Electrician
Electricians fit, service and fix electrical equipment, circuits, machinery and wiring.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £18,000 - £42,000
Typical hours (a week): 30 - 40
Related videos on an electrician
How to become an electrician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You can take a Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation, which may help you to find a trainee position with a company.
College (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- 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
Apprenticeship
You can do an installation electrician advanced apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship (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
Direct application
You may be able to move into electrical installation work if you've got experience and relevant qualifications from a related industry, for example building services or electrical engineering.
More info
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an electrician from Electrical Careers and Go Construct.
What it takes
Skills & 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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you'll do
Day to day
Your work will depend on what type of electrician you are, for example:
- installation electrician - install power systems, lighting, fire protection, security and data networks in buildings
- maintenance electrician - check electrical systems to make sure they're working correctly and safely
- electrotechnical panel builder - make and install control panels that operate electrical systems in buildings, like heating or alarms
- machine repair and rewind electrician - fix and maintain electrical motors and transformers found in industrial equipment
- highway systems electrician - install and maintain street lighting and traffic management systems
Working environment
You could work on a construction site, at a client's business, at a client's home or on the streets. Your working environment may be cramped, at height and outdoors in all weathers.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience, you could move into design engineering, site or project management, consultancy work or training. You could also set up your own business.
