Electrician
Keep homes, buildings and city streets powered by installing and fixing electrical systems. Help shape the future of energy through renewable projects like wind and solar power.
About the job
Career insights – Electrician
What it's like
As an electrician, you'll be the key to making sure homes and businesses are powered up safely and efficiently. You'll troubleshoot and repair electrical systems to keep everything running smoothly. You'll make sure that buildings have reliable power by installing new systems and setting up essential infrastructure.
Your work could take you to exciting places, such as engineering projects and towering skyscrapers, or you could be out in the streets making sure streetlights shine bright.
You could also play a vital role in the future of energy by working with cutting-edge renewable technology. Imagine helping to power the next generation of wind turbines, installing smart heating systems that save energy or setting up photovoltaic panels that turn sunlight into electricity.
Your tasks might include:
fitting and repairing electrical circuits and wiring
following technical drawings, building plans and wiring diagrams
making sure that electrotechnical systems are safe, effective and energy-efficient
finding and fixing faults in systems
installing and maintaining electrical equipment, instruments and machinery such as solar panels
You could specialise in an electrotechnical role, such as:
installation electrician: install power systems, lighting, fire protection, security and data-network systems in all types of buildings
maintenance electrician: check systems regularly to make sure that they work efficiently and safely
electrotechnical panel builder: build and install the control panels for electrical systems in buildings
machine repair and rewind electrician: maintain electrical motors and other machinery like transformers
highway systems electrician: install and maintain street lights and traffic management systems
renewable technology installer: install and maintain renewable technologies such as photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll normally work Monday to Friday, with the possibility of overtime.
You may work shifts or be on-call, providing 24-hour cover.
Environment
You could work in all kinds of places from homes, schools and offices to construction sites and wind farms.
You could work indoors or outdoors, sometimes in all kinds of weather.
Travel
You'll travel from job to job, which may include contracts that take you away from home for periods of time.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- electrical wiring
- electrical systems
- electrical equipment
- electrical diagnostics and repairs
- junction boxes
- led lamps
- base stations
- cell site
- ventilation fans
- nuclear pumped laser
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- time management
- taking initiative
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
To become an electrician in Scotland, a combination of formal education, practical training and recognised qualifications is typically required. Many electricians start their careers through apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust( SECTT) provide apprenticeships and training.
Work
You can become an electrician through applying directly with an employer or getting an entry level job and working your way up. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for job vacancies.
Trainee roles
You can become an electrician by applying for a paid trainee role, where you learn on the job without needing previous experience. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) also offers an adult training scheme.
The Energy Technical Academy Group (ETAG) in Scotland provide training for electricians.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Electrical Engineering
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Installation
To work on a construction site, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
For working on construction site, you may also need an Electrical Constractor's Scheme card (ESC).
A full UK driving licence for driving to different sites.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Normal colour vision and to pass a colour vision assessment, to work with electrical wiring.
To pass SECTT Pre-Employment Assessment of technical and numeracy skills or equivalent.
A Scottish Joint Industry Board card (SJIB card) to train and work in this job.
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