Electrician

Go Construct; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction training provider is seeking an electrician responsible for ensuring safety in electrical installations and systems. This role involves inspecting, fixing faults, and installing new electrical systems. Candidates must have relevant certifications, such as a Level 3 Electrician NVQ, and possess practical skills in electrical work. The expected salary ranges from £30,000 to £65,000 depending on experience and role responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Completion of AM2 assessment for full qualification.
• Normal color vision required.
• Possible need for Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and maintain electrical systems for safety.
• Fix electrical faults and install new systems.
• Program computer-controlled systems and follow technical plans.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering science and technology

Maths knowledge

Design skills and knowledge

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Computer proficiency

Education

Level 3 Electrician NVQ

Level 3 Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship

SVQ at SCQF Level 7 in Electrical Installation

Job description

What does an electrician do?

As an electrician you will be responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment. This could involve fixing problems that are reported, or installing new systems such as lighting and heating within new structures.

Job duties

• Inspecting electrical systems, wiring and equipment to ensure they are safe and functioning properly
• Fixing electrical faults or replacing parts
• Connecting sockets, switches, light fittings and appliances
• Laying cables to connect equipment to power and computer networks
• Installing security or data network systems
• Working with street lights and traffic management systems
• Fitting fibre‑optic cables
• Maintaining electrical motors, transformers and machinery
• Making and installing electrical control panels
• Programming computer‑controlled ‘intelligent’ buildings
• Following technical plans
• Adhering to strict safety regulations
• Learning about new electrical legislation
• Responding to emergency call‑outs such as power cuts
• Working on a construction site, in domestic or commercial settings, offshore, locally or abroad, often in cramped conditions or at height.

How to become an electrician

There are several routes to becoming an electrician. You can gain the qualifications you need by completing a college course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience, you could apply directly to an employer for a job.

Importantly, those who achieve competency through industry‑recognised training routes, such as courses from City & Guilds or EAL and apprenticeships, tend to have better job and earnings prospects.

You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you.

To become a fully qualified electrician, you will need to complete the AM2 assessment. This is an industry-recognised competence which is usually the final unit of your electrical qualification.

You need normal colour vision to work with electrical wiring and will have to pass a colour vision assessment test.

You may need an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You can take a college course which may help you to find an trainee apprentice position with a company.

You Could Enrol On:

• City & Guilds Level 2 in Building Services (Electrical Installation route) or EAL Level 2 Intermediate Diploma in Electrical Installation
• City & Guilds Level 3 in Building Services (Electrical Installation route) or EAL Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction.
• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Progress and training

However, to progress and train any further you will need to be working in the industry to become a fully qualified electrician. There are two routes to do this:

• Secure employment and transfer onto an apprenticeship programme – your knowledge and experience will be taken into account to reduce your time spent training
• Secure employment or become self‑employed and complete the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structures & the Environment) – from City & Guilds or EAL.

Finally, you will complete the end point assessment (AM2) to become a fully qualified electrician.

You can find out more from Electrical Careers.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with an electrical installation company is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on‑the‑job experience and a college or training provider.

You can do an installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).

You can also train to become an electrician through an apprenticeship in the armed forces.

Work

If you have some GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and maths, along with good practical skills, you might be able to get a job as an electrician’s mate, trainee or assistant. Your employer may then help you train to become fully qualified.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in electrical installation. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Candidates with relevant work experience can complete a Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification from the EAL.

Skills

• Knowledge of engineering science and technology
• Maths knowledge
• Design skills and knowledge
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Analytical thinking skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently.

Qualifications

To become an electrician, you could complete a:

• Level 3 Electrician NVQ
• Level 3 Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship
• SVQ at SCQF Level 7 in Electrical Installation
• Modern apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7 in Electrical Installation
• Level 3 Electrical Installations NVQ
• Level 3 Electrician Apprenticeship

Salary

The expected salary for an electrician varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained electricians can start at £30,000
• Trained with experience electricians can earn up to £65,000*
• Self‑employed electricians set their own pay rates.

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources.