New year, new career? Become an electrician!

With the New Year comes new beginnings, new resolutions and new opportunities to learn. For many, it’s a time of reflection, where the thought of making a big change could be particularly appealing. If you’re considering changing careers this year, it’s well worth looking into becoming an electrician.

Read on to find out more about how to become an electrician, and the benefits of this career.

Types of electrician

There are many different types of electricians, each with their own unique set of skills and niches within the sector. This allows you to specialise in an area that is of particular interest, or to play to your strengths when choosing your career. Of course, there is some crossover between them, providing transferable skills and opportunities to move between different disciplines.

Domestic

Domestic electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in domestic properties. This role covers everything from minor installations and fixes to complete home rewiring. Domestic electricians also work alongside construction companies to install electrical systems in new-build homes and apartments.

Commercial

Commercial electricians work for business, installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems in offices, retail buildings and other commercial spaces. Their role includes ensuring that these environments are safe, efficient and compliant with relevant regulatory standards for their use.

Industrial

Industrial electricians predominantly carry out work in factories, manufacturing plants and other industrial settings. This can be a highly specialised profession, with safety, efficiency and innovation being key aspects of the role. Some industrial electricians choose to work in a singular sector, allowing them to become highly experienced within a niche.

Utility

Utility electricians work for power companies, substations, solar farms and a variety of other utilities. Their role is to install the electrical systems that provide homes and businesses with power, as well as supporting the functionality of other utilities such as gas and water. As well as installation, utility electricians also troubleshoot, repair and optimise electrical systems to ensure safety and efficiency.

Reasons to become an electrician

There are many reasons why retraining as an electrician is an appealing choice, regardless of your current role and level of qualification. This industry is varied, dynamic and always in demand, as well as offering job satisfaction and great rates of pay. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.

High demand

As a society, we’re always in need of electricians to install, maintain and repair electrical systems in both commercial and domestic settings. This means that electricians are pretty much guaranteed a job for a lifetime. With the current skills shortage, electricians are more sought after than ever, making now a great time to retrain.

Great salary

While salaries vary depending on location and level of experience, the average base salary of an electrician in the UK is £20.31. This is almost double the National Minimum Wage for workers aged 23+, which currently sits at £10.42. With versatile options allowing electricians to complete further training, become self-employed or set up their own electrical business, the earning potential is high.

Job satisfaction

Due to the varied nature of the industry and the projects they may be involved in on a day-to-day basis, electricians report high levels of job satisfaction. Some of the benefits we’ve already looked at likely contribute to this, as well as being able to provide immediate results and offer essential services to the local community.

Clear pathways into the profession

While some professions can be difficult to get into, there are several clear pathways into becoming an electrician. This makes it easier to understand the requirements and next steps, and to support straightforward career progression.

How to become an electrician

There are various different pathways to becoming an electrician in the UK. This makes it a great career opportunity for a wide variety of people with different learning styles and preferences. You might like to take a look at our guide to qualifications for more information about levels, certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Adult intensive courses

These courses are designed for adults who are looking for a career change to become an electrician. There are various different electrician courses out there, and they are structured to help you change your career to become an electrician.

Electrician Courses 4 U offers a 4 stage programme which allow you to build up the necessary qualifications to become an electrician whilst changing from your current career to becoming an electrician. You can read more about this route here.

Apprenticeships

As skilled trades are becoming an increasingly attractive option for the UK’s young workers, apprenticeships have grown in popularity over recent years. By offering on-the-job training, apprenticeships in electrical trades develop practical experience while also helping to develop soft skills that are essential in the workplace, such as time management and communication. They also provide apprentices with a salary, providing a level of financial independence while they learn.

Relevant experience

If you’ve already got experience and hold relevant qualifications in a related career, you may be able to apply directly for a job as an electrician. If you’ve worked in electrical engineering, building services or other similar sectors, the Experienced Worker Assessment can help you to get your hands-on skills and experience recognised to the industry Level 3 benchmark.

Are you thinking about becoming an electrician?

Take a look at our electrical courses to find out more about the UK’s leading practical training centre and what we offer. Whether you have no experience at all or are already working in the industry, we have a level of course to suit you. We also provide in-centre, online and weekend courses to suit your availability.