Electrician apprenticeships: What you should know

An electrician apprenticeship is a great way to begin your career in the electrical trade. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience and a range of team skills — everything needed to become a successful electrician!

With several apprenticeship categories to choose from, apprentices can learn electrical skills from trusted professionals in their desired field. Once completed, you’ll have a recognised qualification to be able to get started on your longer-term career.

How long is an electrician apprenticeship?

In the UK, an electrician apprenticeship typically lasts around 3-4 years. During this time, apprentices receive both classroom and on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced electricians.

Some experienced apprentices may find themselves ‘fast-tracked’, for example, if they have prior qualifications and skills that help towards the role. In this case, an apprenticeship could be completed within two years.

How hard is an electrician apprenticeship?

Like any high-level qualification, an electrician apprenticeship can be challenging and requires effort and determination

The apprenticeship requires a combination of classroom learning and practical training. Physically, apprentices may be required to climb, bend, and work in tight spaces. At college, they learn complex electrical theory and codes, which can be initially hard to understand. Apprentices must learn a wide range of technical skills, safety protocols, building codes and regulations, and be able to apply that knowledge in a hands-on setting.

However, the training is designed to provide a structured learning environment, with support and guidance from experienced professionals, to help ensure that apprentices succeed and become qualified electricians.

What do you need to apply for an electrician apprenticeship?

You don’t need any prior experience to become an electrician apprentice. However, there are a few different levels of apprenticeship that you can do, and these will depend on your existing qualifications.

Level 2 apprenticeships allow learners to receive a National Vocation Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 and a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) diploma upon completion. Both qualifications are the equivalent of five GCSEs grades 9-4. If you don’t have Maths and English qualifications, you’ll also receive Level 2 Functional Skills in these subjects.

To qualify for an advanced or Level 3 apprenticeship, most employers ask for a minimum of five GCSEs, including Maths and English. Upon completion, apprentices will achieve the equivalent of two A-Levels in the form of an NVQ Level 3 and BTEC diploma.

Most electricians then enter the job with an industry-recognised Level 3 apprenticeship qualification. However, some people then use the qualification to enter Level 4 or 5 apprenticeships and achieve a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Degree (HND).

More recently, Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships have been introduced, allowing learners to study toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

How many apprentices can an electrician have?

As long they are registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and pay the appropriate apprenticeship minimum wage, there is no set limit on how many apprentices an electrician can have.

However, please remember that an electrician apprenticeship is intended to provide the necessary skills, training, and experience to become a qualified electrician, so a significant degree of supervision will need to be provided. This may mean that some companies only choose to take on one or two apprentices at one time.

How many hours do electrician apprentices work?

Most electrician apprentices work 40-hour weeks, normally combining four days of on-the-job practical training and one day of classroom learning. As the company fully employs you, you are expected to work for them for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

When you work depends on the employer or job requirements. Some companies may ask electrician apprentices to work evenings and weekends. If there are project deadlines, apprentices may be required to work overtime.

Apprentices must also attend training sessions and classes to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become qualified electricians.

How much do electrical apprentices earn?

The National Minimum Wage for an electrician apprentice in the UK is £5.28 an hour. However, many companies pay more than this.

As an electrician apprentice, you can expect to earn between £5-£11 per hour, with an average annual pay of roughly £16,000.

How much you are paid depends on the company you work for, your location, and prior experience.

An apprentice’s pay can increase as they gain experience and progress through their training. For example, if you’re 21 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to a minimum hourly wage of £10.42 (as of April 2023).

Top tips for finding companies looking for electrical apprenticeships

There are always companies looking for electrical apprentices, many of which are easy to find.

National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) – This service helps match aspiring apprentices with companies currently offering apprenticeship programmes
Job search websites – Many job websites specialise in companies offering apprenticeships or have sections dedicated to apprenticeships
Trade associations – Trade associations like the Joint Industry Board (JIB) or the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) can provide information on companies potentially hiring apprentices
Local colleges or universities – Nearby colleges or universities may offer apprenticeship programmes and connect you with local companies open to apprentices
Ask around – Contact local electricians, or chat with family and friends familiar with the industry about whether they are hiring apprentices or know companies who are
Social media – Follow the social media channels of electrician companies, trade associations and related groups for up-to-date information on apprenticeship opportunities

How to apply for an electrician apprenticeship

There are several ways to become an electrician apprentice.

Register with and browse job websites – Many companies advertise electrician apprenticeships via job boards
Attend an apprenticeship job fair – Job fairs are a great way to meet different employers and chat with companies first-hand
Contact your local college or university – Some education providers may offer apprenticeship training, providing further information on how to apply
Check out the UCAS website – UCAS has a list of apprenticeship opportunities advertised on behalf of employers
Contact local training providers – Simply searching ‘electrician apprentices near me’ online can yield positive results. You’ll find local companies offering apprenticeship qualifications and can apply directly to the electrical company

To get a more varied choice of apprenticeships, it’s recommended to try various methods and research widely.