You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

You can take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and may help you to find a trainee position with a company.

Relevant courses include:

• electrical installation
• electrical and electronic engineering
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship to become a technician. Apprenticeships include:

• Installation and Maintenance Level 3
• Engineering Technician Level 3
• Power Industry Substation Fitter Level 3

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You can apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and qualifications. For example, from electrical, electronic, power or building services engineering.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in electrical engineering through Tomorrow's Engineers and The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Depending on where you work as an electrical engineering technician, you could:

• install turbines, switchgear and power lines
• service traffic lights, street lights and motorway signs
• assemble, fit and repair drives, motors and programmable logic control (PLC) panels
• upgrade rail and signalling systems
• fix electrical faults in machines and carry out safety inspections
• install and maintain lights, heating, lifts and escalators

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an electrical engineering technician to be a green job, you could:

• install and maintain renewable technologies like wind turbines and heat pumps
• use environmentally friendly materials like biodegradable or recyclable plastics
• follow industry standards to make sure you are working in an environmentally responsible way

Find out more about green careers

You could work in a workshop, in an office, at a power station or in a factory.