Do I need a UK ECS/JIB card to work as an electrician?

Many commercial construction sites expect an ECS (often Gold) card and proof of competence (NVQ Level 3 + AM2). Some employers accept equivalent experience initially, but you should be ready to evidence qualifications and pass site checks.

What gross pay can electricians expect in the UK?

Rates vary by location, sector and shift pattern. Recent adverts commonly show £20–£26 gross per hour for qualified electricians, with overtime often paid at higher rates. Your exact rate depends on role scope, certificates, and site requirements.

Is visa sponsorship guaranteed for non-UK candidates?

No. Sponsorship depends on the employer, project and whether the role is sponsored under UK rules. Your CV and documents are screened first; only some employers sponsor, and requirements can be strict.

What English level is typically required?

You should be able to follow safety briefings, coordinate tasks, report hazards, and read basic technical instructions. Clear communication is essential on UK sites.

What documents should I prepare before applying?

Prepare an English CV, ID/passport, proof of qualifications (e.g., 18th Edition, NVQ/AM2, testing certificates), references where available, and any right-to-work or visa documents you already hold.

Home / Jobs / United Kingdom / Electrician

Electrician jobs in the United Kingdom

Commercial and maintenance roles across the UK. Expect strict safety culture, documented competence, and clear communication on site.

Construction & Trades Mid–Senior (site dependent) Sponsorship: possible for some roles (not guaranteed) Updated: —

CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.

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Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or apply only for roles where sponsorship is available (depends on employer and project).

Typical gross pay (adverts) £20–£26 / hour (role & location dependent)

Overtime (often) Higher hourly rates for evenings/weekends (site rules vary)

Baseline visa context Going-rate reference (SOC 5241): £38,800/year (37.5h)

Apply with CV Back to UK vacancies

Short candidate portrait

This is the profile that typically passes initial site screening fastest.

English CV: clear scope, dates, site types, tools, references
Core competence: containment + 1st/2nd fix + fault finding
Compliance mindset: safe isolation, permits, method statements
Certificates (common): 18th Edition (BS 7671); testing is a plus
Site access: ECS/CSCS expectations can apply (project dependent)

Where electricians are most needed

Commercial fit-out / refurb
Industrial maintenance
Social housing maintenance & testing (EICR focus)
Data/secure facilities (stricter checks)

Not sure if you match the role level?

Submit your CV and we will screen for the closest practical match (electrician / improver / mate) based on evidence, not job title.

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What you will do (site reality, not buzzwords)

A UK electrician is expected to work safely, document what matters, and deliver tidy installs that pass inspection. On many projects you will split your day between containment, wiring, termination, and troubleshooting—while coordinating with other trades to keep areas accessible and compliant.

Start-of-shift safety

Briefings, permits, RAMS awareness, tool checks, safe isolation confirmation.

Installation work

Containment (tray/trunking/conduit), cable pulls, glanding, termination, labeling.

Testing & handover readiness

Snag-free finish, logical circuits, basic checks; formal testing roles require proof of competence.

Gross pay & working pattern (UK)

Pay is always agreed per project and depends on location, shift pattern, certificates, and whether the role is installation, maintenance, or testing.

Qualified electrician Common advert range: £20–£26 gross/hour

Overtime example Often higher (e.g., £30–£36 gross/hour in some adverts)

Visa “going rate” context SOC 5241 reference: £38,800/year (37.5h basis)

Typical conditions you should expect

Schedule: commonly Mon–Fri (site start can be early); some projects include weekends/night shifts.
Payment models: PAYE / umbrella / contract models vary by employer and project (do not assume one model).
Safety: PPE, site induction, and “stop work” culture when conditions are unsafe.
Quality: visible workmanship, labeling, tidy containment, snag discipline.

Important: Do not present net pay as “hourly rate”. UK roles are commonly discussed as gross/hour; deductions depend on your contract model and tax status.

Detailed requirements (what clients actually check)

CV in English (mandatory): include project types, dates, duties, and tools.
Electrical competence evidence: documented training/qualifications and practical experience.
Common UK certificates: 18th Edition (BS 7671). Testing certificates are advantageous for maintenance/testing roles.
Site access: some sites expect ECS (often Gold) or equivalent proof of competence.
Safety discipline: safe isolation, lock-off, basic risk awareness, reporting hazards.
English communication: enough for safety briefings, coordination, and sign-offs.
References: helpful (site managers/supervisors), even if brief.

Tools & readiness checklist

Tools: basic electrician toolkit; specialist tools depend on site scope.
Documents: passport/ID, certificates, right-to-work evidence (if you already have it).
Work habits: tidy cabling, clear labeling, photo documentation where required.
Flexibility: some projects require travel or different shifts.
Professional conduct: punctuality, zero shortcuts on isolation and testing.

How MaViAl screens & matches

1) Submit your CV

We read your scope, evidence, and site history. No CV = no screening.

2) Fit check

We map your profile to current demand (electrician vs improver/mate where appropriate).

3) Role discussion

We clarify location, shifts, documents, and realistic pay bands for your scope.

Go to CV page (Required) Browse Construction & Trades

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Back to sector list

FAQ (Electrician — UK)

Do I need UK certificates to start?

For many commercial sites, proof of competence is expected. 18th Edition (BS 7671) is commonly requested, and ECS/JIB expectations can apply. Some employers consider strong experience with clear evidence, but you must be ready for site checks and documented requirements.

What kind of electrician work is most common?

UK demand often clusters around commercial fit-outs/refurbs (containment + install), industrial maintenance (fault finding), and housing maintenance/testing where compliance paperwork matters. Your CV should state which environments you know.

Is accommodation provided?

It depends on the employer and project. Some projects are local-hire only; others support travel arrangements. Do not assume accommodation is included unless it is explicitly stated for that specific role.

Can I apply if I am an improver/mate rather than fully qualified?

Yes—if your CV clearly positions you as an improver/mate (and not as a fully qualified electrician) with honest evidence. Many sites still require a card/qualification pathway; your profile must match the actual scope you can deliver safely.

What makes a CV “strong” for UK electrician roles?

Specifics: project type (commercial/industrial/housing), duties (containment, termination, testing), standards awareness, tools, dates, locations, and a short list of certificates. Keep it readable, factual, and consistent.