrical engineering technicians use maths constantly – calculating voltage, current, resistance, and power loads when installing or repairing electrical systems. They also need to read technical drawings, work out cable lengths, and interpret data from testing equipment.
  • Engineering - Electrical engineering technicians work at the heart of engineering, installing and maintaining systems like switchgear, programmable logic controllers, and rail signalling equipment. Understanding engineering principles and processes is essential for assembling, fitting, and troubleshooting complex electrical infrastructure.
  • Design and Technology - Electrical engineering technicians read technical plans, use hand and power tools, and solve practical problems when installing or repairing equipment. Skills in working with materials, understanding how systems are constructed, and following design specifications are part of their everyday work.
  • Electronics - Electrical engineering technicians assemble and repair programmable logic control (PLC) panels, drives, and electronic control systems. Understanding electronic components, circuit boards, and how sensors and controllers work is essential for maintaining modern electrical equipment.

Also relevant

  • Computer Science - Electrical engineering technicians increasingly work with programmable logic controllers and automated systems that require an understanding of how software controls hardware. Being able to read and modify simple programs helps when configuring or troubleshooting these digital control systems.
  • Environmental Science - Electrical engineering technicians may install and maintain renewable technologies like wind turbines and heat pumps. Understanding environmental issues and sustainability helps them appreciate why these technologies matter and how to work with environmentally friendly materials and methods.
  • Business - Electrical engineering technicians can progress into self-employment as electrical subcontractors or move into management roles. Understanding how to price jobs, manage finances, and lead a team is valuable for those looking to run their own business or take on leadership responsibilities.

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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