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How Hard Is It To Become An Electrician in the UK in 2025?

Becoming an electrician in the UK is an excellent career choice, offering job security, competitive salaries, and the potential for professional growth. Whether you are starting from scratch, looking to specialize in domestic installations, or already have experience and need formal certification, there are structured pathways to help you achieve your goals. With increasing demand for skilled electricians, this is the perfect time to enter the industry and secure a stable and rewarding future.

How Hard is it to Become an Electrician in the UK?

Becoming an electrician is not as hard as you may think and at times specific areas that are discussed may seem daunting but do not despair, as you do not have to rush. Take things one step at a time.

There is more than one way to become an electrician, but we recommend reading our complete guide on how to become an electrician. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to start your journey in the electrical trade.

If you are considering a career as an electrician, it is natural to wonder how challenging it may be. The good news is that the demand for skilled electricians remains high, making this a rewarding and secure career choice. Becoming an electrician may seem daunting at first, but with structured training and support, you can achieve your goals efficiently.

We offer three main routes to help you become an electrician, catering to different backgrounds and levels of experience:

Fully Qualified Electrician Route
Domestic Installer Route
Experienced Worker Route

Each pathway has specific requirements and study options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your career aspirations.

What it Takes to Become an Electrician in the UK

Here’s a list of skills and personalities that is generally expected from Electricians:

Physical Capacity – you would be expected to be physically able and not limited by serious disabilities as this is a very physical career where you may be expected to climb ladders, crawl or dig etc. A usual day for an Electrician would be on their feet.

Basic Maths – a usual expectancy would be that you can comprehend simple algebra to understand the science around electricity when working with it. You will be taught this during your courses.

Communication Skills – you will be dealing with other people consistently and you would be expected to both be able to have problem solving skills and have capacity to communicate with people well.

Satisfactory Balance – You are more than likely to be on ladders and possibly other high places so good balance would be expected along with reasonable motor skills.

Shortage of Tradespeople

Shortages in skilled tradespeople, such as plumbers, carpenters, and electricians, are set to cost the UK £12bn a year in missed economic growth by 2030, according to research. The UK is currently facing a shortage of 166,000 tradespeople, with vacancy levels for many trades close to record highs.

0 kf trade campaign asset 4 occupation chart aw — So this is a perfect time to join this trade. Look at our electrical courses now

Can You Become an Electrician Without an Apprenticeship in the UK?

Yes, you can become an electrician in the UK without completing a traditional apprenticeship. The industry now offers alternative routes, including the Fully Qualified Route for beginners, the Fast-Track Route for those with some experience, the Domestic Installer Route for specialists in home installations, and the Experienced Worker Route for those with 5+ years of industry experience. These pathways allow individuals to gain recognized qualifications and work independently as electricians without following the traditional apprenticeship model. To explore the full details of these routes, read the complete article here.

Length of Becoming an Electrician in the UK

The time required depends on your chosen route and prior experience:

Fully Qualified Electrician Route

Ideal for beginners with no prior experience.
Includes Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installations, NVQ Level 3, AM2 Preparation, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and 2391 Inspection & Testing.
Study options: Full-time and Part-time (Standard) or Fast-track.
Completion time: Varies depending on study pace.
Outcome: Eligible for ECS Gold Card and Competent Person Scheme registration.

Domestic Installer Route

Best for those focusing on domestic electrical work.
Covers 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, Initial Verification of Electrical Installations, and Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing & Ensuring Compliance.
Study options: Part-time.
Completion time: Flexible.
Outcome: Eligible for Competent Person Scheme registration.

Experienced Worker Route

Outcome: Eligible for ECS Gold Card and Competent Person Scheme registration.

Designed for those with at least five years of experience who need formal qualifications.

Includes 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, Level 2 2365 Diploma (online), NVQ 2346, Part P Building Regulations, and 2391 Inspection & Testing.

Study options: Flexible (online + in-centre assessments).

Completion time: Based on experience and availability.

How Much Does this all Cost?

The cost varies based on the route you choose:

Fully Qualified Electrician Route: £8,849 (Standard) or £7,299 (Fast-track).
Domestic Installer Route: £3,179
Experienced Worker Route: £5,199.

These costs include all essential training, assessments, and support needed to achieve industry-recognised qualifications.

Is it Worth it?

Is enrolling in a basic electrical course worth it? Absolutely. Electricians are among the highest-paid skilled tradespeople, with an average salary of £34,000, and even more lucrative opportunities in cities like London where salaries can reach £38,000. Some electricians are reported to be earning as much as £156,000, showcasing the potential for growth in this field.

The demand for electricians is consistently high, ensuring a stable and rewarding career path. As long as society relies on electricity, electricians will remain essential. With opportunities constantly emerging, investing in your education and career advancement is a wise decision.

Moreover, the work of an electrician is far from monotonous; each project presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, ensuring that boredom is unlikely to be a concern.

Explore increasing job opportunities in the electrical field—check Jooble for the latest openings both locally and abroad.

In conclusion, pursuing a basic electrical course can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career as an electrician. So, if you’re considering it, know that your investment in time and effort is well worth it.

If you are ready to start your journey as an electrician, contact Learn Trade Skills today for expert guidance and industry-leading training programs.

Sezai Aramaz

Founder at Learn Trade Skills | + posts

Sezai Aramaz is the esteemed founder of Learn Trade Skills, boasting over 40 years of experience in the electrical industry in the UK. With two decades dedicated to educating future electricians, he served as an Electrical Installation Lecturer and Assessor. Aramaz's expertise and commitment have contributed significantly to the growth and proficiency of aspiring tradespeople in the field.

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How Hard Is It To Become An Electrician in the UK in 2025?