Given the vast scope of roles and responsibilities that an electrical career could cover, forming a clear understanding of your necessary training and qualifications isn’t always straightforward. 

For anyone trying to visualise what an electrical career path might look like, we’ve broken down the training, roles and responsibilities, and the various progression routes you may wish to explore at different stages of your career.

What are the typical roles and responsibilities of an electrician?

  • Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring
  • Inspecting and maintaining electrical appliances
  • Ensuring electrical systems meet the latest industry safety regulations in both domestic and commercial settings
  • Reading and interpreting building blueprints
  • Upgrading electrical systems in line with new and emerging technologies
  • Implementing and advising on sustainable alternatives with specialist training

What is the difference between an electrician and an electrical engineer? 

Electrical engineers tend to focus more on the design and development of electrical systems, requiring a greater understanding of physics and mathematics. 

This isn’t to say electrical engineers don’t also carry out hands-on work like installation and repairs, they’re just qualified to take on a broader scope of complex electrical work and design. 

While a university degree is the most common way of officially becoming an engineer, it is also possible to do so via apprenticeships and industry-recognised qualifications such as Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas. 

First steps: electrical training

Electricians are highly skilled tradespeople who must adhere to stringent rules and regulations every time they carry out work. 

With that said, taking the time to research and undertake your training with a trusted, quality provider is one of the most effective ways you can get your career off to the best possible start.

There are typically three entry routes to becoming an electrician. The more ‘traditional’ pathways that most people will recognise are through an apprenticeship or college course. In recent times, private training providers have also become a popular alternative, offering a more efficient and inclusive method of kickstarting an electrical career and gaining qualifications. 

What qualifications do I need as an electrician?

It’s vital that you fully understand what levels of qualification are required for different kinds of electrician work. 

If you’re not going down the route of an apprenticeship, where you can technically work under supervision as you train, you’ll typically start with a Level 2 qualification, followed by your 18th Edition exam.  

From here, you may choose to get a level 3 diploma before pursuing an NVQ and AM2, which is generally thought of as the level that is deemed ‘fully qualified’ as an electrician, and a requirement for anyone who wants to take on commercial electrical work. 

Further training & career progression opportunities for electricians  

There are, of course, plenty of opportunities to expand your skills further with additional and specialist training and qualifications. 

Those looking for ways to future-proof their electrical career can explore training in high-demand green technologies, like electric vehicle charging, solar and other renewable technologies. Other advanced roles could include things like design and estimating, site management and running your own business. 

Examples of non-mandatory, but worthwhile certifications to consider include registering with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Any member of the NICEIC must meet the high standards laid out by the regulatory body, making it a great way to demonstrate your skills and competence to employers and customers. 

Electricians who want the ability to work on a construction site will need to register with the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS). This is the electrical equivalent of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Again, it’s imperative that you only undertake work on-site that your specific ECS card qualifies you for. 

The JIB Gold Card, also known as the ECS Gold Card, is what you’ll need to be recognised as a ‘Gold Card-approved’ electrician. This requires a minimum Level 3 qualification and grants the right to carry out work unsupervised. 

The qualifications and electrical training you need will depend entirely upon your own plans and career goals. At Able Skills, we offer a range of electrical learning packages that can be tailored to suit each individual. You can find more information about all of our expert-led electrical courses here.