Electrician
Keep eco-friendly streetlights working and the railways running. You'll do this by setting up and fixing power-saving electrical systems.
About the job
Career insights – Electrician
What it's like
You would make sure that electrical systems in people’s homes and businesses work safely. You’d fix faults and install new systems.
You might set up and maintain power systems for engineering projects and buildings or ensure that street lights work.
You could also work on renewable technology, such as wind turbines, 'smart' heating systems and photovoltaic systems that produce solar power.
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’d need to understand the importance of safety regulations and work carefully and methodically. You might work outdoors, sometimes in bad weather. You might need to work high up or in small confined spaces.
You could specialise in an electrotechnical role, such as:
installation electrician - you’d install power systems, lighting, fire protection, security and data-network systems in all types of buildings
maintenance electrician - you would check systems regularly to make sure that they work efficiently and safely
electrotechnical panel builder - you would build and install the control panels that people use to operate the electrical systems inside buildings
machine repair and rewind electrician - you’d make sure electrical motors and other machinery like transformers work properly
highway systems electrician - you’d install and maintain street lights and traffic management systems which give signals to people using roads and motorways
installing renewable technologies such as PV Systems
You could work in all kinds of places including homes, offices, shops and sports stadiums. You may also supervise a team of people.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
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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 February 2024 to February 2025.
- electrical wiring
- electrical systems
- electrical equipment
- electrical diagnostics and repairs
- junction boxes
- led lamps
- ventilation fans
- base stations
- cell site
- 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
You'd need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Electrical Installation (SVQ Level 3).
The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) also offers an adult training scheme.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter a Modern Apprenticeship but some employers will ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
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.
A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites
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