Electrician

The electrotechnical industry presents many opportunities – it’s not limited to what many consider traditional electrical installation. Working in the electrical industry now means you can be involved in smart and renewable technologies, automation and controls, building energy management systems, and other areas that bring our home, work and leisure environments to life.

Outside the core electrical industry are wider specialist industries that also require electrotechnical skills and knowledge, such as fire and security systems, data communication networks and energy management.

View live job opportunities

The information in our job profiles aims to give a general overview of the role and a guideline to what it involves. The content is not intended to be exhaustive and roles will vary depending on the organisation and sector. The salary ranges are a guide only, as these are dependent on the size and location of the organisation.

Apprenticeship salary range

£10k-£22k

Qualified salary range

£33k-£50k

Experienced salary range

£50k-£70k

Senior leadership salary range

£60k-£100k

How does this role align to the green agenda?

An Electrician’s core skill set underpins several low carbon technologies and is highly transferable to emerging occupations supporting the sustainability agenda. A qualified Electrician has the knowledge and skills to safely install electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs), solar/PV panels and other low carbon technologies.

Other growth areas, such as smart buildings and the electrification of heat, can utilise the base skills of an Electrician, with additional and specialised upskilling.   

Male electrician is working on a switchboard

Skills and capabilities

As an Electrician, you’ll need a great head for mathematics, as Ohm’s Law, calculating voltage, current and power all feature in the design of complex electrical installations. So, it’s a great opportunity for students who enjoy STEM subjects, as well as those who enjoy practical work.

Technical knowledge

Apply statutory health and safety policies, procedures and regulations
Identify and comply with all relevant legislation
Correctly identify and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Apply relevant legislation
Apply and use necessary mathematical techniques, formulae and calculations
Safely and correctly use a range of tools, materials, equipment and components
Design, plan, set up and install domestic and/or commercial and industrial electrical and electronic systems
Inspect and test domestic and/or commercial and industrial electrical installations
Install and maintain domestic and/or commercial and industrial electrical and electronic equipment and components, including heating systems, comfort and convenience technologies, heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and devices.

Transferable skills

Time management
Planning
Organising
Writing
Problem reframing and resolution
Customer service
Effective communication.

Find out more about upskilling What are green skills?

A day in the life

Electricians work across domestic, commercial and industrial premises. Qualified Electricians are in high demand and may choose to work with low carbon technologies as part of their role, or to specialise in a particular technology – for example EVCP installation.

Watch the video to find out more.

Entry routes

Different pathways to become an Electrician are outlined below, and the Electrical Careers website explains the different recognised training routes and qualifications. These provide a solid base of knowledge and practical skills. Once qualified, Electricians can undertake additional training to qualify in specialist areas and different new technologies.

To note: in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, it will typically take three years to complete a full-time, undergraduate degree. In Scotland, it typically takes four years. Apprenticeship courses vary in length, and also require an end-point assessment period. Please check this information on a case-by-case basis.

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Potential career progression

Electrical skills are transferable to a range of occupations across different sectors. With technology changing, it is important to keep up to date through ongoing training and CPD.

There are varied progression opportunities available in design, engineering, commercial and management disciplines, such as:

Upskilling in new technologies or specialist areas, such as building controls, or smart homes

Project management or commercial roles, such as design and estimating 

Supervisory or management roles  

Setting up your own electrical business 

Relevant sectors

Electricians are needed across a wide range of sectors, including:

Construction and the built environment
Energy
Engineering
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Media
Public services
Retail
Transport and logistics
Utilities

Learn about the green agenda across different sectors

View sector pages

Information kindly supplied by:

ECA on behalf of TESP/Electrical Careers

ECA is the UK’s largest trade association representing nearly 3,000 electrotechnical and engineering services businesses.

View website

Success stories

Oghosa Erhahon on inspiring the next generation in the Global South

Photo of Emma Pye at a desk in front of her laptop

Founding a sustainable business: Emma Pye’s journey to independence

Just cause: Muhammad Ali shares his experience in a green role for the Ministry of Justice

Beth Knight advocates for diversity of thought in sustainability

Charlotte Bonner shares her experience of learning as you go, and the benefits of being thrown in at the deep end

Nevin Rose explains how his degree apprenticeship gives him just the right blend of work and learning

Richard Naylor’s career in furniture has taken him from sales to sustainability

Nicole Walsh’s sustainability journey began with big green aspirations on the Isle of Wight

Maddy Diment grew up on England’s south coast, which inspired her to work in sustainability from a young age

Cathie Mackay on greening traditional jobs and the huge responsibility of speaking up on our planet’s behalf

View all case studies