Becoming an electrician can be a challenging and rewarding career choice in the UK. It’s a vital field and offers plenty of opportunities to work with reputable employers. Many training centres also offer government funded electrical training, so if you’re between jobs or deciding on your first career, keep reading.
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Access our comprehensive library of free courses today1. Electrical Safety Course
Safety is paramount to any jobsite, and any trade profession. That’s why it makes sense to place safety at the forefront of any training initiative. This short course provides a detailed breakdown of safety guidelines and hazard identification for electricians.
Scope:
- Electrical hazards to look out for when conducting risk assessments
- Essential safety procedures
- Strategies for a safe workplace
- Guidelines for electrical safety at home
Cost: Free
2. Electrical Installation Levels
Electrical installation levels 2 and 3 diplomas are required on your journey to become an electrician in the UK. East Sussex College presents courses across levels one to three, helping learners to enter into and complete their studies on the way to becoming an electrician.
From the basics of scientific theory through to advanced electrical science principles, these electrical training courses will help your career progress.
Scope:
- Practical and theoretical learning in the scientific principles
- Install, inspect, and test electrical wiring systems
- Regulatory requirements of renewable energy
- Safe inspection and testing procedures
- Wiring Regulations (17th edition)
Cost: Dependent on levels
3. Basic Electricity and Electronics
This course is a fantastic introduction into the electrical trade. It offers a broad understanding of basic principles, including units of measurement, electrical units, UK safety laws and regulations, and more. It’s a good fit for those curious about a career as an electrician.
Scope:
- Professional electrical terminology
- Electrical hazards identification
- Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance
- Types of electricity and how they’re produced
Cost: £12 incl VAT
4. Electrical Microlearning
Access a vast array of electrical courses through City & Guild’s knowledge hub. Instead of a single course, they offer various courses on topics that apply to both learner and experienced electricians. From learning how to use various tools, to blog posts and more, City & Guilds offer a community for electricians and apprentices.
Scope:
- Micro courses on tools and how to use them
- Microlearning tips such as how to remove a stripped screw
- Practical courses such as how to make a 90 degree bend in a conduit
- Differences between cable housing and more
Cost: Free
5. Combined Level 2 & 3 Electrical Course
To become an electrician in the UK, you need levels 2 & 3 electrical installations courses. Able Skills have combined both into one course for a more efficient learning experience. This presents a saving over booking the courses separately.
It’s a great starting point for hopeful electricians to get their initial qualifications.
Scope:
- Occupational Health and Safety regulations for electrical installations
- Advanced understanding of electrical science
- Inspection & testing procedures
- Fault diagnosis
Cost: £5,695.00 or £4,250.00 for home study
6. AMD2 Electrical Regulations
This course guides learners through the IET Wiring Regulations Eighteenth Edition. It’s a great practical guide for those working professionally in the sector. It also forms an introduction into the world of electrical professions, and anyone older than 16 years of age can enrol and obtain this qualification.
This course can be completed in 5 weeks in a full-time capacity, or 10 weeks in a part-time capacity.
Scope:
- Practical understanding of wiring regulations in the UK
- Update knowledge for existing tradesmen
- Design, erection, and verification of electrical installations
- Examination at the end of the module
Cost: Not disclosed
7. Electrical Installation Diploma Level 1
While electrical installation levels 2 and 3 are a prerequisite to becoming an electrician, the level 1 diploma forms a great introduction to the field. This 35-week course can help you gain entry into an electrical apprenticeship and form the starting point of your career as an electrician.
Students aged 16-18 can complete this course for free, and those on benefits may also qualify for free enrolment.
Scope:
- Preparation for an electrical apprenticeship or level 2
- Practical tasks and skill building
- Testing and fault finding
- Lighting circuits, ring finals circuits, and radial circuits
Cost: Free (Conditions apply)
8. Basic Home Electrics
This course can form a great starting point for prospective electricians. It can also help to round off the knowledge of anyone involved in construction or home repair with some basic electrical principles.
The course covers a total of six basic principles and is free for unemployed adults. However, some fees may apply.
Scope:
- Parts of the electrical supply system to buildings
- Statutory requirements and elements relating to electrical supply
- Basic home electrical circuits
- Electrical safety
Cost: Free (Conditions Apply)
9. 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
- Safety regulations
- Selection and erection of equipment
- Inspection and testing
- Special installations
10. Essential Electrical Course
This powerful course is designed to allow beginners to reach a level of competency within domestic electrical work. Passing the course qualifies learners to conduct various electrical tasks, such as conducting home inspections, installing lighting, and more.
Access training has various training centres in the UK, from Cardiff to Kent. There are a total of 14 centres across the UK, offering wide coverage.
Scope:
- Domestic electrical installations
- Building regulations
- Electrical safety legislation
- Earthing and bonding requirements & more
Cost: Pricing is not disclosed
Other Useful Courses for Industrial Professionals
If you’re looking for more courses related to industrial professions, check out more of our curated lists:
- 10 Free Courses for Efficient Workers
- 10 Courses for Deskless Workers
- 12 Free Industrial Workplace Safety Courses
- 10 Incident Prevention Courses
You can also browse our complete Course Library to find many more free training and assessment opportunities.