Further information
Electrical Installation Apprentice
There are around 150,000 people working in 20,000 companies in
what’s called the electrotechnical industry working on complex projects
such as shopping centres, sports stadiums, hospitals and new housing
projects; advanced data-cabling, data-handling systems and fibre-optic
systems; computer controlled building management systems; renewable energy systems,
like wind turbines and control equipment for complex industrial manufacturing and
processing. More information is available at:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/electricalengin
eeringtechnician.aspx or http://www.goodday.org.uk/Careers/What-is-Building-ServicesEngineering/21.
Qualified electricians have to be able to read technical drawings and circuit diagrams and to
know the strict safety regulations. Electricians often work on their own, but may well also be
involved in huge projects such as building the Olympic Park – which means having good
team working skills.
The electrotechnical apprenticeship, in particular, differs from most others in that there is only
an Advanced Apprenticeship (Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland) available.
This involves a combination of:

Work based learning and assessment

Classroom based learning and assessment
You will end up with qualifications equivalent to two A Levels and whilst you are learning you
will be earning a wage.
After your Apprenticeship, many employers will encourage and support you to progress
further, to Higher Certificates or Diplomas, to Higher Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees
and full degrees; all the while you will be earning a wage.
See:
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Types-of-Apprenticeships/Construction-Planning-and-theBuilt-Environment/Electrotechnical.aspx
http://www.theiet.org/apprentices/area-engineering/index.cfm
And to search for vacancies:
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Be-An-Apprentice/Searching-for-Vacancies.aspx
For more information on qualifications see our page at:
http://www.futuremorph.org/16plus/next-steps.cfm.
In terms of jobs, you could move on from electrician to be a designer/estimator, project
manager, site manager or a chartered (professional) electrical or electronic engineer. So, it
is possible for you to reach whatever level and specialism in electrical engineering that you
want through vocational courses, via an Apprenticeship or alternatively through AS/A levels
or the equivalent.
You can branch out into more general building management or into professional engineering
(see: http://www.engc.org.uk) – the sky is the limit!
Studying science and maths can transform your career options.
Future Morph: become someone.
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