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Changing Careers: From Teaching to Becoming an Electrician in the UK

Thinking about leaving teaching for something new? You’re not alone. Many teachers, despite their passion for education, find themselves feeling burnt out, underpaid, or craving a career with more hands-on work and financial security. One of the most promising career shifts today is becoming an electrician. With the UK's growing demand for skilled tradespeople, a career as an electrician offers job stability, high earning potential, and flexible working options—all while allowing you to see the tangible results of your work. But how do you make this transition without quitting your job immediately? The good news is that part-time training options exist, allowing you to gain your qualifications while still working. This guide will walk you through how to gradually transition from teaching to electrical work, the expected salaries, and why now is the best time to make the switch.

Thinking of Leaving Teaching? You’re Not Alone

Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it can also be exhausting. If you’ve been feeling burnt out, undervalued, or simply in need of a fresh challenge, you’re not alone. Many teachers reach a point where they crave something different—work that is hands-on, financially rewarding, and offers long-term stability.

One career path that has attracted former teachers is becoming an electrician. With the UK facing a growing demand for skilled electricians, this trade offers great job security, excellent earning potential, and the satisfaction of working on tangible projects. But how do you transition from the classroom to the electrical trade without disrupting your current income? This guide will help you navigate the shift step by step.

Why Consider a Career as an Electrician?

1. What Are the Job Prospects for Electricians in 2025?

The electrical industry in the UK is booming. According to government projections:

The demand for electricians in the UK is influenced by various factors, including ongoing construction projects, infrastructure development, and initiatives aimed at decarbonising buildings. Recent data indicates that while overall job vacancies have been declining, certain sectors continue to exhibit resilience.Reuters
As of November 2024 to January 2025, the estimated number of vacancies in the UK was 819,000, marking a decrease of 9,000 (1.1%) from the previous quarter. Notably, the construction industry reported 13,000 more vacancies than the pre-pandemic levels of January to March 2020, suggesting sustained demand in this sector. ONS DATA
The UK’s ambitious goals to decarbonise buildings further underscore the need for skilled electricians. Plans to construct 1.5 million homes and retrofit existing ones over the next five years necessitate an additional 251,500 construction workers, including 59,000 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians. This substantial demand highlights a significant skills gap in the construction industry, particularly for roles integral to implementing green technologies. Reuters
In summary, despite a general decline in job vacancies, the construction sector, and specifically the demand for electricians, remains robust. This trend is driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and the UK’s commitment to environmental sustainability, indicating promising opportunities for professionals in the electrical trade.
Government initiatives like the Net Zero by 2050 plan are driving investments into solar panels, EV charging, and smart home installations, opening up more opportunities.

Simply put, if you train as an electrician today, you’ll be entering a secure and growing field.

2. How Much Can an Electrician Earn Compared to Teaching?

While teaching salaries in the UK often plateau, electricians enjoy steady salary growth. Here’s a comparison:

Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) Salary: Around £30,000
Fully Qualified Electrician Salary (2025 projections):
- Average UK Salary: £36,000–£45,000
- London & High-Demand Areas: £50,000+
- Self-Employed Electricians: £60,000–£100,000+

Electricians who work overtime or specialize in high-demand sectors (e.g., EV charging, renewable energy) can earn significantly more.

How to Become an Electrician While Keeping Your Teaching Job

3. Can You Train as an Electrician Part-Time?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of this career shift is that you can train part-time while keeping your teaching job. Many training providers like Learn Trade Skills offer evening and weekend courses designed for career changers. The course, like our Part-time Gold Card Course.

Duration: Around 30 weeks in-centre training
Schedule: 1 day and 1 evening per week
Onsite NVQ Portfolio Completion: ~1 year

These courses allow you to gradually build your skills without the financial stress of quitting your job immediately.

4. What Qualifications Do You Need?

To work as an electrician, you’ll need:

Level 2 & 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (for those without prior experience)
NVQ Level 3 (practical experience & assessment on real jobs)
AM2 Assessment (final competence test)
18th Edition Wiring Regulations Certificate (required for all electricians)
2391-52 Inspection and Testing
ECS Card (proves competence and allows you to work on-site)

A part-time training course will help you work towards these qualifications at a steady pace.

5. How Much Does Training Cost?

Part-time electrician training including NVQ: £8,849 (varies by provider)
Then AM2 Assessment Extra

There are financing options available, including payment plans and government-backed loans for vocational training.

Next Steps: Making the Transition Smooth

6. How Can You Gain Hands-On Experience While Still Teaching?

Many part-time students find ways to gain experience, such as:

Working with a mentor: Find a local electrician willing to let you shadow them on weekends.
Taking on small jobs: Once you gain basic skills, you can start helping friends/family with minor electrical work.
Completing your NVQ portfolio: Your training provider will help you find work placements.

7. When Should You Consider Quitting Teaching?

A gradual transition is key. Most career changers follow this timeline:

First 6 Months: Train part-time and do while teaching.
6 Months to 1 Year: Get small jobs and start NVQ process.
Year 1–2: Gain more experience, complete NVQ, and take on small jobs.
Year 2+: Once fully qualified, decide whether to go full-time or freelance.

Once you have your NVQ Level 3 and AM2, you’ll be fully qualified and ready to transition into electrical work full-time.

FAQs

1. Am I too old to become an electrician?

No! Many people retrain in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Employers value reliability and your teaching experience shows that you’re disciplined and capable of learning new skills.

2. Can I train as an electrician if I have no prior experience?

Yes! The electrical courses are designed for beginners, and you don’t need a technical background to start.

3. Will I need to go back to school?

Not in the traditional sense. Most training is practical, hands-on, and far different from an academic setting.

4. Is there a demand for electricians in 2025?

Yes! The UK is experiencing a shortage of electricians, and demand will continue to rise due to construction, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects.

5. Can I work for myself as an electrician?

Absolutely. Once fully qualified, many electricians become self-employed, offering flexibility and higher earning potential.

6. How Can You Gain Hands-On Experience While Still Teaching?

If you’re looking for part-time or night shift electrician roles while training, job portals like Jooble, Indeed, and Reed often list opportunities for trainee, assistant electricians, or night shift electricians in London. These positions can help you gain valuable hands-on experience while balancing your current job.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling unfulfilled in teaching, transitioning into the electrical trade could be the fresh start you need. By training part-time, you can build your new career gradually and securely without taking financial risks.

The demand for electricians is only going to grow, and with your transferable skills (organisation, communication, and problem-solving), you’ll be well-equipped to succeed. If you’re serious about making the change, research part-time electrician courses near you and take the first step today!

Tolga Aramaz

Director at Learn Trade Skills | + posts

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.

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Changing Careers: From Teaching to Becoming an Electrician in the UK