Switching careers at any time can be a little nerve-wracking, particularly if it’s a decision you’re making later in life. 

Traditionally, we’ve been taught that our journey towards our chosen career path should begin as early as secondary school, and that particularly in the case of trade roles, the only entry route is an apprenticeship or perhaps a college course post-GCSEs. 

The good news is, for anyone with ambitions of building a career as an electrician, it’s never too late to begin your training and obtain your qualifications. Thanks to alternative training options like college courses and private providers, the electrical industry is more accessible than ever.  

Do I need prior qualifications to become an electrician?

One big advantage that private training providers can offer over apprenticeships and college courses is that no prior qualifications are needed to begin your learning. This means that no matter what your educational background is, you’ll still be able to enrol in a course and get your career off the ground. 

How do I fit electrician training around other commitments? 

Naturally, adults are more likely to have commitments such as full-time employment, and childcare, alongside regular financial commitments like mortgage repayments. This can make finding the time and money to complete training feel unfeasible.

To tackle this, many electrician training courses are available to students on a part-time or home study basis on a schedule that suits you. Payment plans are also commonplace, helping to make the cost of training more manageable. 

Where should I start with my electrician training?

For anyone looking to switch careers and begin working as an electrician, you’ll typically want to start with a Level 2 course with an approved training provider, as well as completing your 18th Edition certificate. 

These are the industry-recognised first steps and are designed to develop regulation and scientific knowledge as well as the practical skills required for electrical installation work.

Once you’ve completed your Level 2 electrical training, you’ll be in a position to gain valuable on-the-job experience as an electrician’s mate. Alternatively, you can continue your journey towards becoming a fully qualified electrician by moving on to a Level 3 course.

While apprenticeships are still obviously an essential part of the construction industry, especially when it comes to school leavers, they should by no means be seen as the only viable method of starting a career in the trades–at any time in life!

With demand and earning potential for qualified engineers consistently high, different pathways, like private providers, have significantly increased in popularity, offering a more inclusive and realistic pathway for those looking to move careers.

If switching careers to electrical is something that you are interested in, then Able Skills offers a range of in-depth electrical courses, many of which can be completed on a part-time or home-study basis. You can find more information about all of our courses here.