Retrain as an Electrician in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Why Retrain as an Electrician in 2025?

Electricians are in high demand. According to the UK Trade Skill Index, over 100,000 new electricians will be needed by 2032. An ageing workforce and ramped-up demand for new housing, retrofitting, and renewable tech (solar PV, EV charging) mean employers are on the hunt for qualified sparks.

Top reasons to consider electrics:

• Excellent earning potential: Qualified electricians routinely earn £25,000-£40,000+, with the self-employed and specialists earning even more.
• Huge variety: Domestic or commercial, big sites or homes, or specialisms like renewables, there’s a niche for everyone.
• Job security: Skills shortages mean you’ll have plenty of options wherever you are in the UK.
• Flexible careers: Go self-employed, join leading companies, or progress to design, inspection, or teaching.
• Job satisfaction: Solve real problems, keep people safe, and see the results of your work every day.
• AI Job displacement: Over the next couple of years, AI will start to replace people for computer-based job roles. The trades are in a unique position where they require a number of skills that AI can’t replace. You can learn more about AI Job Losses & Why Tradespeople Are Safe from AI.

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The Main Training Routes to Becoming an Electrician

1. Electrical Courses

Electrical training courses are especially well-suited for career changers and adults who may already have some work experience but are new to the electrical trade. This training route is also ideal if you’re looking to focus on electrical work within residential properties rather than on large commercial sites. Typically, an electrical course is designed to be intensive, typically taking just 4 to 6 weeks to complete when studied full-time. This condensed format enables you to quickly develop the essential skills required to start working as a domestic electrician while minimising the time away from your current job or other commitments. By the end of an electrical course, you’ll have a solid foundation and be well-equipped to move directly into the electrical industry, with the option to progress to further qualifications as your experience grows.

It is important to know that with training courses, the quality of the course is solely dependent on the quality and effort from the training provider. Beware that there are training providers out there that offer fast-track electrician courses that are not up to the standard of training you’d expect, especially for the price that they charge.

At Logic4training, we pride ourselves on delivering the optimal training experience. We have also created two articles that go into more depth on the topics of fast-track electrician courses and online learning vs in-person training in the trades.

Key qualifications include:

• Domestic Electrical Installer (Part P) LCL Awards qualification
• City & Guilds 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (2382-22, Level 3)
• Initial Verification, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations (LCL Awards Level 3)
• Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing & Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings

At Logic4training, we have created electrical training packages that include these core electrical qualifications.

Why choose this route?

Opting for an electrical training course is ideal if you want a swift career transition with minimal downtime, especially for those wishing to retrain or upskill while balancing other personal or professional commitments. You benefit from hands-on training, up-to-date teaching on safety and regulations, and the chance to start earning sooner.

2. Electrical Apprenticeships

An electrical apprenticeship is ideal for those who are just beginning their career or for anyone willing to invest a few years in comprehensive training. During an apprenticeship, you’ll work alongside a qualified employer, often as part of a team, gaining practical, hands-on experience on real jobs. At the same time, you’ll study at a college or an approved training centre, where you’ll learn essential theory and develop technical skills connected to electrical installation, safety regulations, and problem-solving.

Typically, an electrical apprenticeship takes between two and four years to complete, with a mix of classroom learning and on-site work ensuring you’re ready for the demands of the industry. This route allows you to earn a wage while you train, build your confidence working in the real world, and create valuable professional connections that often lead directly to employment upon qualifying.

Key qualifications include:

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance)
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment
• Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures)

Why choose this route?

One of the main advantages of an electrical apprenticeship is that you earn a wage while you learn, allowing you to gain valuable skills without the financial strain of full-time study. Throughout your training, you’ll be immersed in real-world working environments, which not only builds your practical abilities but also helps you develop confidence as you handle genuine electrical installations and challenges.

Additionally, the relationships you form with colleagues and supervisors during your apprenticeship provide important networking opportunities that can support your career progression. Importantly, by combining classroom knowledge with hands-on experience, an apprenticeship ensures you achieve the full competency required to take on more complex roles and responsibilities in the electrical industry.

3. On-the-Job Learning

Some people start as an electrician’s mate, picking up skills on the job. While this gives you real-world experience, you’ll still need formal qualifications to progress to sign off your own work and maximise your earning potential. We recommend combining this route with a recognised course to gain extensive practical experience.

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How Long Does It Take to Retrain as an Electrician?

Route	Typical Duration	Who’s it for?
Electrical Training Course	Around 2 years	Career changers, adults, those in a hurry
Apprenticeship	2–4 years	School leavers and anyone seeking full skills
On-the-Job + Courses	Varies	Industry switchers/upskillers

• Logic4training’s New Entrant Domestic Electrical Installer Course is 27 days and can be completed full-time or on weekends. Following this initial training, you will need to gain industry experience and build a portfolio of work before coming back in-centre to complete your final assessments. From here, you can sign up to a Competent Person Scheme. This process takes roughly 2 years.
• Apprenticeships take longer, but it depends on the level of NVQ you are aiming to achieve.

Important Note: From January 2026, the requirements for joining Competent Person Schemes, which give you legal recognition to carry out electrical work independently in homes, will change. If you want to find out more information regarding this change, please contact our team on 020 8845 7222.

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How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary based on route and provider, but expect:

• Training courses: Typically between £2,500 and £6,000. At Logic4training, our New Entrant Domestic Electrical Installer packages range from £2995+VAT to £3995+VAT.
  • Additional upskill qualifications: Part P, 18th Edition, and inspection testing range from £200 to £1,000 each.
  • Upskilling/short courses: Safe isolation, PAT testing, or EV charging installer courses from £295 to £1500.
• Apprenticeships: Often free for younger entrants, or funded by government/employer for adults, though you’ll earn a lower wage while training.
• On-the-job (plumber’s mate): There are small or even no upfront costs, but you’ll need to invest in formal training to progress further down the line to be able to sign off your own work.

Finance plans and flexible options are available at Logic4training. See our electrical course page for our latest prices.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an Electrician in the UK?

If you want to become a domestic electrician in the UK, there are several core qualifications you need to achieve. These not only demonstrate your competence to employers and customers, but are also required by industry regulations for safety and compliance.

Essential Qualifications:

• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (City & Guilds 2382)
  All practising electricians must understand the latest wiring regulations, ensuring every installation meets current British Standards for safety. The 18th Edition exam verifies your knowledge of essential regulations covering everything from cable selection to new technologies and safety updates.
• Part P Domestic Installer (LCL Awards or City & Guilds)
  For those intending to work in people’s homes, Part P registration proves you can safely install, test, and certify domestic electrical work. This qualification is recognised by Competent Person Schemes and gives you legal status to carry out notifiable work independently.
• Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services (or equivalent)
  This is the benchmark qualification and provides a comprehensive foundation in practical electrical installation and maintenance. It is assessed through both on-site work and portfolio evidence, proving your ability to carry out the tasks required of a qualified electrician in real-world settings.

Additional Qualifications for Progression

If you’re aiming for roles on commercial sites, supervisory responsibilities, or to become an approved contractor, you’ll need further qualifications. These may include:

• Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing & Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings
• Level 3 NVQ Diplomas in specialist electrical areas (e.g. electrotechnical maintenance, inspection & testing)
• AM2 assessment (Achievement Measurement 2) for full competency on construction sites.

Qualifications to Specialise:

The electrical industry offers growing opportunities to specialise as technology evolves. Logic4training provides additional certification for:

• Electrical inspection and testing: Carry out periodic safety checks and certification or portable appliance testing (PAT).
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) installation: Design, fit, and maintain solar energy systems.
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging points: Install and service EV infrastructure.
• Energy storage systems: Install battery systems for homes and businesses.

These specialist qualifications help you stand out, expand your job options, and meet the needs of new markets in renewable energy and smart technologies.

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What Does an Electrician Actually Do?

Electricians handle a diverse range of jobs, including:

• Reading and interpreting technical diagrams.
• Pricing and quoting jobs.
• Installing and maintaining electrical wiring, sockets, switches and other fixtures and appliances.
• Testing systems and diagnosing faults.
• Ensuring every job meets strict safety standards.

Work covers domestic installations, commercial properties, schools, factories, and more. Electricians can expect every week to feel different. So no chance of boredom here!

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What’s Life Like as an Electrician?

Working as an electrician offers variety and challenge every single day. Depending on your role and specialism, you could spend the morning installing and testing new wiring, fitting consumer units, or upgrading lighting systems in homes or offices. Attention to detail is crucial, making sure every component is fitted safely and up to the current wiring regulations.

You’ll also frequently respond to emergencies, such as electrical faults and in some cases, power outages, where quick thinking and technical expertise are essential. Planned maintenance is just as important as routine checks help prevent problems and keep buildings safe. Many electricians also get involved with upgrades like fitting technology, such as EV charging points, or battery storage solutions. At Logic4training, we have seen the demand for battery storage and solar training continue to grow, showing that there is a demand out there from the public.

Electricians work across a broad range of environments, from construction sites to domestic homes, schools, hospitals, and busy commercial settings. The nature of the job means you could be working solo on small installations or as part of a team on larger projects. On a practical level, success as an electrician demands a strong problem-solving attitude. Additionally, good interpersonal skills are important as you’ll be liaising with customers, other trades, inspectors, or site managers regularly. The job also requires physical stamina, as you may be working at heights, climbing ladders, crawling under floors, or navigating tight spaces. Remaining calm under pressure and maintaining safety at all times are essential traits.

If you want to work as a sole trader, by yourself, marketing your services is also key. You’ll need to communicate clearly about your services, build a brand and communicate in a professional way. Having helped many solo electricians build their careers, we know the importance of brand building. Our most successful candidates have been those who have not only successfully learnt their trade but also dived into learning the marketing side of their trade. We have partnered with Aim High Websites to provide a high-quality website design and hosting service to give our candidates the digital edge.

Ultimately, the work brings both satisfaction and responsibility. You’ll see real results from your efforts, play a role in people’s safety and comfort, and join a respected profession where no two days are ever the same. Electricians enjoy both independence and teamwork, with opportunities to progress, specialise, or run their own businesses as their career develops.

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How to Get Started: Step-by-Step

1. Research Your Options: Explore the different training routes. This could be an electrical training course, apprenticeships or on-the-job learning.
2. Book an Open Day: If the training provider offers an open day, meet the tutors, see the facilities, and get tailored advice in-centre.
3. Choose Your Electrical Training Method: If you are looking to complete our electrical training course, please give us a call on 020 8845 7222.
4. Get Qualified: Attend your training, complete assessments, and build your portfolio.
5. Find Work or Go Self-Employed: Start earning in a secure, respected trade!

Ready to spark a new career? Contact Logic4training today and join thousands who have future-proofed their skills in the UK’s electrical industry.

 

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a fully qualified electrician?

It depends on your route. Apprenticeships take 2–4 years, whereas electrical training courses can get you trading in as little as 4–6 weeks, with portfolio work and further training needed to become fully qualified.

Do I need an apprenticeship to work as an electrician?

No, there are several routes. Fast-track and new entrant courses are ideal for adults and career changers who want to work mostly in domestic settings. Apprenticeships are traditional but not the only option.

What qualifications will I get with Logic4training?

Completing our New Entrant Electrical Installer Course will award you with industry-recognised qualifications such as:

• Domestic Installer (Part P)
• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
• Initial Verification and Testing certifications
• Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing & Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings (with our silver and gold electrical packages)

Are Logic4training’s courses open to all ages and backgrounds?

There’s no upper age limit. Courses are designed for adults, career changers, and existing tradespeople looking to upskill. However, you have to be 18 or older to start any Logic4training course.

What are the main risks or challenges of working as an electrician?

Electricians must always manage safety risks, such as working with live electricity, heights, and potentially hazardous environments. The job requires strict attention to detail, ongoing learning to keep up with regulations, and maintaining physical fitness. However, thorough training from Logic4training ensures you are well-prepared to work safely and confidently day-to-day.