As Tolga Aramaz, CEO of Learn Trade Skills, WireNow, and Learn Trade Skills Consultancy CIC, I’ve spent over a decade supporting individuals in their journey to becoming qualified electricians. Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or experienced tradesperson seeking formal recognition, choosing between apprenticeships and fast-track courses is critical. Today, let’s explore why fast-track courses might be your ideal route, particularly if flexibility, speed, and practical results matter most.
Apprenticeships have long been the standard pathway into the electrical industry. Typically spanning around four years, apprentices combine on-the-job training with classroom studies.
Fast-track electrical courses offered at Learn Trade Skills have revolutionised electrical training, making it accessible and realistic for modern lives. With durations typically ranging between 4 and 8 months of training, then onsite, these courses offer comprehensive qualifications in a condensed timeframe. These courses are accredited by City and Guilds, EAL and LCL Awards.
As someone responsible for supporting many learners into successful careers, I’ve observed firsthand how life circumstances often dictate the ideal training path.
For school or college leavers who prefer immediate employment over extended academic studies, fast-track courses provide an efficient pathway. You can quickly achieve industry qualifications, allowing you to begin earning and gaining practical experience sooner.
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For a 35-year-old parent looking to swiftly transition from a previous career, fast-track courses provide essential flexibility and accelerated qualification. Balancing family life, financial obligations, and training becomes achievable through adaptable scheduling.
If you’re already experienced but lack formal certifications, fast-track courses quickly validate your skills, opening doors to better employment opportunities, higher earning potential, and professional recognition like the ECS Gold Card.
| Pathway | Fully Qualified Route | Fast Track Route | Experienced Worker Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Beginners or those with no formal qualifications | Electricians with 1–4 years of hands-on experience but no formal qualifications. | Operatives with 5+ years of experience seeking formal certification |
| Objective | Become a fully qualified electrician | Gain full electrician certification. | Streamline qualification based on existing skills and experience |
| Core Qualifications | - Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installations - NVQ Level 3 - AM2 Preparation - 18th Edition Wiring Regulations - 2391 Inspection & Testing - Part P Building Regulations | - Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installations - NVQ Level 3 - AM2 Preparation - 18th Edition Wiring Regulations - 2391 Inspection & Testing - Part P Building Regulations | - 18th Edition Wiring Regulations - Level 2 2365 Diploma (online) - NVQ 2346 - Part P Building Regulations - 2391 Inspection & Testing |
| Study Options | - Full-time/Part-time (Standard) | day/week (Mondays), in-centre + online. | Flexible (online study + in-centre assessments) |
| Duration | Full-time (15 Weeks) and Part-time (30 Weeks) | 24 weeks + NVQ (up to 18 months). | Flexible timeline depending on experience and availability |
| Outcome | Eligible for ECS Gold Card and Competent Person Scheme registration | Eligible for ECS Gold Card and Competent Person Scheme registration | Eligible for ECS Gold Card and Competent Person Scheme registration |
| Career Opportunities | Work in various settings, including commercial and industrial environments | Domestic, commercial, industrial work. | Full range of opportunities available to qualified electricians |
| Support Provided | Comprehensive support, including exam preparation | Comprehensive support, including exam preparation | Assessment and support through final qualification stages |
| Cost | £8,849 | £7,299 | £5,189 |
| Ideal for Those Who… | Want a complete qualification from scratch | Have experience but no qualifications. | Have substantial experience and want to formalize their qualifications |
At Learn Trade Skills, our fast-track electrician courses typically cover:
| Aspect | Apprenticeship | Fast-Track Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~4 Years | 4-8 Months training then onsite for NVQ |
| Cost | Minimal (funded) | Higher initial cost, offset by faster ROI |
| Income During Training | Yes (but typically a lower starting wage compared to qualified roles) | No apprenticeship-level income during training, but faster transition to full-time paid work |
| Flexibility | Limited | High flexibility in scheduling |
| Industry Exposure | Extensive from start | Practical assessments & structured placements |
Choosing between apprenticeships and fast-track courses comes down to your personal circumstances, goals, and needs. Apprenticeships provide a structured, long-term path ideal for young entrants with fewer responsibilities. In contrast, fast-track courses offer practical, flexible, and accelerated routes into the electrical industry, perfect for school leavers eager to start earning, adults with immediate financial commitments, family responsibilities, or experienced professionals seeking formal qualifications.
Reflect carefully on your circumstances, priorities, and goals. At Learn Trade Skills, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Absolutely. Accredited fast-track courses offer recognised qualifications without the need for a traditional apprenticeship.
Typically, you can achieve your qualification within 4 to 8 months, then onsite for NVQ portfolio, depending on your commitment level.
Yes, fast-track courses include comprehensive practical training, assessments, and structured placements to ensure industry readiness.
Yes, fast-track courses at Learn Trade Skills include the necessary NVQ Level 3 and AM2 assessment required for ECS Gold Card qualification.
Apprenticeships have lower upfront costs but take longer. Fast-track courses require an initial investment but allow quicker entry into well-paid positions, potentially offsetting these initial costs quickly.
Explore the flexible, supportive training environment at Learn Trade Skills and begin your journey to becoming a qualified electrician today. Your brighter future starts here.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
Learn Trade Skills (LTS) is a Vocational Training Centre based in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire that specialises in training electricians.
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William Goss
Electrician course
11/11/2024
