Becoming an electrician is a rewarding profession for those who feel intrigued with the working of electrical components and appliances and find joy in fixing them. Even if you know how an appliance works and how to fix it, you need to choose the right pathway to legally become an electrician in the UK.
To become a qualified electrician in the UK, you will need:
• Training• Experience
• Final assessment
You can complete these by doing an apprenticeship of over 4 years or by breaking down the process into manageable steps.
Previously, the electrical industry treated the domestic installer route and qualified electrician route as two separate paths to work within the electrical industry. A trained domestic installer would have to repeat what he/she has already learned if they later decided to become fully qualified. But when you choose the right program, you will not face such challenges.
What to do to become an electrician in the UK?
We will start with domestic electricians and then steps that take you closer to becoming a fully qualified electrician.
Join a Domestic Electrical Installer Course – to work in residential areas only
If you want to start working within a short time, the domestic electrical installer course is the quickest way to become a domestic electrician in the UK
. Though you won’t be considered a fully qualified electrician at the end of the course, you will become a trained domestic electrician. It means you will become qualified to complete residential jobs, such as rewiring a house or installing light fixtures.
This type of course can be completed over a month. The course will equip you with the health and safety knowledge and skills that you will need to complete electrical tasks in residential areas. Once you complete this course, you should register yourself with industry organizations, such as NICEIC or ELECSA to self-certify your work.
Earn a Diploma or Technical Certificate – to work in all kinds of environmentTo become an electrician, you can study for a Level 2 and 3 Diploma or technical certificate. It is an industry-recognized and classroom and workshop-based qualification, so you will certainly benefit more. You can either become a self-employed electrician or join an established electrical contractor as an employee.
Level 2 & 3 Diplomas will equip you with the skills and knowledge that an electrician needs in domestic, agricultural, industrial, and commercial establishments. While previously you would train under the City & Guilds 2300 framework, now you should join Level 2 & 3 Diplomas as they have replaced the previous qualification.
You don’t have to work at the same time when you take this pathway to qualify as an electrician. The course can be completed within 16 weeks.
Electrician Apprenticeship – to become a fully qualified electricianWhen you get eager to learn more and become a fully qualified electrician, you should seek an apprenticeship. It is the most popular among professionals and a second choice to university placements. Half of the current school leavers favor apprenticeship over further education as it provides a fast track to a successful career.
If you are able to secure your role as an apprentice electrician, you will work and study for a Level 3 course and NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). It means you will get on-the-job experience under the supervision of an experienced electrician and also gain the theoretical knowledge and qualifications you need to become a fully qualified electrician in the UK. This process takes around two to three years on average to complete. The good thing is that you will be earning a wage this time.
Choose the path that fits best with your goals. Have a successful career ahead!
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