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Have you been thinking: "How do I get an electrical apprenticeship?" or maybe even "How long is an electrical apprenticeship?" because you're considering the next steps of your career?
Starting an electrical apprenticeship is a great move towards a rewarding career in the electrical industry. The course combines practical hands-on experience with academic learning, so you have the skills to succeed in any company specialising in electrical engineering, or in our case, the commercial and industrial sectors.
But before considering how to become an apprentice electrician, we must discuss the qualifications you'll need to secure before applying to the job.
Qualifications Needed to Apply for an Electrician Apprenticeship
Typically, you only need a GCSE grade 4 minimum in English and Maths to gain the appropriate qualifications for an apprenticeship. However, apprenticeships in 2025 are becoming extremely competitive, as young people start to favour hands-on paid work experience in exchange for the classroom.
Some courses accept Functional Skills Level 2 in both English and Maths; however, the employer who is taking on the apprentice may determine extra qualifications would be required.
Your best bet is to contact your local apprenticeship provider to discuss your current qualifications or those you hope to achieve and see if you're eligible for the apprenticeship position.
The Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apart from the glaringly obvious advantage of diving straight into the working world, collecting relevant work experience, getting paid, and developing hands-on skills, there are many positives associated with an electrical apprenticeship.
Professional Recognition: Obtaining an ECS Apprenticeship Card shows you're a qualified professional in the electrical trade.
Learning the Theory: The spiral learning approach reinforces understanding by revisiting topics at increasing levels of complexity.
Dedicated Support: Access to mentors and experienced professionals to offer help during your training.
Industry-Relevant Skills: Gain paid, real work experience, which could give you a leg up in the job market, becoming more employable with relevant experience.
Flexibility: Get your industry-recognised qualification and have the flexibility to work across different sectors within the electrical industry.
How Long Does It Last?
If you’re looking to get a qualification quickly, an electrical apprenticeship probably isn’t your go-to choice. But if you’ve been thinking “how long is an electrical apprenticeship”, because you want to develop your skill set over a number of years, then we’ve got what you need.
An electrical apprenticeship typically spans 4 years, depending on prior learning and experience. The course will typically include:
Training: Following standards like the C&G 5357 and the Installation/Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship Standard.
Assessment: Completing a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification involving knowledge-based exams and a portfolio of practical skills tests
Supervised Learning: advice and help from a training officer
Electrician Apprenticeship Opportunities
Electrician apprenticeships are available across various commercial, industrial or residential spaces.
Nonetheless, apprentices install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, working with switchboards, motors, cables, and sometimes renewable energy technologies.
At Maidenhead Electrical, we have positions open for commercial and industrial electricians who want to work with a company specialising in blue-chip clientele.
Send us a message below!
Here’s what one of our previous electrician apprenticeship graduates had to say about their time with Maidenhead Electrical.
“A close-knit young team providing excellent service. Not just a job, but a little community of electricians." - George Russell
“Every member of the company is always looking to help, which makes you feel part of the team and creates a great working environment. I look forward to my future with the company." - Josh Jones
Training Locations for Your Apprenticeship
The course's training and theory-focused sessions are conducted in training centres that have the necessary tools and resources to optimise learning.
Throughout your course, typically, you'll have access to the following:
Experienced tutors/teachers
A safeguarding team
A conducive learning environment.
In-person and virtual learning
Help from a training officer.
If you decide that MEL is the company for you, you will come and work at our Studio Office Space. Click here to see where we are.
Types of Electrical Apprenticeships
Electrical apprenticeships can offer different specialities:
Domestic (residential) Electrician
Installation Electrician
Maintenance Electrician
Training combines classroom and on-the-job training, so apprentices can apply the theory they've learnt from college in practical, real-world scenarios. The courses are designed for newcomers, or those looking to change careers, and experienced electricians in the company will help them along the way.
At MEL, we specialise in complex installation and maintanance projects in the industrial and commercial sector, helping businesses, football stadiums like Chelsea, schools like Eton College, and much more come up with electrical solutions.
Check out the work we’ve secured with Eton College here.
Working Hours and Pay Range
Apprentices typically work full-time, averaging 30-40 hours per week, sometimes with one full day dedicated to college study.
Pay varies based on location and experience. However, the National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour - some employers offer higher rates.
Working at Maidenhead Electrical
We have a fantastic team of both newly qualified electrical engineers and experienced approved electricians to make sure that your apprenticeship journey is as smooth as possible.
With such a great team, we pride ourselves on professionalism. Whilst we strive to have fun, we do work on some complex projects, but our commitment to delivery and customer satisfaction sets us apart from our competition.
If you're interested in pursuing an electrical apprenticeship, contact us today! Just scroll down to the bottom of the linked page below!