How To Become An Electrician

Stage 1: Domestic Installers Package (Available over Weekdays or Weekends) – 15 Days
https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/electrical-domestic-installers-package/

The Domestic Installer Package is a comprehensive training programme designed for those who are new to the electrical industry. It includes four separate courses, three of which being City & Guilds recognised qualifications:

• 4-day Electrical Foundation Course
  https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/electrical-course-for-beginners
• 4-day Level 3 Electrical Domestic Installers (including C&G 2393 Building Regulations) Course
  https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/electrical-domestic-installers-courses/
• 3-day Level 3 City & Guilds Requirements for Electrical Installations (2382-22) 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Course
  https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/18th-edition-courses
• 4-day Level 2 City & Guilds Fundamental Inspection, Testing and Initial Verification (2392) Course
  https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/2392-inspection-testing-courses

This package provides a solid foundation for individuals who aspire to become electricians and covers a range of essential topics, from electrical principles to the regulations that govern electrical work in homes and buildings.

Additionally, this package incorporates key concepts from the Level 2 and 3 diplomas (2365), facilitating a seamless transition for candidates seeking further progression.

Upon successful completion of this package, you will be recognized as a ‘competent person,’ allowing you to perform non-notifiable electrical work. This refers to tasks that do not require notification to your local Building Control, commonly known as ‘minor works.’ This category generally includes additions or alterations to existing electrical circuits outside of special locations, as well as replacements, repairs, and maintenance in any location. However, to become a qualified electrician, you should proceed to the next stage.

Stage 2: City & Guilds Level 2 2365 Diploma – 17 Days In-Person & 20-25 Hours Home Study
https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/city-guilds-2365-level-2-diploma-course/

The City & Guilds Level 2 2365 Diploma is an industry-recognised ‘craft’ qualification that provides a solid foundation for aspiring electricians. It covers various topics related to electrical installations, including electrical science, health and safety, and electrical installation technology. To be enrolled onto this course, entrants will need to have completed the Domestic Installers Package or have completed a similar combination of courses at another training centre.

Stage 3: City & Guilds Level 3 2365 Diploma – 12 Days In-Person & 35-40 Hours Home Study
https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/city-guilds-2365-level-3-diploma-course/

The City & Guilds Level 3 2365 Diploma is a more advanced ‘craft’ qualification that builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired on the Level 2 course. It covers more complex topics, such as electrical design and testing, and prepares you for more specialised roles within the electrical industry. To be enrolled on this course, entrants will need to have completed the Level 2 2365 Diploma first.

Stage 4: City & Guilds Level 3 2391/EAL 2625 Initial and Periodic Inspection & Testing of Electrical Installations (Available over Weekdays or Weekends) – 5 Day Course & 4 Hour Practical Assessment
https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/2391-52-initial-periodic-inspection-testing-electrical-installations-courses/
https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/2625-eal-inspection-testing-courses

This course is designed to enable students to understand principles, practices and legislation for initial verification and periodic inspection of electrical installations with statutory and non-statutory regulations and requirements. Students will gain the knowledge needed to underpin the application of skills for the inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrical installations.

Additional (Optional) In-Centre Training Courses:

• City & Guilds Level 3 2377-77 PAT Testing (In-Service Inspection & Testing) Course (2 Days)
  https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/pat-testing-2377-courses
  This qualification could be attended at any time after the Electrical Foundation Course and is for those that are looking to carry out the required routine check of electrical appliances for safety.
• City & Guilds Level 3 2921-31 EV Charging Course (2 Days)
  https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/2921-electric-vehicle-charging-courses/
  This qualification course will teach you how to install, fault find and inspect and test electric vehicle charging points. You will be required to achieve an NVQ Level 3 qualification/Gold Card status to attend.

Stage 5: City & Guilds Level 3 2357 NVQ & AM2 Assessment (Not Currently Offered By The BTC) – Approx 6-18 Months

The City & Guilds 2357 NVQ is a vocational qualification that assesses your practical skills and knowledge in the workplace. This qualification involves working as an electrician under the supervision of a qualified electrician and completing a set of tasks over a suitable duration of months. To complete this qualification, you will need to gather evidence of your practical work and submit it for assessment by an approved NVQ assessor.

In addition, you will need to pass the AM2 assessment, which is a practical assessment that tests your ability to carry out a range of electrical tasks to a high standard. This assessment involves working on a mock installation in a controlled environment.

By successfully following these five stages, you will have the necessary qualifications and practical experience to work as a qualified electrician in a variety of settings, from domestic properties to commercial buildings. Anyone holding these qualifications would also meet the current requirements to apply for an ECS Gold Card or Competent Persons Scheme with the NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA, etc (subject to requirements at the time of applying) to carry out notifiable work, as well as non-notifiable work, which will include new installations, house re-wires and the installation of new circuits. It also includes additions to existing circuits in special locations. Notifiable work requires a ‘Part P’ certificate to be generated for the client or for the person ordering the work. If you are not registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, you would need to notify Building Control.

One of the benefits of following these stages is that you can attend the courses over any duration that suits you. This means that you can complete some stages later or spread the training over a longer period if necessary.

For example, if you are unable to commit to completing the Domestic Installer Package in one go, you can choose to complete the courses one by one as your schedule allows. Similarly, if you are unable to complete the Level 2 2365 Diploma straight away after completing the Domestic Installers Package, you can take a break and return to the training later.

The flexibility of this stage package means that it can be tailored to meet your needs and allows you to fit your training around your existing commitments and responsibilities. This is particularly beneficial for those who are working full-time or have other obligations that make it difficult to attend a traditional training course all at once.