How to become an electrician

A practical guide to finding work as a professional electrical engineer.

One of the most important things to consider when becoming an electrician is the type of company you would like to work for. For example, many established companies now offer nationwide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a perfect match for someone that doesn't want to be limited in their work.

Working Hours & Conditions

When it comes to typical working hours, it is largely dependent on the company you work for. For example, many companies are now providing a 24-hour emergency response, meaning that you are less limited in the hours you can do, and have varied working hours.

Working conditions vary according to the type of electrical engineering role you follow. You will be working in a range of environments, from cramped spaces to heights on scaffolding.

Income

Newly qualified electricians can earn between £19,000 and £22,000 a year. With more experience, this can rise to between £23,000 and £30,000. However, this can sometimes be dependent on your employer and where you live in the UK unless you work for a nationwide company.

Career Progression

As outlined above, the more experience you hold as an electrical engineer the higher the typical salary. When looking for work, it is always good to find an established company so you can develop your skills further and progress, potentially to become a Master Electrician.