How to Get Experience as an Electrician

It's the issue that jobseekers in pretty much every sector recognise: it's difficult to find work when you have no experience, and it's difficult to gain experience when you're unable to find work!

Gaining work experience as an electrician is no different, that is why we have put together this blog post that highlights the importance of electrical work experience as well as discussing what electrical work experience options are available to you. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Experience Important for Electricians?

Hands-on electrical experience is important for trainee electricians, as although classroom training provides important theoretical knowledge, applying these concepts in practical situations is a different ball game altogether.  

Working with electricity can also be extremely dangerous and practical experience helps to enhance understanding of safety protocols and hazards in a real world situation. Plus, this experience is crucial in helping trainee electricians become more confident with their work, knowledge and tools. This practical training will not only help reduce on-site injuries, but will ultimately create more confident, efficient and knowledgeable electricians.

Why Is It Difficult for Trainee Electricians to Gain Work Experience?

It can be particularly difficult for trainee electricians to gain work experience because many employers require prior on-the-job experience. This creates a catch-22 situation where new electricians struggle to get experience, without having experience!

In addition to this, many companies are hesitant to take on those who are inexperienced due to the dangerous nature of electrical work, and therefore would rather hire experienced individuals that are already familiar with the job.

To overcome these challenges, there are a couple of different options:

• Get your qualifications and complete an NVQ

A NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification that demonstrates a person’s ability to do a job. At Access Training, both our Professional and Premium electrical courses include an NVQ, but with our Premium course, you can get your Level 3 NVQ and a guaranteed work placement.

This means that not only will you be completing the portfolio of work required for the NVQ, but also gaining valuable work experience that will help you find work later on.

• Enrol on the Access Apprenticeship programme

With our Access Apprenticeship programme, once you’ve completed your Level 1 Health & Safety training and obtained your CSCS card, we can get you a guaranteed interview with a UK construction firm who can then employ you as a groundworker or labourer.

This will provide you with invaluable on-site work experience early on in your programme while you complete your other electrical qualifications.  Plus, all of our Access Apprentices earn a standard site labourer wage – so you can earn while you learn!

So, if you’re struggling to find work experience as an electrician, give Access Training a try today. Get in touch or use the links below to find out more!

Electrician Courses  Electrician Apprenticeships