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Electrician

An Electrician powers up electrical systems to help them work safely

How an Electrician makes a difference

Homes, transport systems, leisure facilities, manufacturing, and offices all rely on electricity to keep them operating. The electrical systems that supply them are complex and continuously changing, as innovations help to make them more energy efficient.

While new housing developments and business premises need electrical systems to be installed, older buildings need system upgrades and regular maintenance. In both situations strict safety regulations need to be followed. You could be the technician who powers up environments of all kinds and makes sure they work safely without a glitch.

The type of work an Electrician will do

  • Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems
  • Understanding and following manufacturers’ instructions
  • Checking and maintaining electrical safety
  • Listening to customers’ requirements and electrical fault issues
  • Deciding on materials and parts required for repairs
  • Loading vehicles with supplies of materials
  • Making sure tools and equipment are in good working order
  • Helping to design electrical systems
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Instructing others
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the Electrician role

An enthusiasm for finding out how electrical systems work.

A responsible attitude to following instructions and completing detailed work accurately.

A natural ability to engage with colleagues, customers, suppliers, the public and other trades.

What you can bring to the Electrician role

An interest in understanding how electrical works integrate with other building structures and systems.

The ability to look at an issue from different angles and find a solution.

The skills to communicate complex ideas or tasks to other people.

What you can bring to the Electrician role

This role could also be right for you if you have any of the following interests:

- building, making or fixing things

- exploring problems and finding answers

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for an Electrician

You might begin your career with a small company but progress to working for a large electrical contractor or construction business that serves a region or the whole of the UK.

After gaining experience, you will probably specialise in a particular area, which could be heating, lighting or air conditioning in commercial or domestic environments.

Alternatively, you could focus on electrical compliance, which means completing checks to ensure electrical systems meet regulatory standards. Another option is setting up your own business, working independently or employing other electricians.

How to become an Electrician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

The range of environments you can work in as an electrician is vast – you could become an expert in wiring up department stores, office blocks, hospitals, factories, or even yachts. Every environment is slightly different, with different operational needs that need to be met. Your working day can also be very varied, as you move between fixing everything from air conditioning to security systems, lighting to heating.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Installation Electrician
Maintenance Electrician

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