Interested in taking up a trade as a career? Have a way with electrics?
Becoming an electrician can offer a rewarding career path with stability, flexibility, and good earning potential.
This is especially true, as the UK is currently experiencing a shortage of trade skills, meaning there’s a big opportunity for those who like to work with their hands and jobs should be widely available.
As of 2024, the UK will need approximately 104,000 new electricians by 2032 to meet demands including the government’s housebuilding targets and the continuing push towards renewable energy.
If you’re looking to learn more about the role, here's an overview of what’s involved in becoming an electrician and what you can expect to be doing...
Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.
The work includes troubleshooting, wiring, upgrading systems, and ensuring safety standards are met.
Electricians often work in various environments, such as construction sites, residential homes, and commercial buildings, and may specialise in areas like installation, maintenance, or repair work.
Electricians can be employed by large companies, smaller local businesses, or work as self-employed contractors. It’s important to consider how and where you’d like to work, as each style of working has different benefits, hours, etc.
Those in larger companies may have more stable, set hours, while self-employed electricians often have more control over their schedules.
Some electricians may need to be available for emergency calls, which can mean working evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
At Able, we operate 24/7 and offer various flexible options to our nationwide network of local engineers, offering options that don’t limit our workers. We also provide many opportunities to develop and progress your skills whilst working with us.
Learn more about joining Able.
To become a qualified electrician, several pathways can be taken, but all require hands-on training combined with formal education.
Here are the steps you can expect to take:
Most aspiring electricians start with GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science, aiming for at least a grade of 4/C.
These subjects are foundational as electricians need good mathematical skills and an understanding of physics.
This also may be the qualifying requirements for courses or apprenticeships…
The traditional route is a two to four-year apprenticeship combining practical work experience with classroom instruction.
Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn and typically include qualifications like the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installation. You will need a level 3 qualification to become a qualified electrician.
Other qualifications include Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance) and Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment).
Apprenticeships are hands-on, allowing trainees to work under the supervision of qualified electricians, learning about safe practices, wiring, circuitry, and more.
Some choose to attend a technical college or complete a vocational course such as the City & Guilds 2365 Diploma, which can serve as a pre-apprenticeship qualification.
For those looking for a faster track, programs starting at Level 2 and then moving onto the Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation offer an accelerated way to gain knowledge before entering the field.
After completing training, electricians must obtain certification, which varies depending on their desired specialisation and includes options like the ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) card.
Registration with a regulatory body like the NICEIC or NAPIT is required to work on certain installations legally.
They are both schemes that assess the quality and safety of an electrician’s work. Much like how all gas engineers have to be on the gas safe register.
For electricians looking to advance, there are opportunities to specialise in high-demand areas such as electric vehicle charging installations, solar power, and industrial electrical systems.
Additionally, continuing education in areas like the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations keeps skills and certifications current.
In addition to formal training, electricians need strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in challenging environments, such as cramped spaces or heights.
Communication is key, especially for those who are self-employed and need to build customer relationships. Electricians may also work in teams and alongside other types of trade experts.
A full UK driving licence is a must in this role, as the job involves travelling to various locations, usually in a big enough vehicle such as a van in order to carry essential equipment at all times.
Being safety-conscious is critical, as working with electricity carries inherent risks.
Electricians must adhere strictly to safety protocols and be able to read and interpret blueprints and technical diagrams for equipment as well as building plans. They will also need to stay updated on the latest technologies and tools.
After qualifying, electricians have various progression options, including:
Journeyman Electrician
This is the level most electricians achieve after completing their initial training and gaining some work experience.
Master Electrician
With further experience and certifications, electricians can qualify as a Master Electrician, opening opportunities for supervisory roles and increased earning potential. To reach this level, an electrician will train almost as long as a doctor.
Specialised Fields
Some electricians move into specific areas, such as renewable energy installations, high-voltage systems, or data cabling.
Self-Employment
Many electricians choose to become self-employed, either working independently or establishing their own businesses. This path allows for greater flexibility and income potential but also requires business acumen, especially in managing finances and securing contracts.
Electricians can expect starting salaries of around £22,000. Whilst experienced professionals can earn up to £23,000 and £44,000 (as per the National Careers Service)
Electricians may also earn a higher rate depending on location or the task itself – like many jobs, you can expect to earn more in places such as London or when performing work for bigger businesses.
Self-employed electricians or those with specialised skills salaries can vary depending on location and demand.
Electricians work in a variety of conditions, often both indoors and outdoors, sometimes at heights or in confined spaces.
Depending on the role, some may work standard 9-to-5 hours, but many need to be on call for emergencies, requiring flexibility.
The work can be physically demanding and, at times, dangerous, emphasising the importance of following health and safety regulations.
The demand for electricians is expected to remain strong, driven by factors like the need for renewable energy installations, the growing popularity of electric vehicles, and regular maintenance in residential and commercial spaces.
The government’s push towards green energy and the infrastructure updates necessary for a sustainable future further suggest increased demand for skilled electricians.
If you're interested in a career as an electrician, here’s a quick summary of how to get started and what to expect long term:
Given the increasing reliance on electricity, with smart home/business technology, appliances, phones, laptops, security systems, etc. - electricians are in high demand, and the career can be both financially and personally fulfilling.
The investment in training and safety certification is significant, but the pathway to a stable, well-paying job makes this career an attractive option.
Whether you’re interested in residential installations or industrial projects, the electrical trade offers a wide range of opportunities for those who are skilled, dedicated, and make safety a priority.
For more information, check our page on how to become an electrician, or head straight to our online leaflet for more resources.
If you are a qualified electrician looking for work opportunities, consider joining us at Able Group. You can view the different types of work we offer here or view our current vacancies.