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Electrical Training Routes
Take a look at the routes to becoming a qualified electrician whether it’s via an apprenticeship or another path.
If you want to become a qualified electrician, an apprenticeship is the electrical training route preferred by the industry. Traditionally apprenticeships were only for young people, but now employers in England and Wales can receive funding for apprentices of any age. Take a look at our Apprenticeship routes below for more information.
If you can’t find an apprenticeship vacancy there are other training routes you may be able to follow. However, it’s just not possible to become a qualified electrician until you are working in the industry to gain on-site practical experience.
You also need to be wary of training courses that claim to qualify you as an electrician within a few weeks or months. If you’re completely new to the industry this is simply not possible! Take a look at our advice in this area.
Get started
Take look at the routes below. You can select any route to read the full details and download the training journey, or alternatively download all routes and guidance for England.
These routes currently cover England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland guidance will be available soon.
England
Route 1 – Apprenticeships
The preferred route into the industry, employers can access funding for apprentices of all ages. Select to find out more…
An apprenticeship is a job with training. It’s an ideal way to start your electrical career and earn while you learn. You’ll be employed and will gain your skills via a combination of on-the-job learning in your workplace and other learning supported by a college or training provider. The apprenticeship programme takes around four years to complete.
Traditionally apprenticeships were only for young people, but now employers in England can receive funding for apprentices of any age, so they’re now an option for those looking to change or progress their career, as well as school leavers.
Importantly, your employer receives funding for the apprenticeship programme and you will not be expected to pay anything towards your training.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
To complete your apprenticeship you’ll also need to take the AM2S Assessment which tests everything you’ve learnt over the course of your training.
To find an apprenticeship vacancy try speaking to local employers or training providers. Find a training provider that offers the electrotechnical apprenticeship.
Route 2 – Full Time Education 14-19
If an apprenticeship (Route 1) is not available this is an alternative. Over 19s can also sometimes receive funding. Select to find out more…
If you’re not able to get an apprenticeship, this classroom-based route will provide you with technical knowledge and some practical skills that you can gain at a college or training centre, with the potential for work experience or contact with employers. You’ll still need to get practical experience in the workplace before you can become qualified.
If at any stage during your college education you become employed, you can transfer onto an apprenticeship programme (see Route 1) and your employer will fund the completion of your training, either through their apprenticeship levy funds or through government support. What you’ve learnt already will be recognised and will reduce the time it takes to complete your apprenticeship.
If you don’t become employed there’s only so far you can go – it’s not possible to become qualified until you get into the workplace and gain on-site practical experience. You could look for opportunities to support qualified electricians and learn your trade to start this process.
Generally, students aged 14-19 can receive funding for this route but in some situations, over 19s can also receive financial support for this training.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
Route 3 – Self-Funded
For career changers and others who have to fund their own training if not eligible for Routes 1 & 2. Select to find out more…
If you can’t access funding and need to pay for your own training, it’s important you consider your route carefully. There are no shortcuts to becoming a qualified electrician.
The classroom-based qualifications you’ll gain at a college or other training provider are a good foundation, but on their own they do not mean you are a qualified electrician. This comes with time and experience on the job, supporting work-based training, and the informed judgements you’ll become able to make as a result of this real-life experience.
In fact, if you read the small print, many of the packages offered by commercial training providers acknowledge that you need to be working in the industry to complete the full qualification.
Read our guidance on doing the right training.
You may also see promotions to become a ‘Domestic Installer’ or ‘Domestic Electrician’ – read our advice
Take a look at the recommended Self-Funded journey which shows the whole process.
Route 4 – Experienced Worker
For those who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years but not gained an apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 qualification. Select to find out more…
If you need to get your skills and experience recognised to the industry Level 3 benchmark, the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessment can help.
It’s the assessment process to recognise occupational competence for people who have been working as an electrician for typically over five years but haven’t been able to complete an apprenticeship or achieve an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification.
The Experienced Worker Assessment is based on the same content as the electrotechnical apprenticeship, so that both new entrants and existing workers are now being assessed and accredited against the same industry standard.
The main benefit is that your existing qualifications, skills and experience can count towards the Experienced Worker qualification criteria, so you’ll only need to fill in any gaps.
Take a look at the Experienced Worker route. You can also find out more about the Experienced Worker Assessment on the TESP website.
Northern Ireland
Route 1 - Apprenticeships
The preferred route into the industry, employers can access funding for apprentices aged 16-24. Select to find out more…
An apprenticeship is a job with training. It’s an ideal way to start your electrical career and earn while you learn. You’ll be employed and will gain your skills via a combination of on-the-job learning in your workplace and other learning supported by a college or training provider. The apprenticeship programme takes around four years to complete.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
To complete your apprenticeship you’ll also need to take the AM2S Assessment which tests everything you’ve learnt over the course of your training.
NI Direct has more advice on getting started on an apprenticeship programme.
Route 2 - Self-Funded
For career changers and others who have to fund their own training if not eligible for an apprenticeship. Select to find out more…
If you can’t access funding and need to pay for your own training, it’s important you consider your route carefully. There are no shortcuts to becoming a qualified electrician.
The classroom-based qualifications you’ll gain at a college or other training provider are a good foundation, but on their own they do not mean you are a qualified electrician. This comes with time and experience on the job, supporting work-based training, and the informed judgements you’ll become able to make as a result of this real-life experience.
In fact, if you read the small print, many of the packages offered by commercial training providers acknowledge that you need to be working in the industry to complete the full qualification.
Take a look at the Self-Funded journey which shows the whole process.
Route 3 - Experienced Worker Assessment
For those who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years but not gained an apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 qualification. Select to find out more…
If you need to get your skills and experience recognised to the industry Level 3 benchmark, the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessment can help.
It’s the assessment process to recognise occupational competence for people who have been working as an electrician for typically over five years but haven’t been able to complete an apprenticeship or achieve an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification.
The Experienced Worker Assessment is based on the same content as the electrotechnical apprenticeship, so that both new entrants and existing workers are now being assessed and accredited against the same industry standard.
The main benefit is that your existing qualifications, skills and experience can count towards the Experienced Worker qualification criteria, so you’ll only need to fill in any gaps.
Take a look at the Experienced Worker route. You can also find out more about the Experienced Worker Assessment on the TESP website.
Scotland
Route 1 - Apprenticeship Training
Modern Apprenticeships are now available for all ages and are the recommended route for those joining the industry with no prior experience. Select to find out more…
An apprenticeship is a job with training. It’s an ideal way to start your electrical career and earn while you learn. You’ll be employed and will gain your skills via a combination of on-the-job learning in your workplace and other learning supported by a college or training provider. The apprenticeship programme takes around four years to complete.
Importantly, your employer receives funding for the apprenticeship programme and you won’t be expected to pay anything towards your training.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
To complete your apprenticeship, you’ll also need to take the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) which tests everything you’ve learnt over the course of your training.
To apply for an apprenticeship contact SECTT.
Useful Links:
- Modern Apprenticeship application form
- SJIB Apprentice and Adult Training Schemes Guide
- Information Sheet for Applicants
Route 2 - Adult Training
You can enrol as an Adult Trainee if you’re in full-time employment with an electrical contractor, have the support of your employer and have at least 12 months on-site work experience. Select to find out more…
As an adult trainee, you’ll be registered as a Modern Apprentice and will complete a three-stage training programme that combines on-the-job practical training with attendance at an approved training centre via day release. You won’t need to pay for training and will earn while you learn.
Before you can become a qualified electrician, you’ll also need to take the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) which tests everything you’ve learnt over the course of your training.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
Applications for this route must be made before 30 June each year. Find out more on the SECTT website.
Useful Links:
Route 3 - Crediting Electrotechnical Competence
If you’ve been working as an electrician for a number of years but haven’t yet fully qualified, this route allows you to have your previous experience and qualifications assessed. Select to find out more…
To be eligible for the Crediting Electrical Competence scheme you’ll need to either:
a) Have at least 10 years’ experience as a practising electrician, if you have no formal qualifications, or
b) Have a least three years’ experience as a practising electrician, if you have relevant qualifications.
Once you’re approved onto the scheme, a CEC Assessor will work with you to review your existing qualifications and experience and produce an individual assessment plan that identifies any gaps that need to be filled or additional qualifications you require. They’ll keep in contact with you to review and monitor your progress.
Before you can become a qualified electrician, you’ll also need to take the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA).
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
Useful Links:
Wales
Route 1 - Apprenticeships
The preferred route into the industry, employers can access funding for apprentices aged 16 and above. Select to find out more…
An apprenticeship is a job with training. It’s ideal way to start your electrical career and earn while you learn. You’ll be employed and will gain your skills via a combination of on-the-job learning in your workplace and other learning supported by a college or training provider.
The apprenticeship programme takes around four years to complete.
Traditionally apprenticeships were only for young people, but now employers can receive funding for apprentices of any age, from 16 years and above, so they’re now an option for those looking to change or progress their career, as well as school leavers.
Importantly, you will not be expected to pay anything towards your training while you’re enrolled as an apprentice.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
To complete your apprenticeship you’ll also need to take the AM2 Assessment which tests everything you’ve learnt over the course of your training.
You can search for an apprenticeship vacancy on the Welsh Government website. Or try speaking to local colleges, training providers and employers.
Route 2 - Full Time Education (16-19)
If an apprenticeship (Route 1) is not available this is an alternative for 16-19 year olds. Support for learners aged over 19 may be possible through the Welsh Government Learning Grant. Select to find out more…
If you’re not able to get an apprenticeship, this classroom-based route will provide you with technical knowledge and some practical skills that you can gain at a college or training centre, with the potential for work experience or contact with employers. You’ll still need to get practical experience in the workplace to gain an NVQ before you can become qualified.
If at any stage during your college education you become employed, you can transfer onto an apprenticeship programme (see Route 1). What you’ve learnt already will be recognised and will reduce the time it takes to complete your apprenticeship.
If you don’t become employed there’s only so far you can go – it’s not possible to become qualified until you get into the workplace and gain on-site practical experience. You could look for opportunities to support qualified electricians and learn your trade to start this process.
Support for learners aged over 19 may be possible through the Welsh Government Learning Grant. The Welsh Government’s Further Education finance page is also helpful.
If you’re over 19 you might need to pay tuition fees. Most FE colleges offer free or discounted tuition to:
- learners from low income families
- disabled learners
- learners on benefits.
Take a look at this journey which shows the whole process.
Route 3 - Self-Funded
For career changers and others who have to fund their own training if not eligible for Routes 1 & 2. Select to find out more…
If you can’t access funding and need to pay for your own training, it’s important you consider your route carefully. There are no shortcuts to becoming a qualified electrician.
The classroom-based qualifications you’ll gain at a college or other training provider are a good foundation, but on their own they do not mean you are a qualified electrician. This comes with time and experience on the job, supporting work-based training, and the informed judgements you’ll become able to make as a result of this real-life experience.
In fact, if you read the small print, many of the packages offered by commercial training providers acknowledge that you need to be working in the industry to complete the full qualification.
Read our guidance on doing the right training.
You may also see promotions to become a ‘Domestic Installer’ or ‘Domestic Electrician’ – read our advice.
Take a look at the recommended Self-Funded journey which shows the whole process.
Route 4 - Experienced Worker Assessment
For those who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years but not gained an apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 qualification. Select to find out more…
If you need to get your skills and experience recognised to the industry Level 3 benchmark, the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessment can help.
It’s the assessment process to recognise occupational competence for people who have been working as an electrician for typically over five years but haven’t been able to complete an apprenticeship or achieve an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification.
The Experienced Worker Assessment is based on the same content as the electrotechnical apprenticeship, so that both new entrants and existing workers are now being assessed and accredited against the same industry standard.
The main benefit is that your existing qualifications, skills and experience can count towards the Experienced Worker qualification criteria, so you’ll only need to fill in any gaps.
Take a look at the Experienced Worker route. You can also find out more about the Experienced Worker Assessment on the TESP website.
