In the UK trades industry, competence, safety, and professionalism are more important than ever. Yet too many new entrants and cross-skilled workers are trained in outdated ways — focused on theory, not reality. As both the CEO of Learn Trade Skills
and WireNow, and a qualified Site Manager, I’ve seen this gap firsthand. That’s why we developed our Basic Electrical Course — a programme built by the industry, for the industry, officially approved by EAL, and packed with integrated CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules.
In this article, I’ll explain why this course is setting a new benchmark for practical training in the UK, how the CPD elements address the exact safety challenges reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
, and how it helps individuals and employers meet real industry needs.
The electrical industry in the UK is built on a foundation of safety, compliance, and professionalism. At the heart of this foundation lies BS 7671 – the IET Wiring Regulations, the standard every electrician must follow. With the recent publication of Amendment 3 to the 18th Edition in 2024, staying up to date is no longer optional — it’s a professional obligation.
Over my 40 years working as an electrician and 20 years lecturing, I have seen first-hand how much the trade has changed. From the shift towards renewable energy to the rapid growth of electric vehicle charging and smart technology, each new edition or amendment of the Wiring Regulations reflects real-world changes that electricians must adapt to.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of the 18th Edition, explain what Amendment 3 (2024) means for your work, highlight when the 19th Edition is expected, and show you how to find a reputable 18th Edition course in London. Whether you are just starting your journey or you’ve been on the tools for decades, understanding the Wiring Regulations is the key to staying safe, compliant, and employable in today’s industry.
The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) with Amendment 3 are essential for every UK electrician because they set the legally recognised standard for safe electrical installations, ensuring compliance with insurers, employers, and Competent Person Schemes like NICEIC and NAPIT; Amendment 3, introduced in July 2024, addresses modern challenges such as bidirectional power flows from solar, battery storage, and EV charging, requiring updated protective devices and clearer labelling—without this qualification, electricians risk failed inspections, invalid insurance, and lost job opportunities, making it vital for both safety and employability across the industry.
You cannot get an ECS Gold Card without completing Level 2 and Level 3 in Electrical Installations. These qualifications are essential because they provide the underpinning knowledge you need — Level 2 covers the basics of wiring and safety, while Level 3 takes you into advanced inspection, testing, and design. Without them, you cannot progress to your NVQ Level 3 or AM2, which are the final steps toward becoming a fully qualified electrician.
Fire alarms save lives. In 2024/25, UK Fire and Rescue Services attended 603,942 incidents, including 142,494 fires (Gov.uk Fire Statistics). With regulations tightening under BS 5839 and Part P Building Regulations, skilled fire alarm installers are more in demand than ever. At Learn Trade Skills, based in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (Broxbourne area), we deliver fire alarm […]
The 17th Edition (BS 7671:2008 + A3:2015) focused on core electrical safety and introduced requirements like RCD protection for many circuits and basic surge protection guidance, but it didn’t fully address modern technologies. The 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018 + Amendments 1–3) built on this by expanding RCD protection, making surge protection devices (SPDs) a default requirement, introducing arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) for fire prevention, mandating fire-resistant cable supports throughout installations, adding energy efficiency guidance, and including Chapter 82 for prosumer systems like solar PV and battery storage. Amendment 3 (2024) further clarified rules for uni- and bi-directional protective devices, and Amendment 4 is expected in 2026 to refine renewable, EV, and digital integration requirements — making the 18th Edition more aligned with today’s safety, sustainability, and technology demands.
After four decades on the tools and over 20 years teaching electrical trainees, I can tell you one thing for certain—every sparkie learns more from their mistakes than their wins. I’ve trained hundreds of learners over the years, and the same electrician training mistakes keep popping up, no matter how good the theory work is.
Whether it’s a missed voltage test or wiring cut too short, these errors aren’t just small hiccups—they can cause safety hazards, cost you time and materials, and slow down your journey to becoming fully qualified. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to make the mistake yourself to learn from it.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common trainee electrician errors I see week-in, week-out. I’ll share real examples from the workshop floor, what can go wrong, and—more importantly—exactly how I train my learners to avoid them. If you’re serious about progressing through your electrical course smoothly and safely, read on.
Choosing the right path to become a qualified electrician in the UK can be a life-changing decision. I’m Tolga Aramaz—CEO of Learn Trade Skills, WireNow, and Learn Trade Skills Consultancy CIC—and I’ve worked with thousands of aspiring electricians from all walks of life. Whether you’re fresh out of school or college, stuck in a job that no longer motivates you, or already working in the construction trade without official qualifications, the choice between an apprenticeship and a fast-track course can shape your future.
While traditional apprenticeships offer structured learning over several years, they’re not always practical for adults with responsibilities or those who want to start earning quickly. That’s where fast-track electrician training comes in. At Learn Trade Skills, we specialise in helping people qualify faster, start working sooner, and take control of their careers—without waiting four years to get there.
In this guide, I’ll break down both routes, highlighting the pros and cons of each—so you can choose the best path based on your goals, lifestyle, and ambitions.
Starting your journey as an electrician means more than just enrolling in a course—it means preparing yourself with the right tools for the job. Having the correct equipment at your fingertips not only makes your work safer but also more efficient and professional. Whether you’re a new trainee at Learn Trade Skills or someone brushing up on the trade, this guide will walk you through the essential tools every aspiring electrician should own.
From insulated screwdrivers to advanced testing equipment, I’ve curated this list based on over four decades of real-world experience and classroom instruction. Each tool listed below is tried, tested, and trusted—plus I’ve included Amazon links to make your setup easy and hassle-free.
At Learn Trade Skills, we understand how vital it is for both aspiring and experienced electricians to stay informed about the latest regulatory changes. With discussions around the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations and the 18th Edition Amendment 4 gaining traction, we’ve noticed growing confusion—especially concerning release timelines and qualification requirements. This article, presented by our Director Tolga Aramaz, aims to dispel myths, clarify facts, and provide clear guidance on what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how you can best prepare to remain compliant and confident in your electrical career.
In my role as Director at Learn Trade Skills (LTS), I often find myself answering crucial questions regarding industry standards and upcoming regulatory changes. Lately, I’ve observed increasing confusion and misinformation about the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations and Amendment 4 of the 18th Edition. Given the importance of accurate information, I want to address these misunderstandings clearly and authoritatively, ensuring our learners and professionals remain well-informed and prepared.
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