How to become an electrician
The most common way in is a Level 3 electrician apprenticeship: you are paid to work alongside qualified electricians while training at college, and finish fully qualified in around four years.
How do I become an electrician in the UK?
Most UK electricians qualify through a Level 3 installation electrician apprenticeship lasting around four years, ending with the AM2 practical assessment and an ECS gold card. Employers usually ask for GCSE maths and English at grade 4. The National Careers Service lists pay of about £26,000 rising to £45,000.
Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.
What does a electrician do?
- Install wiring, sockets, lighting and consumer units in homes, shops and new builds
- Test circuits and certify that installations are safe
- Find and fix faults, often on call-outs
- Read drawings and follow the wiring regulations (BS 7671)
Pay
Typical salary: £26,000 as a starter, rising to £45,000 with experience.
Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.
Sources: National Careers Service, gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.
What you need to get in
- Usually GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths and English (some employers accept grade 3 and support you to resit)
- Colour vision good enough to tell wires apart
- No previous experience needed for an apprenticeship
Routes in
Level 3 installation electrician apprenticeship
The main route. Around four years, ending with the AM2 practical assessment, which leads to your ECS gold card.
College course first
A Level 2 or 3 electrical installation diploma at college, then an apprenticeship or trainee job to complete your practical experience.
T Level in Building Services Engineering
Two years of study with an industry placement, a good bridge into an electrical apprenticeship.
Electrical labourer or mate
Start as a labourer on site, learn the job, then move onto an apprenticeship with the same firm.
How to become a electrician, step by step
- 1
Check your GCSEs
Aim for grade 4 in maths and English. If you are short, many colleges let you resit alongside training.
- 2
Search for apprenticeships
Look on Shine's board and the government Find an apprenticeship service. Local electrical contractors and housing associations recruit every spring and summer.
- 3
Get some hands-on experience
Work experience, a weekend job with a trades firm or a short electrical taster course shows you mean it.
- 4
Apply and prepare for the aptitude test
Many large employers use a maths and problem-solving test. Practise fractions, percentages and simple algebra.
- 5
Qualify with the AM2
Finish your apprenticeship, pass the AM2 assessment and apply for your ECS gold card as a qualified electrician.
Skills employers look for
- Maths and problem-solving
- Attention to detail and safety
- Working with your hands
- Talking to customers
Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.
Related guides
FAQs
- How long does an electrician apprenticeship take?
- A Level 3 installation electrician apprenticeship usually takes around four years, including the AM2 practical assessment at the end.
- How much does an apprentice electrician earn?
- Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, are paid at least the apprentice minimum wage of £8.00 an hour from April 2026 (gov.uk). Many employers pay more. Qualified electricians earn about £26,000 rising to £45,000 with experience, according to the National Careers Service.
- Can I become an electrician at 16?
- Yes. You can start an electrician apprenticeship from 16 once you have left school. Most employers ask for GCSE maths and English at grade 4.
- Can I become an electrician without an apprenticeship?
- You can study an electrical diploma at college, but to be fully qualified you still need on-site experience and the AM2 assessment, which most people get through an apprenticeship or trainee job.
- What is the AM2?
- The AM2 is the practical assessment that proves you can install, test and fault-find safely. Passing it is what lets you apply for the ECS gold card as a qualified electrician.
Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.
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