When we picture a career in the trades, electricians will likely be one of the first professions that spring to mind for many people. But what are the training and career paths for electricians?

Electrical know-how is an essential part of just about any construction project, so it’s no surprise to learn that the skill set continues to be in particularly high demand throughout 2024 and beyond. 

There are various different entry routes for those wanting to qualify as an electrician. Similarly, there are a long list of varied progression routes and opportunities, some more obvious than others, that an electrical career can lead to. 

Initial training

Apprenticeships continue to be a popular starting point for those pursuing an electrical career. Given the ability to earn while you learn, apprenticeships can be a logical first step particularly amongst school-leavers. 

However, given the low wage and the length of time required to complete an apprenticeship, for those with commitments such as rent, mortgage and childcare costs, a private electrical training provider will be a more realistic and appealing entry route. 

Your training path can vary depending on which level you want to train up to. As a rough guide, a Level 2 Electrical course, which is designed to equip you with the initial regulation knowledge and practical skills, will take around seven weeks to complete. 

From here, you would move on to a Level 3 course, which is the level needed to progress within the electrical industry. This typically takes around six weeks to complete. 

For those wanting to obtain the highest electrical standard, a JIB Gold Card, Able Skills offers a dedicated package of learning to achieve this. This requires around 14 weeks of training after which a person can undertake their NVQ and AM2 assessments at a time that suits them. 

The JIB Gold Card is proof that an individual has completed a Level 3 competency-based course with an accredited provider. This certification allows the holder to carry out unsupervised work on the installation, commissioning and maintenance of low-voltage electrical equipment. 

For electricians who want the ability to work on site, you’ll need to hold a CSCS card before doing so, a process which involves passing a health, safety and environment test (HS&E). 

Career paths for electricians

Experienced electricians have an abundance of progression routes they might choose to explore. 

From growing into senior positions such as a project or site manager to specialising in sustainable technologies like solar panels and wind turbines, the opportunities are both exciting and incredibly varied. 

Many electricians also choose to go down the self-employed route, either working alone or setting up a business and hiring others to work alongside.

Able Skills offers a range of electrical training to suit all levels of experience, however, for those wanting to reach ‘fully qualified’ status as efficiently as possible, then the Gold Card Electrician package is the ideal choice.