When new legislation hits the electrical trade, it usually means two things: change and opportunity. Lot 20, introduced under EU Regulation 2015/1188, is one of the most significant shifts in recent years. It directly affects electric space heating and, by e xtension, the work many sparks carry out in domestic

The UK government has made clear commitments to a low-carbon future. First came the announcement of banning new petrol and diesel cars by 2040 (now likely to be brought forward), and more recently, proposals that all new homes in England must include electric vehicle charging points. For electricians, this is

Every week electricians face questions that aren’t always clear-cut. One recent talking point was whether a consumer unit can be mounted on its side. Many sparks said “no,” while a smaller group gave a more detailed answer. The truth? It’s a trick question—the correct response is to check the manufacturer’s

Every electrician knows the regulations never stand still. On 1 July 2018, the industry officially said goodbye to the 17th Edition and welcomed the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. For learners, this shift wasn’t just about a new book colour—it represented a step forward in safety, compliance, and career readiness. For

Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practical need for households and businesses looking to cut costs. Products like Vphase voltage optimisation units show how technology can save customers money while creating new revenue streams for electricians. At the same time, the industry outlook for pay and demand remains strong,

The UK electrical industry has always evolved alongside its regulations. From the 16th Edition to the 17th, and now the 18th Edition and beyond, each update brings new requirements that electricians must understand to remain compliant. For learners today, it’s not about revisiting the 17th—it’s about looking ahead to how

Exams are a reality in every electrician course. Whether you’re tackling the 18th Edition, an inspection & testing practical, or the NVQ portfolio, assessments are there to prove competence. For many learners, they can also be a major source of stress. The good news is that with the right techniques,

The UK’s shift towards electric vehicles isn’t just about cars—it’s about the people trained to install, maintain, and certify the infrastructure that makes EV adoption possible. As schemes like UK Power Networks’ new Shift project show, the demand for qualified sparks is only getting stronger. For those looking to step

Every October brings out ghosts, ghouls, and jump scares—but for electricians, the real horror stories often hide in walls, lofts, and distribution boards. From tangled wiring to botched DIY fixes, these “electrical horrors” remind us why proper training is so important. For those looking to avoid becoming part of the

The electrical sector is evolving fast. From new safety regulations to renewable energy systems, companies need staff who are up to date, safe, and confident in their skills. That’s why demand for structured electrical training is rising among both individuals and businesses. For learners aiming to reach full competence, the

When deciding between university and trade, many young people face a difficult choice. With rising tuition fees, debt concerns, and uncertain job markets, it’s no wonder more are looking at trades as a viable path. For those considering an Elec Training electrical training course, there are clear benefits in terms

The UK construction industry is bracing for rapid expansion, with forecasts predicting 150,000 new jobs over the next five years. That growth is expected to drive massive demand for skilled trades, especially electricians. For anyone considering training, starting with an electrician course is a strong entry point. And for learners

Halloween is the time of year when ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night come out to play. But for electricians, some of the scariest sights aren’t in haunted h ouses — they’re hidden in lofts, consumer units and dodgy DIY jobs. We’ve pulled together some of

The UK construction and energy sectors are entering one of their busiest decades in living memory. From delivering net-zero targets to building new homes and rolling out EV charging networks, the demand for qualified electricians is rising fast. Yet a Labour Market Report released earlier this year e stimated that

Electrical safety on construction sites has always been a critical issue, but recent years have shown just how easily standards can slip. Back in 2019, the Building Safety Group (BSG) reported a 31% increase in electricity breaches compared with the year before, citing damaged cables, exposed conductors and poorly managed

Christmas is a good excuse to treat the electrician in your life — or yourself — to tools and gear that make the job easier. Electricians often work long hours in d emanding conditions, so a gift that’s practical, reliable, and built to last is always appreciated. In this 2026

Keeping on top of the UK’s key electrical and construction events can be difficult when you’re busy on site or studying. To make things simpler, we’ve pulled together a month-by-month calendar of the most important exhibitions, trade shows, seminars, and networking opportunities taking place in 2026. Whether you’re a qualified

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been marketed as the future of transport in the UK, but for many electricians and tradespeople, the real question is simple: can they cope with the day-to-day demands of work and travel? To find out, we got a YouTuber and electrician to take part in a

Weekends often give us the perfect chance to catch up on jobs around the house. From painting the spare room to assembling new furniture, DIY can be r ewarding and cost-effective. But when it comes to electrics, the safest advice is simple: don’t attempt electrical DIY yourself. Electrical work in

In recent years, the UK’s transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) has been steadily accelerating. But moments of disruption often act as tipping points. The recent petrol shortage, which left drivers queueing at forecourts and scrambling for fuel, was one of those moments. Within days, Google UK reported a 63% increase

The UK electrical industry is under pressure. Demand for skilled electricians continues to rise, driven by new housing developments, renewable energy projects, and the government’s Net Zero commitments. At the same time, the w orkforce is ageing, and fewer apprentices have entered the trade in recent years. This makes apprenticeships

The UK faces a well-documented shortage of electricians. Industry reports suggest demand is at its highest level in d ecades, fuelled by the drive towards Net Zero, the electrification of transport and heating, and a wave of construction projects. Employers across the country are feeling the strain — struggling to

The UK Government has confirmed that from 2025, gas boilers will no longer be fitted in new build properties. Instead, homes will rely on low-carbon h eating systems such as heat pumps, heat networks, or electric radiators. This is part of the broader Net Zero commitment to cut emissions and

The end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in September 2021 was a turning point for the UK labour market. As furlough wound down, many workers faced uncertainty, redundancy, or a shift into entirely new sectors. At the same time, the construction and electrical industries were already struggling with shortages

The UK is experiencing one of the most severe shortages of electricians in decades. Industry reports describe the situation as the worst since the late 1990s, with demand for skilled workers reaching record levels. For those considering a new career, or electricians already working and looking to upskill, the opportunities

Inspection and testing is one of the most technical and critical aspects of electrical work. Whether you are preparing for your AM2 assessment, aiming for a competent person scheme (CPS) assessment, or simply brushing up on knowledge, keeping skills sharp is essential. To support learners at every stage, Elec Training

Energy bills have become one of the biggest concerns for UK households in recent years. Even before the geopolitical shocks of 2022, wholesale gas prices had already surged, driving consumer costs higher. By spring 2022, forecasts suggested that combined fuel bills for an average home could exceed £2,000 per year,

In March 2021, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered a Budget that many in the trades were watching closely. With so many electricians and allied trades working as self-employed sole traders, the question on everyone’s mind was simple: how will government decisions affect those running their own businesses or planning to

The UK electrical industry has always placed safety, standards, and competence at its core. Over the years, various schemes and regulations have been introduced to make sure that anyone carrying out electrical work is properly trained and accountable. One of the most significant f rameworks is the Competent Person Scheme

If you’re considering switching career to becoming an electrician, now is one of the best times in recent memory. Between panic at the pumps, new laws demanding more EV charging points, and wage rises driven by JIB agreements, the landscape has shifted. For someone entering fresh, you can build a

The UK is facing a critical shortage of qualified electricians. With demand rising from new housing, infrastructure, and renewable technologies, employers are looking for long-term solutions to build a skilled workforce. Apprenticeships remain the most reliable pathway to achieving this — d eveloping competent electricians while giving learners the chance

The UK has taken a bold step in its journey towards Net Zero. From 2022, it became mandatory for all new homes and offices to be built with electric vehicle (EV) charging points. This makes Britain the first country in the world to legislate for chargers in new buildings, setting

Mobile phones and tablets have become as essential on site as a multimeter or set of screwdrivers. For electricians, the right apps can save hours of admin, reduce errors, and even help win more work. From certification to cable calculations, there are now dozens of tools aimed at making the

Periods of furlough can feel unsettling. You’re out of your regular work routine, wages may be lower than usual, and the uncertainty makes it easy to lose momentum. But there is another side to furlough: it can be a valuable window of opportunity. Many people in the UK used their

At Elec Training, we’re always looking for ways to make the learner journey clearer, faster, and more convenient. Training as an electrician is a big commitment, so we want your digital experience to be as smooth as your time in the classroom. That’s why we’ve r elaunched our website with

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is one of the most practical and widely required services in the electrical sector. From schools and offices to l andlords and housing associations, every organisation that provides electrical equipment is under a duty to ensure it is maintained safely. In November 2020, the long-standing 2377-22/32

Over the past few years, demand for electrical training has s urged to levels not seen in decades. From new entrants seeking a career change to experienced electricians looking to upskill, the need for structured training pathways has never been greater. At Elec Training, we have seen a marked increase

Choosing the right van is one of the biggest decisions a newly qualified or career-changing electrician will face. A van isn’t just a way of getting from A to B — it’s your mobile workshop, your storage hub, and often the first impression a client gets of your business. With

Becoming a qualified electrician is only the first part of the journey. Once you’ve completed your training, built your skills, and started gaining practical experience, the next step is deciding how to structure your working life. Many electricians choose to work for themselves, either as sole traders or by setting

Across the trades, electricians continue to sit at the top of the pay table. Surveys show that electrical work is one of the most financially r ewarding routes for skilled workers, and despite the challenges of COVID-19, demand for qualified electricians has remained high. But what exactly can electricians expect

Keeping your BS 7671 knowledge current isn’t a tick-box exercise—it’s the bedrock of safe, compliant work and a key marker of professionalism in the UK. Amendment 2 to the 18th Edition landed in March 2022, and if you qualified prior to the update—or you simply want a structured refresher on

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

Demand for solar PV is rising again as households and businesses look to cut bills, stabilise energy costs, and reduce carbon. That means more work for competent installers—especially those who can design tidy systems, commission them correctly, and explain performance clearly to clients. If you’re ready to add PV to

Rising energy prices, time-of-use tariffs, and the switch to low-carbon tech are pushing homeowners to squeeze more value out of every kilowatt-hour. That’s why electrical energy storage systems (EESS)—most commonly lithium-ion battery systems—are moving from “nice to have” to “seriously consider”. If you’re a homeowner weighing up payback, or an

The UK’s transition to cleaner transport has super-charged demand for competent EV charge-point installers. Alongside that growth, the qualification f ramework changed in September 2022: the legacy City & Guilds 2919 routes were retired and replaced by C&G 2921-31: Design and Installation of Domestic & Small Commercial EV Charging Installations.

PAT testing is the combination of visual inspection and electrical tests to confirm that in-service equipment remains safe to use. Although many people still say “PAT,” modern training (e.g., C&G 2377-77) takes a wider EET view: not just portable tools and kettles, but also certain stationary or fixed equipment on

Electricians continue to set the pace for earnings across the UK trades—driven by persistent skills shortages, sustained demand in domestic and commercial work, and g rowth areas like EV charging, consumer unit upgrades, and inspection & testing. If you’re mapping your career, pricing your jobs, or deciding which qualifications to

Choosing the right electrician course is the decision that shapes everything that follows: how quickly you get site-ready, which jobs you can safely take on, how you build your NVQ portfolio, and how soon you reach full competence for the ECS Gold Card. With so many options—apprenticeships, adult fast-track routes,

Electrification is reshaping how the UK heats homes, moves people, and powers businesses. From consumer-unit upgrades and rewires to solar, battery storage, and EV charge points, domestic electrical work is d iversifying—and it’s creating real opportunity for electricians who upskill early. If you’re exploring your next move, a focused domestic

The UK’s electrification agenda—new builds, retrofits, EV charging, solar, and smarter homes—means demand for qualified electricians is the strongest it’s been in decades. That’s great news if you’re starting out or looking to retrain. The big decision is how to qualify: the traditional apprenticeship, or the increasingly p opular adult

If you are wired for a good laugh and fancy a jolt of humour between jobs, you are in the right place. We have rounded up groan-worthy puns, quick one-liners, and longer story g ags to brighten your tea break. And if these tickle your funny bone and spark an

A stripped screw turns a five-minute job into a head-scratcher. The slots in the head are rounded or mangled, the driver slips, and every attempt s eems to make it worse. Below you will find clear, field-tested methods to free stuck fasteners in wood, metal, and plastics, plus quick prevention

Getting earthing and bonding right saves lives. Both are core parts of UK electrical safety under BS 7671, but they do different jobs. This plain-English guide from Elec Training explains what each term means, how they w ork together, and what good practice looks like on real sites. If you

Tool theft isn’t “petty”—it’s business-stopping. One break-in can wipe out thousands of pounds of kit, delay jobs, hit your reputation, and pile on stress from insurance c laims and re-buying everything. The good news: a layered approach makes you a hard target. Below are six practical, field-tested ways to protect

Electricians are the unsung heroes ensuring our homes, workplaces, and public spaces remain powered, safe, and efficient. But with the electrical trade comes risk—accidents, d amage, or legal liabilities can quickly escalate into financial and reputational threats. Securing your electrical business starts with having the right insurance in place. Here’s

Your van isn’t just transport—it’s your mobile workshop, billboard, and bread-and-butter. If buying new isn’t realistic (or desirable), leasing can get you into a reliable, professional-looking van without the eye-watering upfront hit. But which route suits an electrician best: Contract Hire or Finance Lease? Here’s a clear, guide with real-world

In today’s fiercely competitive trades industry, building a trusted online presence can make all the difference. Tradesperson recommendation platforms help s olidify your reputation, connect you with new clients, and grow your business organically. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, the right platform can be a powerful ally. Let’s

Have you ever imagined what life would be like without electricity? No lights, no heating, no charging your phone — it’s almost unthinkable. Thankfully, electricians ensure that everything from homes to hospitals stays powered and safe. But beyond their vital role in m odern life, becoming an electrician offers incredible

Equipping your toolbox with the right gear is fundamental to success in the electrical trade. Whether you’re an a pprentice or a seasoned pro, having the essential tools ensures safety, efficiency, and professionalism on every job. In this guide, the ever-reliable Elec Training team highlights ten must-have tools every UK

Choosing a van is one of the biggest business decisions a spark will make. It’s your mobile workshop, storage room, billboard, and—on long days—your canteen. Below is a practical buyer’s guide to help you pick the right van, whether you’re sticking with diesel or moving to electric, plus real-world tips

Social media is one of the simplest, lowest-cost ways for electricians to win work, build trust, and stay front-of-mind locally. Used well, it becomes your portfolio, your testimonials page, and your lead-gen engine—all in one place. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense playbook from Elec Training on how to make it work

Short answer: yes—many do. But you’ll need to understand how colour vision is assessed in the trade, where it m atters most, and how to work safely and accurately without relying on colour alone. This guide from Elec Training explains the rules, the workarounds, and the training routes that keep

Government Skills Bootcamps are opening clear, funded routes into low-carbon work. If you’re a heating engineer or plumber eyeing the heat-pump surge, these short, intensive programmes help you add the electrical knowledge, compliance, and commissioning skills you need to win modern jobs, not just quote them. At Elec Training, we’ve

Electrical exams can feel intense, but with the right plan you can turn nerves into marks. Whether you are sitting a written paper, completing online questions, or demonstrating practical skills, use these focused tips to prepare well, perform calmly, and show what you know. If you need structured support while

You have done your level 2, level 3 electrical installation and 18th edition, now you want to become fully qualified. What’s Next? The 2357 NVQ is an essential part of becoming fully qualified, but what is actually needed? This article is for apprentices, improvers and adult career-changers who are ready

Landing an electrical apprenticeship is a big deal. It puts you on a path to a respected trade, steady work, and a skillset you can use anywhere in the UK. Once you are in, the goal is simple, learn fast, work safely, and become the person your supervisor wants on

The UK’s push toward Net Zero is reshaping how homes, workplaces, and public spaces are powered. That shift is creating steady, well paid work for people with practical electrical skills. If you are starting out or upskilling, now is a smart time to position yourself for solar, EV charging, storage,

Homeowners change consumer units for lots of reasons: persistent nuisance tripping, a major refurb or rewire, space for EV and heat-pump circuits, or simply because the existing board is outdated. Whatever the trigger, a safe and tidy changeover relies on disciplined surveying, clear design choices, and clean documentation. If you

Electrical terms can feel like code at first. This plain-English A to Z keeps things simple, UK-specific, and exam friendly. If you are just starting out, build your f oundation with c&g 2365 or the full level 2 electrician course at Elec Training. Curious about earnings and industry pay frameworks

With Christmas creeping up faster than a tripped breaker, here are practical, clever, and morale-boosting gift ideas for the electricians in your life. We have grouped them so you can mix a stocking filler with a showpiece, and everything here focuses on real site use, safety, and daily comfort. Stocking

Launching an electrical business is not just about neat terminations and clean test sheets, it is also about a message that sticks. A sharp slogan can signal reliability, personality, and expertise in one line, which helps you win recall when customers scroll or drive by your van. Below you will

Quoting is where professionalism meets profitability. A clear, accurate quote wins trust, protects your margin, and sets the tone for the entire job. Whether you are just starting out or tightening up your pricing process, use these practical steps, examples and templates to quote confidently and get paid for the

Finishing university or college does not lock you into one path. If you want a career that pays fairly, stays in demand, and gives you visible results at the end of each day, becoming an electrician is a smart move. Start by exploring electrician training at Elec Training, and if

Solid-state batteries have been hyped as the next big jump in energy storage. They swap the flammable liquid electrolyte found in most lithium-ion cells for a solid one, which could mean higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. For working and aspiring electricians, the real question is simpler: when

Short answer: yes, but only if electricians keep learning and lean into the tools that make them faster and safer. Automation, AI and prefabrication are c hanging construction, yet the electrical trade is unusually resilient because it lives in variable, safety-critical environments that still reward human judgement. Here is a

Thinking about a trade that is hands-on, future-proof and properly respected? An electrical apprenticeship ticks every box. This guide explains how apprenticeships work, who can apply, f unding, what you actually learn, and the steps to qualification—plus where to study if you’re local to the Black Country. If you want

Electricians sit at the heart of the UK’s energy transition, building upgrades, and data-centre boom. That demand shows up in pay packets: from apprenticeships through to specialist testers and XC, earnings rise as competence and scope increase. Below is a clear, evidence-based guide to what electricians earn in 2025, with

Choosing the tools-and-testers route instead of a lecture hall can feel risky—until you look at the numbers. Funded training, no university debt, and a wage from week one make an electrical apprenticeship one of the shrewdest moves in today’s job market. At Elec Training we run two routes: Installation &

If you’ve racked up years on the tools—but never completed an apprenticeship or Level 3 diploma—the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) lets you prove full electrician c ompetence without starting from scratch. Below is everything you need to know about entry rules, evidence, time-frames and next steps with Elec Training. 1.

The NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation/Maintenance is much more than a box-tick; it is the benchmark that proves you can design, install, test and certify to n ational standards. Below is a step-by-step guide covering entry criteria, unit structure, evidence gathering, the AM2 end test and life after qualification.

Swapping a weekly payslip for your own invoice book can feel daunting, yet thousands of UK sparkies do it every year—and many never look back. If you’re w eighing the jump, use this checklist to move from “thinking about it” to booking your first private job with confidence. 1 |

Road-map to qualification: four proven routes into the UK electrical trade The UK still faces a chronic shortage of skilled sparkies, and that gap shows in p roject schedules and pay packets. Whether you are 16, 36 or 56, there is a recognised pathway that can turn your interest in

Stepping into the electrical industry without the right grounding is like wiring a board without schematics—risky and inefficient. A City & Guilds Diploma in Electrical Installations gives you the schematic: structured theory, supervised practice and a clear route to full qualification. Below is a detailed look at what each diploma

Electricians keep homes bright, factories humming, and the grid safe. Earnings can be just as varied as the jobs themselves, so we’ve pulled the latest figures into one place—including entry pay, regional uplifts, and what happens when you n iche into renewables or testing. The broad view: national averages New

Amendment 3 to BS 7671 landed on 31 July 2024 and adds fresh rules every practising electrician must follow. Below is a quick-fire overview of what c hanged, why it matters, and how you can keep your knowledge sharp with an electrical course through Elec Training. A refresher on BS

Climate targets are tightening and clients now ask for low-carbon options as a matter of course. Green technology—solar PV, battery storage, electric-vehicle (EV) charging, smart-grid kit—sits at the heart of that shift, and demand for installers already outstrips supply. Elec Training breaks d own what counts as “green tech,” why

Qualified electricians do not stop learning the day they earn an ECS Gold Card. Clients add solar arrays, i nsurers insist on updated inspection reports, and the Wiring Regulations evolve every couple of years. Elec Training keeps track of those shifts and offers a menu of short courses you can

Regular inspection and testing keep an installation safe long after the last socket is screwed down. They also protect your reputation: certificates prove you followed the rules and c aught problems before they burned money—or boards. Below is a concise refresher on what the process involves, why it matters, and

The 18th Edition of BS 7671 underpins every safe installation you sign-off today, and the coming Amendment 3 will tighten s crews even further. At Elec Training, we treat the book as more than bedtime reading—it is the rule-set that keeps clients, insurers, and your own ECS card happy. Below

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is g athering serious pace in the UK: government data shows public charge-points jumped by 45 % in just twelve months, putting the nation on track for 300 000 units by 2030 GOV.UK. Every one of those sockets needs a competent installer, which is

For many working adults, the biggest obstacle to gaining new skills isn’t motivation—it’s time. Shift patterns, childcare, and travel costs make classroom study a logistical headache. That’s why the growth of online electrical t raining is a game-changer for UK sparks and would-be sparks: you can earn industry-recognised credentials, revisit

The UK’s electrical workforce is busy, but opportunity k eeps growing. The latest Occupations in Demand index 2024 lists “electricians & electrical fitters” inside the top decile for replacement demand, reflecting retirements and a surge of green-tech projects Explore Education Statistics. That demand is great news for anyone who already

Electric vehicles are moving from niche curiosity to d riveway staple, and that shift is rewriting the electrical contractor’s business model. Public policy, grant schemes and customer demand now align around one reality: qualified installers able to specify, fit and maintain EV charge points will not be short of work

Faulty wiring behind plasterboard. Overloaded multi-blocks under the TV. A kettle lead trailing across a damp sink. These everyday slip-ups spark thousands of d omestic fires and electric-shock injuries in the UK each year. Whether you are a landlord checking a new tenancy, a care worker visiting vulnerable clients or

Britain’s construction boom, green-tech rollout and near-4 % wage uplift for 2026 mean the market is crying out for skilled sparks. If you already hold electrical c redentials earned abroad, you’re halfway there. What you need now is a pathway that proves your competence against UK standards, unlocks the ECS

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget has dropped its usual mix of giveaways and claw-backs. For electricians – whether you trade as a lone-wolf sole t rader or manage a crew of twenty – several measures will land squarely on your bottom line from spring 2025. Below is a plain-English breakdown of

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification—better known as EAS—acts as the rule book Competent Person Schemes (CPS) such as NICEIC, NAPIT and ELECSA use to judge whether you are fit to sign work off as a Qualified Supervisor (QS). When the EAS c ommittee refreshes that rule book, every practising spark needs

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) and Unite the Union have agreed a three-year deal that will lift graded-operative wage r ates by almost 13 % between January 2026 and January 2028. The headline figure is a 3.95 % increase from 5 January 2026, followed by 4.6 % in 2027 and

Rumours about a brand-new 19th Edition Wiring Regulations book have been c irculating on social media, WhatsApp groups and even a few training-provider blogs. Some posts claim a 2025 release, others insist you should “hold off booking your 18th Edition exam because the new book is around the corner.” Unfortunately,

The government’s ban on new petrol and diesel cars e dges closer each quarter. To keep vehicles moving, Westminster wants 300,000 public EV charging points live by 2030—up from roughly 55,000 today. That number says two things: Domestic installs will explode. Homeowners upgrading to EVs need 7 kW wallboxes fitted,