How to become an electrician

Starting your own business as a self-employed electrician may be a good idea for several reasons.

There’s a strong demand for skilled electricians, potentially ensuring income stability and steady work opportunities.

As a self-employed electrician, you can set your working hours, choose your jobs, and set prices – giving you greater control over your career and work-life balance.

The average UK salary of an electrician is £34,000 and you could increase your income by building your reputation and expanding your client base.

The profession also offers the satisfaction of solving technical problems and helping people maintain safe and functional homes and businesses.

With a current shortage of tradespeople in the UK, now could be an excellent time to capitalise on these opportunities and establish a successful business.

But how do you become an electrician, and how do you succeed in being self-employed?

What does a self-employed electrician do?

An electrician is a skilled, qualified professional who can safely assess, repair, and handle electrical supplies and appliances.

Self-employed electricians may specialise in certain areas, offering domestic, commercial, or industrial services.

Typical domestic services include domestic wiring in homes, installing lighting fixtures, and setting up electrical systems for new builds or renovations.

Commercial services could include maintaining electrical systems in offices and shops or installing CCTV systems and security alarms.

Industrial work is another area where electricians can specialise, ensuring machinery and electrical systems in factories operate safely and efficiently or working on railway lines.

As a self-employed electrician, you would have complete control over what electrical services you provide and the industries you work in, meaning you could tailor your business to your skillset.

This flexibility could also enable you to build a diverse client base.

Can I retrain as an electrician?

Starting an electrical career isn’t just for young people or those fresh out of school.

You can retrain as an electrician at any age.

As an older worker, you may have valuable life experience, including problem-solving and customer service skills, that you could bring to the role.

Find out what to consider before going self-employed.

What qualifications do I need to become an electrician?

You need specific qualifications to work as an electrician in the UK.

These typically include:

• Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installation, which provide foundational knowledge and skills
• NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation, which is often required for those who want to become fully qualified electricians
• AM2 Assessment – a practical assessment that tests your skills and competence.

Electricians can obtain the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification, also known as the City & Guilds 2382-22, to ensure they are up to date with the latest electrical standards.

Gaining these qualifications helps you meet legal requirements and enhances your credibility, potentially leading to more valuable projects.

In addition, you’ll need to complete a combination of education and hands-on training under the guidance of experienced professionals.

How to become an electrician

There are several ways to become a professional, qualified electrician.

Become a domestic electrical installer

Potentially, the easiest way to start working with electricity is by becoming a domestic electrical installer.

This role allows you to do basic electrical work in homes, like installing lights, sockets, and simple wiring, after completing a short training course that usually lasts a few weeks and teaches essential skills and safety.

However, this path has limits – you won’t be qualified to do more complex tasks or work in commercial and industrial settings.

Many people use this as a first step to gain experience before getting further qualifications.

Once your training is complete, you could register with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) to become self-certified.

Complete an apprenticeship (with NVQ or SVQ qualification)

An apprenticeship is a traditional and highly respected way to become a fully qualified electrician.

This involves working with experienced electricians while studying for an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification), which usually takes three to four years.

During an apprenticeship, you’ll get hands-on training and attend classes, helping you learn all about electrical systems, safety rules, and practical skills.

Completing an apprenticeship makes you a licensed electrician, capable of working across various sectors, including domestic, office, and industrial settings.

Complete NVQ or Technical Certification without an apprenticeship

If an apprenticeship isn’t an option, you can still become a licensed electrician by getting an NVQ or technical certification.

Many colleges and training centres offer the legally required Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installation.

You would also need a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Technology.

These courses provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for electrical work.

To work with industrial electrics, you must complete a T-level qualification.

While studying, it helps to get hands-on experience by working part-time or volunteering with certified electricians, although you may have to arrange this yourself.

After finishing the courses, you’ll need to pass assessments, such as the AM2 assessment, to demonstrate your competence.

This route may take longer and require more self-motivation, but it could offer flexibility for those balancing other commitments like family or care.

Why start your own electrician business?

Starting your own electrician business could have several benefits.

One advantage is setting your own hours, creating a work schedule that suits your lifestyle and allows for a better work-life balance.

This flexibility could be valuable if you also need to manage family commitments, but it could also allow you to offer in-demand emergency electrician services.

Additionally, running your own business means you can choose the jobs you take on and focus on projects that interest you or align with your skill set.

Owning your business could also open up the potential for earning more.

Setting your rates and expanding your client base and business could benefit you directly from your hard work and expertise.

Before setting up as a self-employed electrician running their own business, read our guide on how to set realistic expectations as a start-up.

How to become a self-employed electrician

But there’s more to becoming a successful, self-employed electrician than being qualified.

Business plan and finances

For the best chances of success, start by creating a business plan.

This document should describe your core business objectives and how you plan to achieve them over a set period.

Download our free business plan template.

A business plan can guide your decisions and help you secure any necessary funding to cover initial costs such as insurance, tools, and marketing.

Market research

Carrying out market research could be a wise early step in assessing the demand for electricians in your area.

Market research aims to identify target customers and understand competitor businesses’ practices so that you can provide in-demand, competitive services and prices.

There are several ways to conduct market research, from networking to desk research to surveys – read our complete guide to market research techniques.

Registering your business

Anyone self-employed must register with HMRC for self-assessment tax purposes to pay income tax on their profits.

If you set up a limited company, you must register your business with Companies House.

Learn more about choosing the right business structure for your business.

Getting insurance

As a self-employed electrician, you would be working with potentially hazardous devices in locations owned by others, which is why getting insurance could be wise.

Here are some common types of insurance to consider:

• Public liability insurance – This covers you if someone is injured or their property is damaged due to your work. It’s important because accidents can happen, and this insurance helps cover legal and compensation costs.
• Professional indemnity insurance – This protects you if a client claims your work was negligent or caused them financial loss. It covers legal fees and any compensation you might need to pay.
• Tools and equipment insurance – This covers the cost of replacing or repairing your tools and equipment if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Employer’s liability insurance – If you hire employees, even temporarily, this insurance is mandatory in the UK. It covers claims from employees who might be injured or become ill due to work.

Having the right insurance helps safeguard your business against unexpected events and gives clients confidence in your professionalism.

Read our complete guide to small business insurance.

Accounting and bookkeeping

Keeping your finances organised is a key consideration for any start-up business.

You may wish to consider opening a separate business bank account to separate your professional and personal finances, using accounting software to track income and expenses, or hiring an accountant.

Learn the small business bookkeeping tips for success.

Tools and equipment

Getting your electrician business off the ground could be challenging without the right tools and equipment.

Investing in a small selection of high-quality tools can ensure reliability and efficiency on the job.

As your business grows and you offer specific services, you could purchase more expensive, more specialised equipment and tools.

Marketing your business

Market your business and services so your target audience knows about them – download our free marketing toolkit for essential guidance.

As part of your marketing strategy, consider using local advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth to put your business in front of your customers and build a strong customer base.

You might also consider registering with a directory such as Checkatrade.

This could help you secure new customers who are specifically looking for a plumber.

Read our complete guide to marketing on a shoestring.