Those considering a career in the electrical sector have many options open to them. Undertaking an apprenticeship in this area isn’t just about getting a new job, it’s about setting yourself up for a lifetime of work within this sector.
To help you understand your available career pathways in the industry, we’ve broken down your opportunities across the short, medium and long term to help you get the most out of your future as an electrician.
The short term: Finding an employer
The first step for anyone looking to enter the electrical sector is to find an employer who is willing to take them on as an apprentice. Apprenticeship Central’s range of positions can provide a useful starting point here to find an opportunity that is right for you. There are plenty of areas you could specialise in as an apprentice, with qualifications available to focus on electrical machine repairs, or become a rail electrician or electrical fitter.
At this stage, you’ll want to do your homework to ensure that the opportunity you pursue is going to be one that is setting you up for the future. Think about the work a potential employer is undertaking and whether this is an area you want to work in. Deciding this early will give you a strong foundation to grow in the electrical industry.
Apprenticeship Central can help you find the right opportunity, with a nationwide selection of employers who are looking to take on a new worker and help them learn the electrical trade. We also offer the Harrison Online Career Assessment which can give you further direction on your future options.
The medium term: Realising future specialisations
Once you’ve graduated from your electrical apprenticeship, you are ready to start work as a journeyman electrician in your chosen field. By now, you will have a strong grasp of your work and can start to think about growing your career.
This could involve further specialising in your chosen area, or branching out into a complementary trade. General electricians, for example, might consider picking up a further skill set to become a renewable energy electrician or air conditioning technician.
If you are working within an established business, now will also be the chance to take on more responsibility and possibly a mentoring role for an apprentice who has recently joined your company.
The long term: Crafting the career you want
Once you have a few more years of experience under your belt as a fully qualified electrician, the next step is to round out your career further. If you have taken on more responsibility within a business and have some management experience, now might be the time to branch out and start your own company.
If you’ve gone down the route of further specialisation, you could keep operating as a contractor, taking on even more complicated work where your skills are in high demand.
No matter what career path you take, starting an apprenticeship can give you the best start to your career in the electrical sector.
