Electrician — Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Installation, UK Employers

Electrical contractors, housebuilders, facilities management companies and renewable energy installers across the United Kingdom hire electricians for domestic, commercial and industrial work. It is one of the most secure skilled trades in the country, and one where the qualifications have a live expiry problem in 2026 that catches out people who qualified only a couple of years ago.

What the work involves

First and second fix installation, rewiring, consumer unit replacement, fault finding, inspection and testing, and increasingly EV charge point and solar or battery storage installation. Maintenance roles add planned upkeep and call-outs; industrial work adds machinery, three-phase systems and shutdowns.

Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation, or an equivalent apprenticeship qualification
• A current BS 7671 wiring regulations qualification — check which amendment, because the older version is withdrawn on 15 October 2026
• An ECS card for site access, which is a contractual requirement rather than a legal one
• City & Guilds 2391 inspection and testing for anything beyond installation work
• Competent Person Scheme registration if you intend to self-certify domestic notifiable work
• EV charge point or renewable installation credentials for the fastest-growing specialisms

Two different pay structures

• Employed. Qualified electricians are advertised around £28,000 to £38,000, and experienced or specialist roles from £40,000 upward
• Self-employed. Day rates of £150 to £300 or more — before the Construction Industry Scheme takes 20 per cent at source from a registered subcontractor, or 30 per cent from an unregistered one
• Apprentice. The apprentice minimum wage rate applies only under 19 or in the first year; after that the ordinary age rate applies

Before you apply

Check the amendment on your wiring regulations certificate before you apply for anything. BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 was published on 15 April 2026, and the version before it is withdrawn on 15 October 2026. If you are self-employed, work out the day rate after the CIS deduction rather than before it.

Note: pay, certification requirements, scheme registration and contract type are set by each employer and by regulation — not by Sajad Digital Services. Confirm the details on the employer's own advertisement before applying.