How Long Does It Take To Train To Be An Electrician?

How Long Does It Take To Train To Be An Electrician?

If you want to pursue a career as an electrician then you will need to go through some training. This is a skilled job that requires a good knowledge of electrical circuits and how they work. There are several ways you can go about training but how long does it take to train to be an electrician? 

The length of time it takes to train to become an electrician in the UK will depend on the route you take. For those looking to complete an apprenticeship, this would normally be finished in around three to four years. However, if you opt to do an NVQ, you might complete your training in two to three years.

The route you choose will depend on what is available at the time as it can sometimes be difficult to find companies that are taking on apprentices. You might also consider how you learn best as an NVQ or other similar qualification can usually be broken down into more manageable chunks which makes it attractive to a lot of people. 

Can I Train To Be An Electrician Whilst Working?

Quite simply, yes you can. It is possible to complete an electrician apprenticeship which will see you learning the skills you need while in a working environment. The great thing about doing an apprenticeship is that you will be earning as you train. Depending on your age, this will be significantly lower than what you’ll earn once you are fully qualified but there are legal minimums that your employer must meet. 

The difference with an apprenticeship and doing a diploma or NVQ is that rather than completing different levels of qualifications, everything will be combined into one qualification. This is no better or worse in terms of what you’ll learn or how adept you are at the end of your training. 

Most of the time, you will spend one day a week at college and the other four days working to gain hands-on experience. This usually takes around four years although some colleges will offer a two-year fast track course for those who are more advanced. 

Can I Become An Electrician Without An Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship isn’t for everybody but this is certainly not the only way that you can work towards becoming a fully qualified electrician. There are several types of courses you can do through your local college or online. These include NVQs, diplomas and technical certificates.

What’s great about this option is that you can complete the first parts of your training and then top this up once you are working within the industry. This is an excellent option for people who want to complete their training more quickly. The courses are usually broken down into four sections and once you have completed the first three, you will be able continue working on the fourth while also being employed as an electrician’s mate.  

What Qualifications Make You An Electrician?

To be qualified as an electrician you must have completed a three to four year apprenticeship and hold at least a level 3 certificate. This qualification can also be gained through a college course but the electrician will usually need to have worked within the industry and be able to demonstrate this on top of gaining their level 3 certificate. 

All of these things combined mean that a person may be classed as an electrician by the Joint Industry Board. In this case, the person would be expected to be able to complete electrical work in commercial, domestic and industrial settings. That said, depending on the case, you may need to complete additional training in order to be considered a commercial or industrial electrician. 

Can I Be An Electrician Without Qualifications

If you want to fast track your way to becoming an electrician then you may not have to go through the qualifications that we have already discussed. But before we get into this pathway, it’s important to note that you would only be classed as a domestic electrician but would not be considered to be fully trained. 

You can take this route by completing a domestic electrical installer course. Once finished you would be able to register with NICEIC and complete general domestic jobs such as installing light fittings and rewiring a home. 

What Is A Grade 5 Electrician

A grade 5 electrician is somebody who has acquired relevant training and holds a level 3 certificate in the electrical trade. They may work in many different areas such as assembling and servicing or as a systems electrician. 

Is An Electrician A Good Career?

One of the things that attracts so many people to becoming an electrician is that this is considered to be the highest paying trade job in the UK. With an average annual salary exceeding £32,000, you’ll certainly live comfortably when working in this job. Moreover, you should keep in mind that because of a high demand and short supply, many electricians are able to earn much more than this and it isn’t uncommon to bring home double the national average. Of course, the more experience you have and the more hours you work, the more you will earn. 

Whether or not being an electrician is a good career for you doesn’t only depend on how much money you can expect to earn. It’s vital that you’re passionate about the job if you want to take satisfaction from doing it. As well as having an interest in electronics and how they work, you’ll also need excellent manual dexterity, good problem solving skills and a good degree of patience, among other things. 

Related Article: What Tools Does An Electrician Need

Conclusion

Training to be an electrician can be quite time consuming with an apprenticeship lasting between three and fours years. It is also possible to complete a college course which is broken down into several sections and this usually takes less time, with most people qualifying in between two and three years.