Electrician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• getting accredited
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

A college course can give you some of the technical knowledge and practical skills you'll need to become an electrician. You'll still need practical experience in the workplace to become fully qualified.

Doing a course may help you get an apprenticeship or trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering (Electrical)
• Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You can do an installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship or domestic electrician advanced apprenticeship.

You can also train to become an electrician through an apprenticeship in the armed forces .

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

If you've worked as an electrician for 5 years or more and do not have a level 3 qualification, you may be able to get your experience recognised through the Experienced Worker Assessment .

DirectApplication

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 building services or electrical engineering.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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
• design skills and knowledge
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• analytical thinking skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• leadership skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• practical skills for installing equipment
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions

What you'll do:

Electricians fit, service and repair electric machines, equipment and wires.

Depending on the type of electrician you are, you could:

• check electrical systems to make sure they're safe
• build and install electric control panels
• repair electric parts in machines
• install street lights and traffic management systems
• fit wires, sockets and switches in homes
• rewire homes and business properties

Location : You could work on a construction site, at a client's business, at a client's home or on the streets.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped and at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £42,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

30 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is on call as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become an electrical design engineer
• become a site or project manager
• set up your own business
• train apprentices or teach in further education