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Electrician

As an Electrician, you will install, maintain and repair electrical systems that power homes, businesses and public buildings. 

You'll use problem-solving skills and technical knowledge to keep people safe, ensure equipment works reliably, and help support everything from lighting and heating to renewable energy technologies.

Electrician is also known as Electrical Technician .

Role Characteristics

  • Carry out routine scheduled maintenance on electrical systems in accordance with technical guidance/Health Technical Memorandum’s
  • Carry out reactive works on electrical systems such as lighting circuits when they fail
  • Work collaboratively as part of a maintenance team and with external contractors on electrical systems
  • Communication is a key skill when dealing with other departments when organising works and working with other trades
  • Interpret and work from electrical drawings
  • Undergo specialist training courses for personal development to enable you to work on specialist hospital services

Skills

  • Operating equipment
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Team work
  • Record keeping
  • Specialist skills

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about being an Electrician 

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • Maths and English skills
  • GCSEs
  • NVQ
  • T-Level
  • An apprenticeship
  • BTEC
  • Volunteering or work experience

How to become

To become an Electrician, you will need to complete training that combines classroom learning with practical experience. There are many ways to access this, and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.

  • Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, as well as Engineering, Construction, Building Services Engineering, Electrical Installation courses, T Levels in Building Services Engineering, and relevant BTEC qualifications.
  • Complete an apprenticeship – many people become Electricians through an Electrical Installation apprenticeship, which allows you to earn a wage while gaining industry-recognised qualifications and workplace experience.
  • Gain practical experience through pre-employment programmes, work experience placements, traineeships (where available), or by working as an electrician's mate or assistant.

You will then be eligible to train as an Electrician through an Electrical Installation apprenticeship or other recognised industry training programme, where you gain experience in the workplace while studying for a qualification.

Where can this role lead

As an Electrician, there are lots of opportunities to develop your career in different directions. If you enjoy the technical side of the role, you could specialise as an Engineer, working on more complex systems and solving technical challenges, or become an Estates Officer, helping to maintain and improve the buildings and services that health and care organisations rely on.

If you're interested in working more directly with people, the communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills you've developed could help you move into roles such as Care Assistant or Clinical Support Worker where you can make a direct difference to people's health and wellbeing.

Location

  • Care Homes
  • Community Settings
  • GP Practices
  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories
  • Armed Forces
  • At Home
  • Offices
  • Opticians
  • Peoples Homes
  • Pharmacies
  • Prisons
  • Schools, colleges and universities

Working hours

  • Flexible Hours
  • Full Time
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Nights
  • Casual Hours

Opportunities

Two people smiling whilst working Woman in facemask working
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Electrical / Electrician Apprenticeship
This Installation / Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship is available to anyone aged over 16. Apprentices will gain the skills and knowledge to carry out job roles and responsibilities associated with the installation and maintenance of electrotechnical systems.
Organisation
Leeds College of Building
View opportunity
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Level 2 Electrical Installation
This Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to begin a career as an installation electrician.
Organisation
Bradford College
View opportunity
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Electrician Apprenticeship
Apprentices will gain the skills and knowledge to carry out job roles and responsibilities associated with the installation and maintenance of electrotechnical systems.
Organisation
Leeds College of Building
View opportunity
Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
Organisation
Volunteering Opportunities
View opportunity
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