It’s known by many names – electrical fitter and electrical technician to name a few – but your job as an electrician is to bring power, light and energy wherever it’s needed using the force of electricity. It’s nice to be able to say you control electricity as your job. What’s more, your skills will always be in demand, because people always need power. Our after hours electrician Melbourne is fully qualified in all areas of electricity and can deal with common faults in circuit boards, fuse boxes, mains power tripping, blackouts and dangerous electrical emergencies

How much money can you make as an electrician?

£18,000 – £42,000 (UK average)

Recent labour market information says you can earn on average between £18,000 and £42,000 a year as an electrician in the UK.

Your starting salary can vary because of factors like level of experience, training, location or the size of the company. Your salary as an electrician will increase over time as you build skills, knowledge and experience.

What entry qualifications and training do you need for this job?

School, college and training

You can usually start training as an electrician straight after school.

Most electrician jobs – and training opportunities – need you to have GCSEs or their equivalent in maths, English and science at grades 9-4/A*-C. However, you may still be accepted for training if an employer needs you to pass an aptitude test instead.

You can also look into Technical Awards in place of GCSEs, such as the City & Guilds TechBac. These will prepare you for a trainee electrician position, and you can also do college courses that will give you the knowledge you need to apply for apprenticeships and entry level roles.

Many electricians enter the job via an apprenticeship. This will give you an industry-recognised level 3 qualification combined with real-life experience. You’ll be paid to learn as you combine practical work with structured education and mentoring.

With those three GCSEs or their equivalents under your belt you may be eligible for the following advanced apprenticeships under the NASEC:

• Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrotechnical Maintenance
• Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Maintenance

While at school or college, speak to your careers advisor about useful training and/or courses for you to take and find out more about the types of career routes available.
Career progression and further qualifications

In time you could have the opportunity for career options like becoming a design engineer, further education trainer, or project or site manager. You could also become self-employed and set up your own business.

What experience do you need for electrician jobs?

Work experience

You can start with an entry-level position or earn money while you get trained with an apprenticeship.

At school/college and beyond, aim to get electrician work experience to build your CV. This can involve:

• Work shadowing (even if it’s just for a day)
• Work placements in a company
• Apprenticeships

People who become electricians often leave school and build experience by training on the job with an apprenticeship.

What skills do you need for electrician jobs?

Useful skills to highlight to your employer when applying for jobs as an electrician include:

• Practical skills – you’ll be good at working with your hands
• Able to follow wiring diagrams, technical drawings and building plans (this will be taught to you on apprenticeships and relevant college courses)
• Good problem solving skills so you can figure out the logical next step in a task
• Being able to work safely and carefully (electricity is dangerous and you need to learn how to handle it correctly).

Vocational qualifications and work experience will help you build these skills over time.

What does an electrician do?

Working as an electrician has changed over time and you could also be working with renewable technology like solar power, wind turbines and ‘smart’ heating systems. Your main job is to create power for people in a way that’s safe. It means you could be working anywhere from someone’s home or a giant engineering project
Example job responsibilities:

• Installing power systems, lighting, security and network systems (installation electrician)
• Checking to make sure that systems are working safely and efficiently to save energy (maintenance electrician)
• Making control panels for the electrical systems in buildings and installing them (electrotechnical panel builder)
• Fixing and servicing electrical transformers and motors (machine repair and rewind electrician)
• Installing and taking care of street lighting and traffic systems (highway systems electrician)

As you can see, there are many types of electrician out there. An apprenticeship or college course can give you the foundation you need to get started in a career. You can then build specialist knowledge in the area that interests you most over time.

Your first steps into electrician jobs

Electrician jobs are advertised under different job titles. When you’re looking on job boards, look for the following types of job:

• Electrician
• Electrical fitter
• Electrical engineer
• Electrical technician
• Installation electrician

All these types of job can be a good match for your skills as an electrician.

To find entry level jobs in this role, search on job boards for electrician positions with these words in the title:

• Junior
• Apprentice
• Trainee