How to get an electrical apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is the main way to become a qualified electrician: you're employed, paid and trained at the same time. The hardest part is finding an employer, so this guide focuses on that.

This guide covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own apprenticeship schemes, with different rules.

What the apprenticeship is

• The qualification: the Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship (standard ST0152).
• How long: at least 4 years, plus an end-point assessment at the end, including the practical AM2S.
• The week: usually four days on site with your employer and one day at college, or longer blocks at college.
• The job: the employer must give you at least 30 hours a week, supervised by a qualified electrician.
• At the end: you can apply for the ECS Gold Card, which shows you're a qualified electrician.

Entry requirements

• You must be at least 16.
• If you're 16 to 18, you need grade 4 GCSE English and maths, or Level 2 Functional Skills. If you don't have them yet, you work towards them during the apprenticeship.
• If you're 19 or over, English and maths aren't a legal requirement, though you can still take them.
• Employers and colleges can set their own, higher requirements, so check each vacancy.

Many employers also give an aptitude test covering maths, reading and mechanical reasoning. Our free maths for electricians lessons and mini tests are good practice. Some employers check colour vision, because you need to tell cable colours apart.

Apprentice pay

These are the legal minimums from ACAS. Many employers pay more, so ask what the rate is and how it rises each year.

Where to find vacancies

• GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship: search by area and set up alerts.
• NICEIC Connected Futures: electrical vacancies and training providers near you.
• Training providers such as JTL, which work with employers to fill places.
• General job sites, where smaller firms often advertise.
• Ask firms directly. Email or call local electrical contractors even if they aren't advertising. If they take someone on later, you'll be the name they remember.
• Apprenticeship fairs, especially during National Apprenticeship Week each February.

Most people find the employer first, and the employer arranges the college place. A college or training provider can also help you find an employer.

Make your application stand out

• Keep your CV to two pages, with a short personal statement about why you want to be an electrician.
• Put your maths and English grades near the top, or say you're working towards them.
• Show you're reliable. Any job, volunteering or a good attendance record counts, even outside the trade.
• Mention what you're already doing. If you're studying Level 2 Electrical Installation at college, say so: it shows commitment and gives you a head start on the theory.
• Use a professional email address and give two references, such as a teacher and an employer.

Interview questions to prepare for

• Why do you want to be an electrician?
• What do you know about our company?
• Tell us about a time you worked in a team.
• What are the main health and safety risks for an electrician?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why should we pick you?

For the safety question, it helps to know the basics of safe isolation. Try the safe isolation trainer before the interview.

If you're an adult changing career

Apprenticeships aren't only for school leavers: there's no upper age limit. If you can't live on apprentice pay, some adults train at college and build an NVQ portfolio of site work while employed in the trade. However you train, to be recognised as a qualified electrician (the ECS Gold Card) you need a Level 3 qualification, evidence of real site work and the AM2 practical assessment. Be wary of short courses that promise a full qualification in a few weeks.

Is it worth it?

The industry needs more electricians than it's training. JTL reported in July 2026 that fewer than 7,000 electrical apprentices start each year, against around 12,500 needed. Places are still competitive locally, so apply widely and keep going.

Pay rates are from ACAS (June 2026). Entry rules can change, so check each vacancy and the GOV.UK apprenticeship pages for the latest.