Requirements –

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.

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.

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.

You’ll need the following 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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.

Main Responsibilities

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

Wages and Conditions –

The following salaries are a guide only:

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

Working Conditions

• You’ll usually work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.  You may work evenings or weekends. Hours may be longer if you work on-site as a contractor.
• 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.