Becoming an Electrician at 40
Changing careers later in life can feel like a daunting step. Many people at 40 assume that their options are limited, but the truth is the electrical trade remains open, structured, and welcoming to career changers. With well-defined training routes, high demand for s killed sparks, and a strong earning potential, retraining as an electrician at 40 is not only possible but increasingly common.
In this article, we’ll explore the main pathways available, the pros and cons of the career, and how to decide whether the role of an electrician suits your skills and lifestyle.
Can You Retrain as an Electrician at 40?
Yes — absolutely. Whether you’ve been made redundant, want a fresh challenge, or are simply looking for a trade with long-term stability, becoming an electrician at 40 is a realistic and rewarding option.
UK training routes are designed with flexibility in mind, making it possible to start with little or no prior knowledge. The qualification framework is clear, moving from diplomas to NVQs and ultimately the AM2, which is the practical g ateway to fully qualified status.
How to Retrain as an Electrician at 40
There are two main routes into the trade for adults:
1 – Adult Learner Route
This is the most popular choice for career changers. It involves classroom-based learning and workshop practice to cover the essentials, typically through:
- Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation – Covers foundations such as basic science, wiring principles, and safety.
- Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation – Expands into more advanced skills, inspection and testing, and theory.
- NVQ Level 3 – A work-based portfolio assessed on real installations.
- AM2 Assessment – The final practical exam to become fully qualified.
The classroom phases can be completed in as little as 6–7 weeks per diploma, though the NVQ and AM2 depend on how quickly you build evidence. For many, this route takes 18–24 months overall.
2 – Experienced Worker Route
If you’ve already worked in electrics but lack formal qualifications, this route recognises your skills and maps them against industry standards.
- You’ll need at least 3–5 years of site experience.
- You can specialise in Installation/Maintenance or Domestic Electrician pathways.
- Assessment is against apprenticeship standards, with a portfolio and AM2 to complete.
This path is faster than starting from scratch, but only available to those with enough proven site experience.
For guidance on long-term development, read Upskilling pathways – the complete electrician course menu, which shows how you can keep building skills even after qualifying.
Is It the Right Career for You?
Being an electrician is rewarding, but it’s not for everyone. Consider these factors before c ommitting:
Advantages
- High demand – The UK continues to face a shortage of qualified sparks.
- Flexible work – Choose between employment, self-employment, or contracting.
- Variety – From domestic rewires to commercial installations and EV charging points, no two days are alike.
- Earning potential – Electricians remain among the higher-paid trades. For context, see Autumn Budget 2024 – what the new tax rules mean for self-employed sparks.
Challenges
- Physically demanding – Work often involves bending, lifting, and working in awkward spaces.
- Irregular hours – Emergency callouts or project deadlines can mean long shifts.
- Risk – Electricity carries inherent dangers, which is why training and compliance are so important.
Skills You’ll Need
Formal qualifications get you through the door, but electricians also rely on a broad skill set:
- Technical skills – Maths, wiring regulations, inspection & testing.
- Digital skills – Increasingly important for smart systems and compliance software.
- Soft skills – Communication, attention to detail, and time management.
- Customer service – Particularly vital in domestic settings where you’re working directly in people’s homes.
Training courses, such as those at Elec Training, integrate both the technical and practical sides to prepare learners for real-world work.
Why Retraining at 40 Works
At 40, you bring maturity, discipline, and often transferable skills from previous roles. Many career changers report that their life experience helps them communicate better with customers and manage jobs more professionally than younger entrants.
The training structure is also designed to support adult learners. For example, Why you should start with a diploma in electrical installations explains why the Level 2 Diploma is an ideal first step for those entering the trade later in life.
And as technologies evolve, mid-career entrants are well-placed to specialise in growth areas. For instance, EV charging is a booming field, and retraining sparks can benefit from upskilling to electric vehicle charging installations.
Practical Considerations
- Funding – Adult learners may need to self-fund their training, though payment plans are often available.
- Time commitment – Balancing training with work or family life can be challenging, so planning is essential.
- Career goals – Decide whether you want to work domestically, commercially, or eventually run your own contracting business.
For those retraining, the journey often begins with a conversation with a training provider. The team at Elec Training can guide you through the process and suggest the most suitable starting point.
Becoming an electrician at 40 is not only possible but increasingly popular. With structured training routes, strong job demand, and clear earning potential, it’s a trade that rewards dedication and skill at any age.
Yes, the hours can be tough, and yes, the training requires commitment. But for many, the opportunity to enter a respected trade, work flexibly, and build a secure future makes the effort worthwhile.
If you’re ready to take the step, explore the full range of courses available at Elec Training and start planning your pathway into a new career.
FAQs on Retraining as an Electrician in the UK at 40 (2025)
Is 40 too old to start training as an electrician in the UK?
No, 40 is not too old to start training as an electrician in the UK—it’s a common age for career changers, with many successfully qualifying in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Employers value maturity, reliability, and life experience, and there’s no upper age limit for apprenticeships or adult training routes. Success stories abound of people retraining at 40+ and thriving, often progressing faster due to focus and prior skills.
How long does it take to become fully qualified if you retrain at 40?
Retraining at 40 typically takes 1–2 years via fast-track or adult learner routes, including Level 2/3 Diplomas (6–12 months each), NVQ Level 3 (6–12 months with placements), and AM2 assessment. Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) shortens it to 6–12 months for those with related experience. Apprenticeships take 3–4 years but are paid.
What’s the difference between the Adult Learner Route and the Experienced Worker Route?
The Adult Learner Route is for career changers with no experience, involving Level 2/3 Diplomas (C&G 2365, 6–18 months), followed by NVQ Level 3 and AM2 (total 1–2 years, self-funded £3,000–£7,000). The Experienced Worker Route (EWA) is for those with 3–5 years’ related experience, using portfolio assessment for NVQ Level 3 equivalence (6–12 months, £2,000–£4,000). Adult Learner is classroom-focused; EWA is experience-based.
Do you need GCSEs or previous qualifications to start electrical training later in life?
No, GCSEs or previous qualifications are not strictly required for adult electrical training; many routes accept basic literacy/numeracy (e.g., Functional Skills Level 1) or none for entry-level courses like C&G 2365 Level 2. For Level 3, English/maths at grade 4 (C) is preferred but not mandatory; assessments can substitute.
How much does it cost to retrain as an electrician at 40?
Retraining at 40 costs £3,000–£7,000 for fast-track routes (Level 2/3 Diplomas + NVQ + AM2), with apprenticeships free but lower wages (£12,000–£25,000/year). Funding like Skills Bootcamps covers free options for adults 19+.
Can I retrain part-time while working another job?
Yes, part-time retraining is possible while working, with evening/weekend courses (e.g., 2 nights/week for Level 2/3 Diplomas, 1–2 years) or blended online/practical options from providers like Access Training or Trade Skills 4U. This allows earning while learning.
What salary can a newly qualified electrician expect after retraining?
A newly qualified electrician can expect £19,000–£32,000/year (£25,000–£30,000 average), rising to £33,000–£38,000 with experience; self-employed earn £40,000+. London premiums add 20%.
Are electricians in their 40s at a disadvantage compared to younger sparks?
No, electricians in their 40s are not at a disadvantage; maturity brings reliability, better client relations, and faster learning, with employers favoring them for experience (e.g., in EWA routes). Age is an asset in a shortage-hit trade.
What funding or finance options are available for adult learners?
Funding options include Skills Bootcamps (free for 19+), Lifetime Skills Guarantee (free Level 3), Advanced Learner Loans (£3,000–£7,000, repaid post-£27,295 earnings), and EIC bursaries (£500+ for women). Apprenticeships are fully funded.
What is the quickest way to get Part P registered and start earning?
The quickest way is the Domestic Installer route via a Part P course (C&G 2393-10, 2–5 days, £235+), requiring Level 3 Diploma/NVQ + 18th Edition, then CPS registration (NICEIC, £300–£500/year) for self-certification. Total: 1–2 months post-core quals.
