Wondering how to become an electrician in the UK? You’ve come to the right place! Here at The Trades College, we think it’s of the utmost importance to find the right course for you. Choosing the right path to kickstart your journey into learning a new trade can be tricky, but we’re here to help.
What is the role of an electrician?
Electricians are skilled tradespersons, trained to work with a range of electrical issues. Electricians will always be in demand in the UK as we rely on electrical devices every day. These devices are both in our homes and on a commercial scale. Most electricians will train as domestic electricians, allowing them to work on any electrical equipment you would generally find in your home. This includes fuse boxes and electrical sockets, as well as appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. Jobs might include:
- Diagnose electrical problems
- Install and repair electrical systems/wiring
- Inspect and carry out tests on electrical systems to detect problems
- Safely use a variety of tools and equipment
- Plan the installation of electrical wiring and fixtures
- Comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations
What qualifications do you need to become an electrician?
Wondering what qualifications are required to work as an electrician in the UK? You will need to complete training through an apprenticeship (with an NVQ or SVQ), studying for a diploma/technical certificate, or taking a domestic installer course. It is worth considering becoming a fully qualified electrician! Being fully qualified will allow you to pursue your career with more freedom and the opportunity to specialise in a specific field. Once you have completed a course that gives you part one of the City & Guilds qualifications, you will be considered a fully qualified electrician!
Apprenticeships will provide you with a wealth of skills and knowledge, however, it usually takes around 2 to 3 years to become qualified this way. Studying for a diploma or technical certificate only takes several weeks to complete. This allows you to start work as an electrician as soon as possible. You can then complete an NVQ and become a qualified electrician while getting experience on the job. The fastest way to start working as an electrician is by taking a domestic installer course. This course won’t make you a fully qualified electrician, but you will be trained to work as a domestic electrician. These courses generally only take a month to complete, and you will be able to self-certify your work with industry organisations such as NICEIC.
What practical skills do you need to become an electrician?
Alongside professional qualifications, you will also need the practical skills required to become an electrician. Your electrical course, or however you decide to train, should provide you with the following skills:
- Manual dexterity.
- Interpersonal and communication skills.
- Problem-solving.
- Adaptability – the ability to change your plans to fit a situation or client request.
- The ability to work effectively with technical drawings and wiring plans.
- Organisational skills – you’ll need some administrative skills for paperwork.
- The ability to work safely and cautiously.
Once you can provide evidence of all of these skills, you will be qualified to work as an electrician in the UK.
Can you train as an electrician while working?
At The Trades College, we understand that you might not be in the position to drop everything to start your electrical training. This is why we try to find the perfect course for you, no matter what your situation is. You may continue working while you complete your electrical course with part-time and online courses.
We want to provide you with a fully tailored solution to kickstart your journey as a fully qualified electrician. Awarding Bodies have approved all of our courses, making them the perfect choice to learn a new trade. When you complete an electrical course, you will have industry-recognised qualifications. You might want to consider that these courses aren’t government-funded. But don’t worry, we can help you find a course designed to work around your current employment.
To start your journey as an electrician today, get in touch with us! We offer a free, no-obligation chat to discuss your options.
