The world runs on electricity, and that means qualified electricians are always in demand. The increase in smart home technology, electric vehicles and new technology in commercial and industrial environments means more highly skilled work is available.
The knowledge and skills of electricians are needed in almost every industry in the UK. With so many routes available for a newly qualified electrician, it can be hard to know which direction you want to take your career.
Types of industries for electricians
Below are a few of the main areas an electrician can work in once they have completed the UK electrician certification.
Domestic and residential
Many electricians fresh from training will start out working on residential jobs either solo or in a small team.
This type of work includes wiring people’s homes for lighting, heating, security systems and appliances, and installing new consumer units, smart home technology, EV charging and solar panels.
Commercial
Commercial buildings such as shops, restaurants, office blocks and public service buildings all require electricians to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring.
Depending on the size of the organisation, it may be regular contracted work or a one-off, for example, a shop refit, a renovation project or repairs. It may also include fire alarm installations and emergency lighting systems, which require a specialist course.
Industrial
Manufacturing plants, warehouses and data centres are just some of the industrial buildings where electricians are needed. Heavy machinery, production lines, lighting and specialised motor controls for processing goods all need to be connected to electricity.
The work in industrial environments can be more specialised and may need additional training to be able to work with high-voltage systems and three-phase installations.
Construction
Working on the initial installation of wiring systems for new buildings, whether that is a residential or a commercial property, can be rewarding.
Contractors work on-site alongside other trades to ensure that the first-fix, such as laying cables and second-fix, such as lighting and sockets, are safely and efficiently installed.
Which industries pay electricians the most?
According to the job vacancy company Indeed, the average yearly salary for an electrician in the UK is £41,102. However, salaries vary across industries, locations and specialisms.
High voltage or critical environment specialists can earn between £50,000 and £75,000 per year. Junior data centre electricians can earn up to £48,000 per year, while lead electrical engineers for data centres can earn over £85,000 according to recruitment experts.
Working for utilities companies and on National Grid systems can earn over £60,000 in some cases but does require additional training courses and authorisation.
In contrast, qualified domestic electricians can earn up to £36,000 when newly qualified and more as they become more experienced.
Do electricians have to specialise in a particular area?
Although many electricians do specialise in certain types of work which require additional qualifications or bespoke training courses, many do not. All electricians have to start by achieving a JIB Gold Card, which proves they are qualified.
The most important part of training is learning the foundational knowledge and skills that will get you qualified and on to the career ladder. Once you have more experience, you can decide whether to get further training and move into a more challenging role.