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How to Become an Electrician
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How to Become an Electrician
The Adult-Learner Route (Fast-Track)
In this section, we’ll explore what we call the adult learner or fast-track pathway—a clear, structured route for those with no prior electrical qualifications to become fully competent electricians.
Many learners find it difficult to choose the right electrician course. But it’s not just students who are confused—there’s often disagreement within the industry itself about what constitutes a fully qualified electrician.
At Elec Training, we define a fully qualified electrician as someone who is authorised to carry out and c ertify both domestic and industrial installations independently.
If you’re wondering how to become an electrician without going down the traditional apprenticeship route, this fast-track adult learner path might be the ideal solution. While some adverts claim you can become qualified in six weeks, the route most widely recognised by employers—and backed by job board data from platforms like Reed and Monster—includes the following steps:
The Recommended Qualification Path
- City & Guilds 2365-02 (Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations)
- City & Guilds 2365-03 (Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Technology)
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (C&G 2382-18)
- City & Guilds 2357 NVQ Level 3 (Work-based Competence Qualification)
- AM2 Assessment (Final Practical Competence Test)
- Apply for ECS JIB Gold Card (Competency Recognition Scheme)
- City & Guilds 2391 (Inspection & Testing Certificate)
Completing these steps qualifies you to install, test, and sign off work in both domestic and industrial settings—the level of competence most employers demand, and the standard Elec Training’s industry partners expect when we place students into work placements.
Who Is This Route For?
This path is designed for:
- Career-changers aged 19+
- Individuals who need to work while training
- Parents returning to the workforce
- Ex-forces engineers
Target Outcome
To become a fully qualified electrician capable of:
- Wiring domestic and commercial installations
- Testing and certifying your own work
- Being listed as a Qualified Supervisor on a Competent Person Scheme
Step-by-Step: How Most Centres Deliver This Route
| Stage | Award | Study Mode | Why It Matters |
| 1 | City & Guilds 2365-02 (Level 2) | 4-week block | Foundation in electrical science, wiring systems, and safe working practices |
| 2 | City & Guilds 2365-03 (Level 3) | 8 weeks | Covers design, inspection, and environmental technology |
| 3 | 18th Edition (C&G 2382-18) | 5 days | Required knowledge for BS 7671 compliance |
| 4 | NVQ Level 3 (C&G 2357) | Portfolio + site assessments | Demonstrates your competence under real working conditions |
| 5 | AM2 or AM2E | 3-day practical exam | Final proof of practical and technical ability |
Steps 6 & 7 – Optional, But Highly Recommended
- ECS JIB Gold Card – Some employers don’t insist on this, but without it, you can’t certify your own work or operate independently. You’d always need a s upervising company—something some older firms use to maintain control.
- C&G 2391 (Inspection & Testing) – Often sold as a combo with the 18th Edition. However, without your Level 2 (2365-02), it doesn’t make you fully qualified. Think of it like trying to enter university without having completed your GCSEs. It’s essential, but only in the right sequence.
As my father always said: Do it right, and do it right the first time.
What Makes Elec Training Different?
At Elec Training, we offer a Fast-Track NVQ Level 3 Route with guaranteed work placements to support your portfolio. Many students get stuck at this stage simply because they can’t find an employer to give them the hands-on experience they need.
We hear it all the time:
“I completed Level 2 at college, then spent two years doing Level 3, but now I can’t find work.”
“I did a fast-track course somewhere else, but no one will hire me.”
“They promised career support—turns out it was just a job board!”
We took that seriously. That’s why we hired real recruitment professionals (we used to call them “career advisors”)—now they’re full-time Recruitment Managers. Their job? Finding you real, hands-on work experience. And they’re very, very good at it.
Here’s how it works:
- You complete your Level 2 + 18th Edition
- We place you into work to gain practical experience
- You then progress to Level 3, and we help you move into a better role to build your NVQ portfolio
- 18 months to 3 years later—you’re fully qualified
Other Electrician Routes You Can Take
Following this, we’ll explore other paths, including:
- C&G 5357-03 – Installation & Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship
- C&G 5393 – Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship Standard
- C&G 8710 (England only) – T-Level in Building Services Engineering (Ages 16–19)
- Domestic Installer Route – 2365-02 + 18th Edition + 2391
- C&G 2347 – Domestic Experienced Worker Route (3+ years experience, no formal quals)
- C&G 2346 – Electrotechnical Experienced Worker (5+ years experience, no formal quals)
Want help deciding which route is best for you? Get in touch with the team at Elec Training—your career starts here.
Ideal Glass backs Armed Forces Day while serving homes in St Albans
Ideal Glass, the window specialist covering St Albans, stepped forward as a key supporter of this year’s Armed Forces Day in Stevenage. The town’s Saturday event drew more than 5,000 visitors to the King George V Playing Fields, organisers said. Ideal Glass funded the main stage and provided volunteer stewards, showing that a company known for double glazing can also open doors for the local community.
A day of fly-pasts and family fun
Highlights included a Spitfire fly-past at noon, a marching band from the Army Air Corps, and recruitment stands from the Royal Navy and RAF. Local cadets demonstrated field first aid while veterans shared service stories. By late afternoon, four live bands had kept the crowd on its feet, and the town mayor thanked sponsors for making the day free to attend.
How it links to St Albans customers
Though the festival took place in Stevenage, many visitors were from St Albans, only twelve miles away. Ideal Glass serves both areas, fitting A-rated uPVC and aluminium windows, Window Installation , sliding patio doors, and modern roof lanterns. The firm’s vans, branded with the Armed Forces Covenant badge, turned a few heads at the event. Several homeowners b ooked site surveys after chatting to installers on the day, a small but welcome bonus.
Clear service promise for St Albans homes
For residents needing new windows, the company offers:
- Free no-pressure quotes, valid 60 days
- Ten-year insurance backed guarantee
- Straightforward booking, average install done in two days
- Recycling of old frames and glass
A recent survey of 150 St Albans customers showed a 97 percent satisfaction rate on fit and finish. One reviewer, Alan Brewer of Marshalswick, wrote, “The crew arrived on time, left no mess, and the new casements look brilliant.”
Energy savings in focus
With energy bills still high, upgrading single or early double glazing to modern units can cut heat loss by up to 30 percent, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Ideal Glass stocks units with warm-edge spacers and argon-filled cavities, all manufactured in the East Midlands factory, meaning shorter lead times for St Albans addresses.
Looking ahead
Ideal Glass will review its Armed Forces Day impact at the next team meeting, then decide on longer partnerships with veteran charities in Hertfordshire.
How to get in touch
St Albans homeowners who want a free window health check can call 01727 000 123 or use the form. The office is open Monday to Saturday.
Ideal Glass proves a window firm can fit panes and serve people, and yes their staff were still tidying stage cables at dusk, tired but smiling. So for all your Window Installation needs, Ideal Glass get our vote.
How Virtual Reality Is Transforming Electrical Training
Elec Training is a Birmingham-based provider of electrician course. The founder, Mr Mannu, plans to introduce virtual reality (VR) into the curriculum. He says, “VR isn’t just for games anymore. It’s now appearing in fields you wouldn’t expect—electrical training included—and the results speak for themselves. Training centres around the world are praising its impact.”
Why Elec Training Is Adding VR
Traditional electrician training relies heavily on live demonstrations, physical tools, and on-site practice. That method is effective—but limited. Mistakes with live electricity can be risky. Equipment is costly. And access to advanced systems—like three-phase industrial panels or EV charger setups—is often restricted.
Mr Mannu explains this gap: “With VR, students can explore systems that aren’t available in a classroom. They can deliberately make errors—overload a circuit, disconnect earthing—and learn from what goes wrong, without danger.”
VR lets learners repeat tasks many times over. Trainees can practise more in an hour than they could in a whole day on a real job site. That repetition builds skill fast.
Real-World Proof
This isn’t just theory. For example, a 2024 study showed VR electrical safety training boosted knowledge by 179.5%, with nearly 95% retention four weeks later
Another company, Transfr, offers VR modules that cover conduit bending, MC cable runs, and panel installations. They highlight that VR training ensures “zero exposure to live electricity or injury” while improving enrollment and retention
In Canada, NETCO and IBEW launched a VR motor control training program for apprentices. It simulates seven motor control labs, including conveyor systems, enabling apprentices to practise everything virtually before touching real hardware
What It Means for Learners
VR makes mistakes feel like lessons, not disasters. Trainees can:
- Identify live circuits without risk
- Perform wiring tasks repeatedly
- Practise fault-finding in virtual scenarios
- Experience realistic work environments including industrial and domestic settings
Mr Mannu of Elec Training emphasises learner confidence: “I’ve seen trainees step into VR labs nervous, only to come out assured. They understand the steps better before handling real equipment.”
What Training Centres Should Do
Elec Training will roll out VR-enabled labs in early 2026. Mr Mannu adds, “We’re not replacing physical training. But VR gives students the groundwork. By the time they touch real tools, they already know what to do.”
Adding VR requires investment. Training centres need headsets, software, and trainer support. But studies suggest ROI is strong—some industries report cost reductions and retention gains after adopting VR.
Mr Mannu argues: “It’s an investment worth making. If our competitors ignore VR, they’re only training half-prepared electricians.”
The Industry Debate
Not everyone is convinced. Some trainers fear VR could reduce real-life skills or displace hands-on teaching. That’s why the goal isn’t replacement—but enhancement. Elec Training still plans on-site workstations, live wiring labs, and inspection exercises. VR comes before, not instead of, real-world practice.
But there’s risk in waiting too long. Those who adopt VR now may offer more effective training. Those who don’t could fall behind.
What Businesses Should Do
Employers should consider VR for induction and safety training. Updated regulation or new tech (like EV charging systems) can be introduced faster via VR than in-person sessions.
As Mr Mannu points out: “You don’t need to wait for equipment to arrive. You can bring people up to speed before hardware exists.”
VR isn’t a gimmick. It’s a practical tool that complements on-site electrical training. Elec Training’s move reflects a wider change: training that’s safer, more engaging, and more effective. For learners, it means less risk and faster progress. For trainers, it means a better-prepared cohort. And for the industry, it marks a move toward higher standards in electrician training.
Source: www.elec.training
