Electricians Rank the Most Trustworthy Trade by the Public
A recent Which? survey of almost 1,500 people found that 80% of homeowners trust electricians the most when it comes to improving their homes or carrying out repairs. In c omparison, only 48% said they trusted roofers and 53% trusted builders — showing a clear gap in public confidence across different trades.
If you’re studying Law Lesson 15, you’ll already understand how regulation and competence play a huge role in building that public trust.
Who are the most and least trusted trades?
The survey revealed that electricians top the list for trustworthiness, followed by central heating engineers (75%), plumbers (73%), and carpenters (72%).
At the other end of the scale, mechanics (27%), roofers (48%), and drain specialists (50%) were among the least trusted. Many homeowners said their biggest worries when hiring a tradesperson were:
- Tradespeople not turning up on time (60%)
- Poor-quality workmanship (55%)
- Being overcharged or “ripped off” (46%)
These concerns show why reputation and reliability are key factors for any tradesperson hoping to grow their business.
Why electricians rank higher
Electricians tend to earn higher levels of public confidence because the electrical industry is highly regulated. Working to strict standards, such as BS 7671, and joining approved schemes like NICEIC or NAPIT, reassures customers that the work is carried out safely and to code.
Builders, kitchen fitters, and roofers, on the other hand, operate in areas where there’s less regulation — which may explain the greater degree of mistrust.
Another important factor is the visible link between training and qualification. Many electricians start through formal electrician courses, progressing through Level 2, Level 3, and NVQ pathways before registering as competent professionals. That structured training gives homeowners confidence that electrical work will be safe, compliant, and reliable.
How to know if you can trust a tradesperson
Before hiring anyone to work in your home, it’s worth following a few simple steps:
- Get recommendations. Ask family, friends, or neighbours who’ve had similar work done recently.
- Check online reviews. Platforms like Checkatrade and TrustMark can provide useful insights, but stay alert for fake feedback.
- Verify registrations. Use the Gas Safe Register or Electrical Competent Person Register to confirm qualifications.
- Ask for references. A good tradesperson will happily share examples of previous work.
- Avoid upfront cash payments. Agree on staged payments tied to progress milestones.
Being proactive about checks protects you from rogue traders — a problem that still costs UK h omeowners billions of pounds each year.
Pathways to becoming a qualified electrician
If you’re considering entering the trade, professional training is the best way to build trust with future clients. Our electrical installation course covers key qualifications including 18th Edition, Inspection & Testing, and Part P Building Regulations, designed for learners starting from any level.
Students who’ve completed Law Lesson 16 will already understand how compliance frameworks support safer, more reputable electrical work — both for private contractors and employers.
At Elec Training, we provide structured routes to competence, helping every learner develop the technical and professional standards the public has come to a ssociate with trusted electricians.
Which trade do UK homeowners trust the most according to recent surveys?
According to a 2025 Which? Trusted Traders survey of UK homeowners, electricians are the most trusted trade, with 80% of respondents expressing confidence in their reliability and workmanship. This marks electricians ahead of central heating engineers (75%) and plumbers (73%), reflecting perceptions of professionalism and safety. A 2024 Checkatrade report echoes this, noting electricians’ low complaint rates (under 5%) compared to other trades. Elec Training attributes this to stringent qualifications like the 18th Edition, fostering trust in an industry where safety is paramount.
Why do electricians rank higher in public trust compared to other trades?
Electricians rank higher due to their strong emphasis on safety and regulation, with mandatory certifications (e.g., NICEIC, ECS Gold Card) ensuring compliance with BS 7671, reducing risks like fires (20,000+ annually) and building consumer confidence—80% cite qualifications as key, per Which? 2025. Unlike less-regulated trades, electricians’ visible professionalism (e.g., uniforms, punctuality) and lower overcharge rates (under 10%) enhance perceptions. A 2024 HomeServe study found 11% of respondents view electricians as the most trustworthy, citing honest advice. Elec Training’s focus on ethical training reinforces this edge.
What are the least trusted trades among UK homeowners?
The least trusted trades, per Which? 2025 and Checkatrade 2024 reports, are roofers (48% trust, 16% application rejections due to vetting failures) and builders (53% trust, 38% of homeowners wary of first-time hires). Mechanics (27% trust) and drain specialists (50%) follow, linked to overcharging (76% concern) and poor workmanship (55%). Elec Training contrasts this with electrics’ strong standing, urging awareness of industry stereotypes.
How does regulation contribute to trust in the electrical industry?
Regulation, through schemes like NICEIC and Part P, builds trust by verifying competence and enabling self-certification, reducing risks of unsafe work (e.g., 1,000+ shocks yearly) and assuring 80% of homeowners of quality. BS 7671 mandates ensure consistency, with CPS membership signaling reliability—90% of clients check credentials. Elec Training’s CPS-aligned courses reinforce this, minimizing complaints.
What qualifications or schemes help electricians build credibility with clients?
Key qualifications include Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services (City & Guilds 2357) for competence, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (2382) for updates, and ECS Gold Card for site access. Schemes like NICEIC or NAPIT (CPS for self-certification) and MCS for renewables boost credibility, with 93% of clients prioritizing them. Elec Training prepares for these, enhancing client trust.
What are the most common concerns homeowners have when hiring tradespeople?
Common concerns include not turning up on time (62%), poor workmanship (55%), overcharging (46%), and rogue traders (14.3% of 36,000 complaints in 2024, per Citizens Advice). Lack of trust (38% for builders) and safety fears also prevail. Elec Training addresses these through professional training.
How can customers check if an electrician is properly registered or approved?
Customers can check via the Electrical Competent Person Register (electricalcompetentperson.co.uk) or NICEIC’s “Find a Contractor” tool, entering the name/postcode for verified status, qualifications, and coverage—free and instant. Request ID cards on-site. Elec Training encourages verification for safe hires.
What steps can homeowners take to avoid rogue traders?
Homeowners can avoid rogue traders by:
- Using Accredited Schemes: Hire NICEIC/NAPIT-registered pros via official tools (reduces risks 90%).
- Getting Multiple Quotes: 3-5 from vetted sources, avoiding pressure sales.
- Checking Reviews: Use Trustpilot or Checkatrade (93% rely on them).<grokport”> name=”citation_id”>24 </g
- Written Contracts: Detail work, costs, timelines to prevent disputes.
- Reporting Suspicions: To Trading Standards (0808 223 1133).
Elec Training promotes these steps for safe electrical hires.
How does professional training influence public trust in electricians?
Professional training builds trust by ensuring competence and safety, with 80% of homeowners prioritizing qualifications like Level 3 NVQ and 18th Edition—reducing complaints by 25% and increasing referrals 30%. It signals reliability, per Which? surveys. Elec Training’s structured programs enhance this trust.
What routes or courses are available for becoming a qualified and trusted electrician?
Routes include:
- Apprenticeship: 3-4 years, earn-while-learn (Level 3 NVQ 5357, funded).
- Fast-Track Adult Route: Level 2/3 Diplomas (2365, 6-12 months) + NVQ/AM2 (6-12 months).
- Experienced Worker Assessment: 3-5 years’ experience + EWA (6-12 months).
Elec Training offers all routes, with fast-track for career changers.
FAQs About Trust in UK Trades and Electricians
Which trade do UK homeowners trust the most according to recent surveys?
Electricians are the most trusted trade among UK homeowners, with a Which? survey from 2019 showing 75% trust, and ongoing 2024-2025 data from TrustMark and Checkatrade confirming they rank highest due to perceived reliability and safety focus. Builders and roofers are among the least trusted.
Why do electricians rank higher in public trust compared to other trades?
Electricians rank higher due to strict regulations (e.g., BS 7671 compliance), mandatory qualifications (NVQ Level 3), and schemes like NICEIC ensuring verifiable competence, reducing risks like fires or shocks. Surveys highlight their professionalism and low rogue trader incidents compared to unregulated trades like roofing.
What are the least trusted trades among UK homeowners?
Roofers and builders are the least trusted, with Which? research showing 38% distrust for roofers due to high rogue trader reports (£1.4 billion annual losses) and poor workmanship complaints; plumbers and decorators also rank low, affected by overcharging and unreliability issues.
How does regulation contribute to trust in the electrical industry?
Regulation via BS 7671, Part P Building Regulations, and schemes like NICEIC ensures standardized safety and quality, with mandatory assessments and audits building consumer confidence. This reduces incidents (e.g., 20,000 annual fires from faults) and provides warranties, fostering trust through accountability.
What qualifications or schemes help electricians build credibility with clients?
Key qualifications include NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Systems, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and AM2 assessment for ECS Gold Card. Schemes like NICEIC, NAPIT, and ECA allow self-certification and offer 6-year warranties, signaling competence and insurance-backed work to clients.
What are the most common concerns homeowners have when hiring tradespeople?
Top concerns include not turning up on time (62%), poor workmanship (55%), overcharging (46%), and rogue traders; Which? surveys also highlight fears of substandard work, delays, and safety risks, with 81% wary of unqualified hires leading to costly fixes.
How can customers check if an electrician is properly registered or approved?
Use the NICEIC “Find a Contractor” tool (www.niceic.com/find-contractor) by entering name or postcode, or check the government’s Competent Person Register. Request ID cards with holograms and verify via phone (0333 015 6620); always cross-check certificates for authenticity.
What steps can homeowners take to avoid rogue traders?
Get 3+ quotes, use schemes like TrustMark or Buy with Confidence, check references/reviews, avoid unsolicited door-knockers, use written contracts, and report suspicions to Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) or Trading Standards. Never pay upfront or allow bank visits.
How does professional training influence public trust in electricians?
Professional training (e.g., CPD on BS 7671) demonstrates competence and safety commitment, with NICEIC requiring ongoing assessments, boosting trust by 25% per surveys. It reduces errors (30% fewer complaints) and aligns with regulations, reassuring clients of quality work.
What routes or courses are available for becoming a qualified and trusted electrician?
Routes include 4-year apprenticeships (earn while learning, NVQ Level 3), intensive adult courses (12-18 months, City & Guilds 2365 Levels 2/3 + NVQ), Experienced Worker Assessment (6-12 months for time-served), and full-time college (2-3 years). Elec Training offers flexible City & Guilds courses with NVQ placement for credibility.
