Minor Electrical Installation Works Course – A Practical Route for Allied Trades and Beginners 

Electrical work in the UK is governed by strict standards, particularly BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and the requirements of Part P Building Regulations. But not every task in a domestic or commercial setting requires the full involvement of a registered electrician. There is an important distinction between notifiable and non-notifiable work, and this is where a new pathway is opening up for allied trades and beginners who want to carry out limited, safe, and c ompliant tasks without committing to the full route of becoming a qualified electrician. 

The Minor Electrical Installation Works Course and its shorter Basic Electrical Maintenance Course are designed precisely for that purpose. Delivered in-centre with practical, hands-on training, these courses offer a structured, accessible route for tradespeople who need electrical knowledge to complement their main role, as well as those just beginning to explore whether electrical work could be a career. 

For context, many learners also ask how long does 18th edition certificate last, as the Wiring Regulations are central to safe practice and need periodic updating. That certificate usually lasts until the next major amendment or edition is published — which illustrates why even allied trades benefit from structured training to keep their skills in line with current standards. 

What Counts as Minor Electrical Installation Work? 

In simple terms, minor works are small electrical jobs that do not involve adding new circuits, working in special locations (such as bathrooms), or carrying out significant rewiring. These tasks are categorised as non-notifiable under Part P and can legally be carried out without notifying Building Control, as long as they are safe and completed to the r ecognised standards. 

Examples of minor or non-notifiable works include: 

• Replacing socket outlets, light switches, or ceiling roses. 

• Installing additional lights to an existing circuit. 

• Changing like-for-like accessories, such as fused spurs or cooker switches. 

• Repairing or maintaining equipment without altering the circuit design. 

Although these seem simple, they still require an understanding of electrical safety, isolation procedures, correct use of test equipment, and awareness of how the work interacts with the wider installation. Mistakes can cause injury, fire, or invalidate insurance, so training is vital. 

Why Allied Trades Benefit 

A wide range of allied trades regularly encounter small electrical tasks as part of their main job. Examples include: 

• Kitchen fitters replacing sockets and switches as part of a new install. 

• Boiler engineers and plumbers connecting controls, pumps, and timers. 

• Decorators who need to safely remove and replace light fittings. 

• Landscape gardeners adding external lights or power points. 

• Security system installers connecting alarms, CCTV, and access control systems. 

• Pergola and decking installers fitting lighting and sockets for outdoor living spaces. 

For these professionals, calling out a qualified electrician every time can add cost and delay to projects. Completing the Minor Electrical Installation Works Course allows them to carry out these limited tasks with confidence and compliance, while knowing when to call in a registered electrician for more complex or notifiable work. 

Two Course Options 

The training is designed to be flexible depending on how much learners want to cover. 

5-Day Minor Electrical Installation Works Course 

• Covers a broad range of tasks. 

• Includes safe isolation, accessory replacement, minor additions, testing basics, and paperwork. 

• Suited to trades who want a comprehensive overview and confidence in tackling minor works. 

2-Day Basic Electrical Maintenance Course 

• Focused purely on safe replacement of accessories and equipment. 

• Aimed at those who only need to complete the most straightforward tasks. 

• Also a useful entry point for beginners testing whether electrical training is right for them. 

Both options are delivered in-centre, with practical rigs and demonstrations to build real-world skills. Corporate training can also be arranged for employers who want their teams trained together. 

Part P and the Legal Context 

Part P of the Building Regulations sets out the requirement that all electrical work in dwellings must be safe. Certain types of work (e.g., installing a new circuit, work in bathrooms, consumer unit changes) are notifiable and require certification by a registered electrician. 

However, minor works and maintenance are generally non-notifiable. This is why a structured short course makes sense: it gives learners the knowledge to complete these legal, permitted tasks safely, while understanding the limits of their competence. 

Importantly, learners are shown how to complete the Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, a standard form confirming the safety of small jobs. 

A Stepping-Stone into the Electrical Industry 

While many learners are allied trades who will stop at this level, others see it as the start of something bigger. The Minor Works or Basic Maintenance courses can be an accessible first step for: 

• Beginners curious about a career change. 

• Workers wanting to test their aptitude before committing to longer qualifications. 

• Employers seeking to upskill staff gradually. 

From here, the natural progression could include: 

• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (C&G 2382-22) – a core requirement for anyone working in the industry. For more detail, see how long does 18th edition certificate last. 

• Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas (2365-02 / 2365-03) – giving the underpinning theory and practical knowledge. 

• NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation/Maintenance (2357) – workplace portfolio, units, and practical assessment leading to full qualification. 

• AM2/AM2E assessment – the industry end-point test. 

• ECS Gold Card – the recognised benchmark of a fully qualified electrician. 

By positioning the Minor Works and Basic Maintenance courses as the first rung of this ladder, learners can see a clear route from entry-level competence to full professional status. 

Updating with Future Regulations 

Electrical training is never static. Each new e dition or amendment to BS 7671 brings changes. The industry is already discussing the electrical regulations 19th edition, with speculation about how it will reshape domestic and commercial practice. You can read more in electrical regulations 19th edition. 

This highlights why even short courses matter: staying current with updates is part of professional responsibility, whether you are a career electrician or an allied trade. 

Regional Options 

For learners in the Midlands, there are convenient training centres and local options to explore. If you are near Lichfield, you can find details here: Electrician Courses Lichfield. 

Closer to Birmingham and the northern suburbs, training availability also covers Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas. Check schedules and centre options at Electrician Courses Sutton Coldfield. 

This regional spread makes it easier to fit training around work commitments. 

Who Should Enrol? 

The Minor Works and Basic Maintenance courses are particularly suited to: 

• Allied trades needing to complete limited electrical tasks. 

• Employers who want safe, compliant staff without investing in full electrician qualifications. 

• Beginners seeking a first step towards a new career. 

• DIY enthusiasts who want structured training rather than unsafe trial and error. 

There are no entry requirements, making these courses highly accessible. 

Why Elec Training? 

At Elec Training, our focus is on providing clear, structured pathways that reflect real industry needs. Whether you are taking your first step with a Minor Works course or progressing towards the NVQ 2357 and ECS Gold Card, we provide the support, resources, and exam preparation you need. 

We also ensure every learner understands how their training fits into the wider industry picture — including regulations, JIB pay structures, and the growing demand for low-carbon and renewable skills. 

You can learn more about our full range of courses at https://elec.training/. 

Enrolment and Next Steps 

The Minor Electrical Installation Works Course (5-day) and the Basic Electrical Maintenance Course (2-day) are both open for enrolment. Training is delivered in-centre with small groups and hands-on rigs, giving you confidence to work safely. Corporate packages are also available. 

To secure your place, or to discuss which route is best for you, get in touch with our training team today. 

FAQs on Minor Electrical Installation Works and Basic Electrical Maintenance Courses in the UK (2025) 

Below is a comprehensive FAQ addressing your questions about Minor Electrical Installation Works and Basic Electrical Maintenance courses, based on current UK standards as of September 14, 2025. Information aligns with Part P of the Building Regulations, City & Guilds (C&G) qualifications, and industry practices. 

1 – What counts as minor electrical installation work under UK regulations?

Under UK regulations, specifically Part P of the Building Regulations (England and Wales), minor electrical installation work refers to electrical tasks that do not involve installing new circuits or consumer units and are considered low-risk, notifiable work in domestic settings. Examples include: 

• Adding or replacing socket outlets, lighting points, or switches on existing circuits. 

• Installing additional spurs or extending existing circuits (e.g., adding a socket to a ring final circuit). 

• Replacing damaged cables or fittings (e.g., light switches, socket faceplates) on existing circuits. 

• Installing low-voltage lighting or secondary power sources (e.g., garden lights) on existing circuits. These must comply with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) and be certified via a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) by a competent person. Work in special locations (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens) or new circuits requires full Part P notification and typically a qualified electrician. 

2 – Do I need to be a qualified electrician to take the Minor Works or Basic Electrical Maintenance course?

No, you do not need to be a fully qualified electrician to take either course: 

• Minor Works Course: Designed for those with some electrical knowledge (e.g., allied trades like plumbers, builders, or maintenance staff) or beginners with basic electrical understanding. No formal qualifications are required, but familiarity with wiring or trade experience is helpful. 

• Basic Electrical Maintenance Course: Aimed at non-electricians (e.g., facilities managers, caretakers) needing to perform safe, limited electrical tasks (e.g., replacing fittings). No prior electrical qualifications are needed, but basic literacy/numeracy and an age of 18+ are typical requirements. Both are introductory and don’t confer full electrician status but enable limited, compliant work under Part P when registered with a competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT). 

3 – What’s the difference between the 5-day Minor Works course and the 2-day Basic Electrical Maintenance course?

• 5-Day Minor Works Course: A comprehensive program (e.g., C&G-accredited or provider-specific like Logic4training’s Part P Domestic Electrical Installer) for those aiming to perform and certify notifiable minor works. Covers electrical theory, BS 7671 basics, practical installation (e.g., adding sockets/spurs), inspection/testing, and MEIWC completion. Aimed at allied trades or aspiring installers; includes Part P compliance training for scheme registration. Costs £500–£1,000. 

• 2-Day Basic Electrical Maintenance Course: A shorter, practical course for non-electricians (e.g., caretakers, DIY enthusiasts) focusing on safe, non-notifiable tasks like replacing fittings, fault-finding, and basic repairs within BS 7671. Excludes complex installs or certification; not sufficient for Part P scheme registration. Costs £200–£400. Key Differences: Minor Works is longer, Part P-focused, and enables certification; Maintenance is shorter, for basic tasks only, with no formal certification authority. 

4 – Are these courses compliant with Part P of the Building Regulations?

Yes, the 5-day Minor Works course is designed to comply with Part P, enabling registration with competent person schemes (e.g., NICEIC Domestic Installer) to self-certify minor works without notifying Building Control. It covers BS 7671 and Part P requirements for notifiable work (e.g., socket additions in dwellings). The 2-day Basic Electrical Maintenance course is not Part P-compliant for certification, as it focuses on non-notifiable tasks (e.g., like-for-like replacements) and doesn’t qualify for scheme membership. Always verify provider accreditation (e.g., C&G, LCL Awards) to ensure compliance. 

5 – What practical skills will I learn during the training?

Minor Works (5-Day):  

• Installing additional sockets, spurs, or lighting points on existing circuits. 

• Safe isolation procedures and testing (e.g., continuity, insulation resistance). 

• Wiring and terminating cables for domestic circuits (e.g., ring finals, radial circuits). 

• Completing MEIWCs and basic inspection protocols per BS 7671. 

• Practical use of multimeters and testers for fault-finding. 

Basic Electrical Maintenance (2-Day):  

• Replacing like-for-like fittings (e.g., switches, sockets, light fittings). 

• Basic fault diagnosis (e.g., tripped circuits, loose connections). 

• Safe isolation and use of basic test equipment (e.g., voltage testers). 

• Minor repairs (e.g., fixing damaged cables or fittings). Both include hands-on workshops with real equipment (e.g., consumer units, wiring boards), emphasizing safety and compliance. 

6 – Will I be shown how to complete a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate?

Yes, the 5-day Minor Works course explicitly teaches how to complete a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC), required for notifiable work under Part P. You’ll learn: 

• Documenting circuit details, test results (e.g., insulation resistance, earth continuity), and compliance with BS 7671. 

• Practical completion of MEIWC forms during simulated installs. 

• Procedures for submitting to competent person schemes (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT) for self-certification. The 2-day Basic Maintenance course does not cover MEIWCs, as it focuses on non-certifiable tasks. 

7 – Who are these courses best suited for—beginners, allied trades, or both?

• Minor Works (5-Day): Best for allied trades (e.g., plumbers, builders, kitchen fitters) with some electrical knowledge who want to legally perform and certify notifiable minor works, and beginners aiming to enter the electrical trade with Part P compliance. Suited for those seeking scheme registration or a stepping-stone to full qualifications. 

• Basic Electrical Maintenance (2-Day): Ideal for beginners with no electrical background (e.g., caretakers, DIY enthusiasts, facilities staff) needing to safely perform limited, non-notifiable tasks, and allied trades wanting basic skills without certification goals. Both cater to non-electricians but differ in depth and scope; Minor Works suits career-focused learners, Maintenance suits practical, task-specific needs. 

8 – Can I use these courses as a stepping-stone towards becoming a fully qualified electrician?

Yes, the 5-day Minor Works course is a strong stepping-stone towards full electrician status (NVQ Level 3, AM2, ECS Gold Card), as it: 

• Builds foundational skills (wiring, testing, BS 7671) applicable to City & Guilds 2365 Level 2/3 Diplomas. 

• Enables work as an electrician’s mate to gather NVQ portfolio evidence. 

• Supports Part P registration, providing income while pursuing further quals. The 2-day Basic Maintenance course is less suitable, offering limited skills for non-notifiable tasks, but can introduce beginners to electrical work before committing to Level 2 training. Both require additional study (e.g., 2365, NVQ, AM2) for full qualification. 

9 – Are there any entry requirements to enrol on the Minor Works or Basic Maintenance course?

• Minor Works (5-Day): No formal qualifications required, but basic electrical knowledge (e.g., from trade experience or DIY) is recommended. Age 18+, literacy/numeracy (GCSE-equivalent), and sometimes a provider aptitude test. Some centers prefer familiarity with BS 7671 or basic wiring skills. 

• Basic Electrical Maintenance (2-Day): No prior qualifications or experience needed; open to all aged 18+ with basic literacy/numeracy. Designed for complete beginners or non-technical staff. Check provider specifics (e.g., Logic4training, Trade Skills 4U) for additional criteria like ID or pre-course assessments. 

10 – Where can I take this training, and are there regional centres available near Birmingham and the Midlands?

Training is available across the UK through accredited providers, with several options near Birmingham and the Midlands: 

• Elec Training