Electrician
Electricians install power, lighting and renewable technologies in buildings. They also inspect and repair electrical control systems and machinery.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an electrician, you could:
- test electrical systems to make sure they're safe
- build electrical control panels
- service and repair electrical components in machinery
- fit smart controls for lighting, heating and security systems
- install electrical and fibre-optic cabling in homes and businesses
- respond to emergency call outs
We've identified this as a potential green job
For an electrician to be a green job, you could:
- install solar panels on buildings
- work on the roll out of electric vehicle charging points
- service and maintain controls on low carbon heating and cooling units
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be cramped and at height.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work in:
- site supervision
- estimating and contract management
- electrical project design
- training apprentices in a further education college
You might also become self-employed and set up your own electrical business.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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 use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card to prove you have the qualifications and experience to do electrical work.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a work accreditation scheme
- applying directly
You could start a college course to get some of the technical knowledge and skills that may help you get onto an apprenticeship, or find a trainee position with a company.
Courses include:
- electrical installation
- electronic and electrical engineering
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Even with a qualification, you will still need practical experience in the workplace, along with further on-the-job training, to become fully qualified.
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 to do an apprenticeship with an electrical company, such as:
- Installation and Maintenance Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Domestic Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are open to all ages.
You can also train to become an electrician through an apprenticeship in the armed forces.
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
If you've worked as an electrician and do not yet have a level 3 qualification, you may be able to get your skills and experience recognised through the Experienced Worker Assessment.
There are 2 assessment routes available, with one requiring at least 3 years' experience and the other needing 5 years.
You may be able to get a job as an electrician if you've got experience and relevant qualifications from a related career, for example in building services or electrical engineering.
Career tips
It's very important to check what training courses are offering before signing up. Electrical Careers give advice on how to choose the right training and qualifications to become a qualified electrician.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become an electrician from:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.