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The Best Industry-Led Basic Electrical Course in the UK: Built by the Trade, for the Trade

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 Yet too many new entrants and cross-skilled workers are trained in outdated ways — focused on theory, not reality.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.

Introduction: Training That Reflects the Real Industry

As someone who’s worked in the electrical and construction sector for over a decade — as both an employer and a qualified Site Manager — I’ve seen how the right training can transform a career, and how the wrong kind can hold people back.

Too often, “beginner” electrical courses focus on theory alone. Learners leave knowing the symbols on a circuit diagram, but not how to safely isolate power, identify cable types, or manage the real-world risks they’ll face on site. That gap between classroom learning and workplace competence is what inspired me and my team at Learn Trade Skills to create the Basic Electrical Course — a programme built by the industry, for the industry.

This course isn’t just another introduction to electrics. It’s an EAL-approved qualification with integrated CPD (Continuing Professional Development) modules that meet the exact needs of today’s construction and maintenance workforce. It covers the fundamentals of electrical work, while also addressing the three biggest causes of accidents and ill-health in the trade: asbestos exposure, manual handling injuries, and working at height incidents.

Why CPD Matters More Than Ever

Competence has always been a legal requirement under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, but recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes the need for verified training clearer than ever:

Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, accounting for 35 deaths in 2024/25 (HSE Press Release, July 2025).
Asbestos exposure continues to kill over 2,000 people a year through mesothelioma and related diseases (GOV.UK Statistics 2024).
Manual handling and musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 6.6 million lost working days annually across UK industries (HSE MSD Report).

These numbers show the real cost of inadequate training. CPD ensures that everyone on site — from apprentices to supervisors — stays up to date, competent, and compliant with the expectations set out by the HSE and by employers who take safety seriously.

What the Basic Electrical Course Covers

The Basic Electrical Course delivers the perfect blend of classroom learning, hands-on practice, and structured CPD. Here’s a closer look at what’s included:

Technical Training Modules

Basic Electrical Theory – Understand voltage, current, and resistance; apply Ohm’s Law; and differentiate between AC and DC.
Electrical Tools & Safe Use – Learn how to select, inspect, and safely operate hand tools, multimeters, and voltage testers.
Cables & Terminations – Identify domestic cable types, prepare and terminate conductors correctly, and maintain neat, compliant finishes.
Electrical Safety & Safe Isolation – Practise isolating circuits using lock-off kits and proving dead — exactly as required by HSE electrical safety guidance.
Consumer Units & Circuit Protection – Examine RCDs, MCBs, and main switches, and understand disconnection times and inspection standards.
Lighting & Switching Principles – Wire one-way and two-way lighting circuits, interpret symbols, and read diagrams accurately.
Final Practical Assessment (CPD Linked) – Bring everything together through a full wiring and isolation task, assessed on both technique and safety.
Health & Safety CPD Integration & Certification – Complete scenario-based learning and a CPD quiz covering asbestos awareness, manual handling, and working at height.

How CPD Elevates This Course

The CPD components of our programme are more than just tick-boxes — they directly address the real hazards identified in HSE research and on live sites.

Asbestos Awareness: In the UK, any tradesperson working in buildings built before 2000 could encounter asbestos-containing materials. Our CPD training teaches recognition, reporting, and safe response to potential exposure, following HSE’s Asbestos Essentials guidance.
Manual Handling: The training builds posture and lifting awareness to prevent long-term injury, aligning with HSE’s Manual Handling at Work Guidance.
Working at Height: Learners study risk assessment, ladder use, and fall prevention in line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Together, these modules ensure that graduates of our Basic Electrical Course are competent not only in electrical skills but also in the broader responsibilities of working safely and legally.

Who the Course Is For

The Basic Electrical Course has been designed with a broad audience in mind, reflecting the diversity of today’s trades sector:

Beginners who want a structured, industry-recognised start to their electrical career.
Existing Tradespeople — plumbers, carpenters, decorators, or multi-trade professionals — who regularly encounter electrical systems.
Maintenance & Facilities Teams in housing associations, local authorities, or private companies that need certified basic electrical competence.
Employers & Supervisors seeking a reliable, EAL-approved course that supports compliance with HSE competence standards.

Industry Alignment and Recognition

This programme has been developed in partnership with EAL, one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for engineering and building services qualifications.
That means when learners complete the course, they earn a certificate backed by an awarding body recognised across the electrical industry.

The Wider Impact of CPD on the Industry

The industry increasingly demands proof of ongoing competence.
From major contractors to local authorities, clients now ask for evidence that workers and subcontractors have current CPD or refresher training.
Failing to demonstrate this can affect tenders, insurance and audit compliance.

A 2024 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) report highlights a growing skills gap, predicting that the UK will need an additional 251,000 construction workers by 2028 — particularly in electrical and maintenance roles.
Courses like ours directly support that demand by equipping new entrants and cross-trades with safe, verifiable skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Basic Electrical Course?
It’s an EAL-approved foundation course that teaches hands-on electrical skills and essential safety awareness. It’s tailored by active industry professionals to meet real-world standards.

What makes this course different?
It combines practical electrical training with structured CPD covering asbestos awareness, manual handling, and working at height. That makes it unique in addressing the full spectrum of site risks.

How long does the course take?
It’s delivered as an intensive in-centre programme with guided learning hours designed for beginners and cross-trades.

Will I get a recognised qualification?
Yes. You’ll earn an EAL Approved Certificate in Basic Electrical Skills, backed by a nationally recognised awarding body.

Does this count toward my professional development?
Absolutely. Your CPD credits demonstrate compliance and competency, supporting your professional portfolio and employer audits.

Can I become a fully qualified electrician after this course?
This is your starting point. It provides the foundation to progress into qualifications such as 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), Part P, or the Gold Card Electrical Pathway.

Conclusion: Raising Standards Through Real Training

The electrical industry needs competent, safety-aware professionals more than ever.
That’s why we built a course that goes beyond classroom theory — combining EAL-approved technical training with CPD modules rooted in HSE data and site reality.

The Basic Electrical Course isn’t just about learning electrics. It’s about building a safer, stronger, and more capable workforce — one learner at a time.

If you’re ready to take that step, visit learntradeskills.co.uk or call our team to enrol 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.

The Best Industry-Led Basic Electrical Course in the UK: Built by the Trade, for the Trade