Many people have a misconception that an apprenticeship is the only route to becoming an electrician. For various reasons, that’s not always a viable option. So, what’s the alternative route to become a qualified electrician? From qualifications to ECS card requirements, in this article, we’ll explain the different options of how to become an electrician without an apprenticeship.

What are the different pathways to become an electrician?

Like many trades, there are a few pathways to becoming an electrician. There are electrician apprenticeships, Further Education colleges offering electrical installation courses, or fast-track electrician courses through private training providers.

While an apprenticeship naturally includes a significant portion of time at work, there’s a percentage of off-the-job training as well. With colleges, it’s structured learning across set course dates. Whereas private training providers offer faster, more flexible routes into the trade.

For an individual looking to start work directly in the industry as a way in, finding a role as an electrician’s mate is another option, then progressing to electrical improver as you obtain qualifications.

Can I become an electrician without an apprenticeship?

Yes, you can become an electrician without an apprenticeship. An electrical apprenticeship is not a mandatory requirement, it’s a well-known, industry-recognised and standardised route to the industry. This typically suits school-leavers and young people, as it gives them the opportunity to learn while they earn and a clear path to work towards becoming a qualified electrician over 3 to 4 years.

What are the training routes for adults who want to change careers to become an electrician?

For anyone who can’t do an electrical apprenticeship, there are other training options. Fast-track electrician courses deliver Level 2 and Level 3 electrical training over a number of weeks. Students doing these electrical installation courses benefit from the industry-standard training and practical work in purpose-built settings that replicate real-world applications.

What qualifications do electricians need?

To become a qualified electrician, you need to hold several qualifications: 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Technology, and the AM2.

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations is a mandatory requirement for Gold Card applications.

The NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent qualification, such as an Approved Apprenticeship or Scottish SVQ Level 3) proves your competence working as an electrician on-site. If you’re not on an apprenticeship pathway, for this element, you need to be working in the industry, so you can register for your NVQ and start collecting evidence for your portfolio, as it’s a work-based competence assessment.  

The AM2 is an independent assessment that also demonstrates competence, but this is done in a centre environment through practical assessment and a short online component.

The Level 2 and Level 3 diploma create a learning pathway to become an electrician. The Level 2 is the recognised entry route, teaching electrical theory, practical installation and wiring regs. The Level 3 progresses this with more advanced electrical units.

How long does it take to become an electrician?

While an electrician apprenticeship might take up to 4 years, the equivalent fast-track electrician courses can be completed in considerably less time.

This example pathway illustrates how to complete electrician training without an apprenticeship, including approximate timings for each stage:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (City & Guilds 2365-02)

completion time 7 weeks full-time

  • 18 Edition Course (City & Guilds 2382-26)

completion time 3 days

  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (City & Guilds 2365-03)

completion time 6 weeks

  • NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Technology (City & Guilds 2357)

completion time variable. This will depend on your work opportunities and capacity to build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your competence on-site.

  • AM2 assessment

completion time 16.5 hours

  • Qualified Electrician!

Once you've completed your NVQ and passed the AM2, you'll have met the core qualification requirements to work as a qualified installation electrician.

Overall, the approximate timing for this route is typically 18 to 24 months from enrolment in the Level 2 to meeting the ECS card requirements. This will depend on a number of factors: how quickly you progress through each stage; whether you do full-time courses or part-time; whether you do electrical training courses as flexible with part home-study or distance learning for the theory.  

The lengthiest part of this route is the electrician NVQ. As it’s a work-based assessment, it just depends on you and the availability of work.

What are the career progression and employment opportunities after qualification?

After completing the NVQ Level 3 and passing the AM2, many electricians apply for an ECS Gold Card and look for roles in the industry, such as installation electrician or maintenance electrician, or choose to become self-employed.

FAQs about how to become an electrician without an apprenticeship

Is an apprenticeship the only route to become a qualified electrician?

No. Apprenticeships aren’t the only route. You can complete the Level 2 and Level 3 electricians’ qualifications and then the NVQ Level 3, AM2 and 18th Edition through a training provider like Able Skills.

What are the ECS card requirements?

To be eligible to apply for the installation electrician ECS Gold Card (also known as the JIB Gold Card) you need to hold the following: a recognised Level 3 competency-based qualification, such as NVQ Level 3, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment.

What is meant by fast-track electrician course?

Many people refer to the intense adult electrician training courses as ‘fast-track’. It simply means that they can be a quicker route to gaining the industry qualifications.

How do I get my electrician NVQ?

You need to be working in the industry so you can build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your on-site competence. Once you’ve completed the NVQ, you do the AM2.

Where can I get electrician qualifications UK?

Find a private training provider that offers the City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installation. This is the recognised entry route. From there, you can also do your 18th Edition and progress to NVQ Level 3 and AM2.

How to get started

Electrical installation courses at Able Skills

“The biggest highlight was completing the AM2 and knowing I had genuinely earned it. The confidence I took into the assessment came from the depth of training at Able Skills, combined with two years of real-world site experience.”  Follow Paul’s career change to become an electrician without an apprenticeship through training with Able Skills.

Since 2002, Able Skills has been training the next generation of skilled trades, including electrical installation. In our purpose-built training centre, we have four electrical workshops with partitioned work bays equipped with tools, a training board and central demonstration areas. We also have classrooms where students learn theory and complete the 18th Edition, plus we even have our own NET-approved AM2 centre on site.  

If you’d like to find out more about how to become an electrician without an apprenticeship, contact our team today by phone or email.