Are you thinking about retraining to become a qualified electrician? This is a big decision to make and you might be wondering whether it’s the right thing to do. Luckily, The Skills Centre is here to help! We can discuss your options for electrical training to kickstart your career today. 

What is the job role of a qualified electrician?

Electricians in the UK generally fall into one of two categories: domestic or commercial. You’ll likely come across domestic electricians more often, as these are the people who install and fix electrical issues in your home. But what’s the difference between the two?

Domestic Electricians

Domestic electricians work within homes to install lighting, wiring and electrical appliances. These electricians are also trained to repair and replace fuse boxes, as well as install plug sockets and switches. Domestic electricians can work in any property type, on a range of maintenance and installation tasks. 

Commercial Electricians

Some electricians will continue their training beyond domestic qualifications. Once they have completed their training to become a commercial electrician, the range of work expands tremendously. Commercial electricians are qualified to work in public areas such as supermarkets and hospitals. They will carry out tasks similar to domestic electricians but on a much larger, more complex scale. 

Generally, both jobs will carry out these tasks (on different scales):

• Repair/replace wiring
• Read blueprints and plans
• Record repairs and other updates
• Work with contractors and clients
• Identify and resolve safety issues
• Test electrical systems such as fuses, circuit breakers and transformers
• Stay up to date with relevant safety regulations and training

Of course, there are additional opportunities to progress into more specialised job roles. For example, you could train to become an industrial electrician. These electricians work on much more complex systems and equipment. For example, they are qualified to work on high voltage systems on a large scale. They may also be involved in the design of these systems. 

What are the benefits of becoming a qualified electrician?

There are multiple reasons why you should consider becoming an electrician in the UK. As previously mentioned, there are great career progression opportunities and a great variety of work. Keep reading to find out more of the benefits you’ll see when you become an electrician. 

• It is the highest-paid trade. Due to the skills shortage in the UK, the number of qualified electricians available is slim. Because of this, electricians’ time has become more valuable. The average salary for an electrician in the UK is around £37,000 – this can increase with experience.
  
• The work is varied. If you’re looking for a career with a diverse range of work, the electrical trade could be right for you! The tasks you’ll be carrying out day-to-day will vary, so it will never become monotonous.
  
• You’ll gain skills for life. The skills you’ll learn as a qualified electrician will be helpful throughout your life. Not only will it help you with your own electrical tasks, but you can also offer advice to friends and family.
  
• You could be your own boss. One of the greatest benefits of becoming a fully qualified electrician is the opportunity to be your own boss. You can manage your work, hours, and pay! You might even want to consider starting your own electrical company.
  
• Fast, affordable training is available. There’s no need to worry about finding the right electrical training, plenty of options are available. Apprenticeships, fast-track and part-time courses are available to suit your circumstances. These courses are often very affordable.
  
• There are multiple career opportunities. As previously mentioned, you can gain experience and qualifications throughout your career. This can progress your career and open up new job opportunities.
  
• There is a high demand for electricians. Again, the skills shortage has led to an increased demand for electricians in the UK. You’ll never have to worry about struggling to find work, as plenty is available. 

What qualifications do you need to become an electrician?

In the UK, you will need to complete some training to become a qualified electrician. Without these qualifications and experience, you will not be able to work as a qualified electrician, although you can work as a trained domestic electrician if you complete a domestic electrical installer course. This course will allow you to complete basic domestic electrical jobs. 

It is beneficial to become a fully qualified electrician, as this will open up more opportunities for you and allow you to progress in your career. To become a fully qualified electrician, you will need to complete an NVQ level 2 or 3 and gain the necessary experience (usually 2 years working in the field). 
Here at The Skills Centre, we can help you choose the right course for you. We understand that, if you’re changing your career, you will likely need to work alongside your studies. We’ll help you find the right, flexible course for you to become an electrician. Get in touch with us by clicking here.