How to Write a Powerful Electrician CV with Expert Tips and Examples

As technology advances, industries grow, and construction never ends, the electrician profession has become highly demanding and competitive. In the dynamic job market, the opportunities for skilled professionals are soaring.

Navigating the CV writing process can feel like charting a new electrical circuit- both challenging and essential for powering your job search. This guide helps you present relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to increase your chances of success. Choosing the correct CV template is essential to showcase your career goals.

Explore our CV examples to help you create a tailored CV:

• Construction CV

• Carpenter CV

• Plumber CV

• Apprenticeship CV

• School leaver CV

Electrician CV example 

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In this CV example, Ali showcases his skills and expertise in residential and commercial electrical work. He is proficient in key areas such as electrical installation, wiring regulations, energy efficiency and safety protocols. His work experience, education and achievement sections showcase his ability to manage projects and apprenticeship training while developing technical knowledge. Ali has opted for the Auckland CV template, which is well-formatted and modern. 

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What to include in an electrician CV?

Consider including these key sections on your CV:

• Contact information: Ensure your name, contact details, and professional profiles are easily accessible.

• Personal profile: A concise summary highlighting your experience, skills, and career goals.

• Work experience: Detail your previous roles, highlighting your responsibilities, achievements, and projects related to electrical work.

• Education and certifications: List relevant qualifications, apprenticeships, licences, and ongoing training or practical experiences.

• Skills: Highlight technical skills such as wiring, troubleshooting, and installations, along with soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving.

• Safety regulations: Showcase your understanding and adherence to safety regulations and measures.

• Additional section: Optionally, include a section for references, hobbies or interests, if relevant and aligned with your job targets. 

For a comprehensive overview of how to get started, refer to our guide about writing a master CV to learn more about the CV writing process.

Light up your CV with a captivating personal profile 

Your electrician CV personal profile or summary is an initial introduction and an opportunity to make the best impression. Emphasise your expertise and knowledge of key areas such as electrical installations, diagnostics, and safety protocols. Highlight your main skills and express a genuine enthusiasm for problem-solving, adapting to different tasks, and providing quality customer service.  

Refer to our article for more ideas on what to write for your personal profile.

Key skills to add to your electrician CV

The core of an electrician’s role lies in its versatility and adaptability. Whether you work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, your skills section should highlight technical (hard skills) and personal (soft skills) competencies.

Examples of skills for various levels

Supervisor:

• Hard skills: Work scheduling, training, project coordination, budget management, strategic planning, project management.

• Soft skills: Coordination, decision-making, conflict resolution, analytical thinking, leadership and mentorship.

Maintenance Electrician:

• Hard skills: Preventive maintenance, system inspection, equipment repair and troubleshooting, circuit testing, and equipment handling.

• Soft Skills: Technical learning, initiative, multi-tasking, critical thinking, strategic planning.

Entry-Level Electrician / Apprentice:

• Hard skills: Basic electrical tasks, tool operation, safety protocols, learning industry regulations.

• Soft skills: Eagerness to learn, strong work ethic, punctuality, ability to follow instructions, memory, and organisation.

For more practical examples for this section, refer to our article on what skills to put on your CV. 

How to write work experience on an electrician CV 

Electricians enjoy diverse career paths—from hands-on work to management, self-employment, and global opportunities. Roles span residential, commercial, industrial settings, and renewable energy projects.

When detailing your work history, follow a reverse chronological order. Begin with your most recent roles or projects, outlining the company name, duration of employment, and location of your previous positions. Summarise your responsibilities and showcase any achievements in bullet points to demonstrate tangible contributions.

Work experience examples

Apprentice Electrician | WiredUp Electrical Services, Liverpool | 2021 - Present

Assist experienced electricians in installing and maintaining electrical systems in residential and commercial settings. Develop skills in conduit bending, wiring, and equipment troubleshooting. Collaborate with the team to diagnose and rectify electrical faults, actively contributing to problem-solving strategies.

• Supported the completion of 50+ successful wiring installations, ensuring accurate measurements and secure connections.

• Assisted in upgrading lighting systems for five commercial buildings, resulting in a 20% increase in energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Auto Electrician | AutoCare Garage, Birmingham | August 2020 - Present

Diagnose and repair vehicle electrical issues, and utilise diagnostic tools and equipment. Install and configure aftermarket electronic components to enhance vehicle features and functionality.

• Installed 30+ aftermarket GPS and entertainment systems, boosting customer satisfaction and positive reviews.

• Collaborated on diagnosing and resolving electrical faults in 50 vehicles, achieving a 15% reduction in average repair time through effective teamwork.

Industrial Electrician | PowerFlow Manufacturing, Manchester | 2019 - 2022

Performed maintenance and repairs on industrial machinery, ensuring seamless production operations. Collaborated with engineering teams to implement electrical upgrades and troubleshoot complex issues.

• Executed 150+ preventive maintenance checks, leading to a 20% reduction in equipment downtime and improved overall productivity.

• Successfully overhauled a critical production line control system, increasing system reliability and decreasing production errors by 30%.

Refer to the work experience on a CV blog for more information. 

School leaver with little to no work experience

Student Volunteer | Community Outreach Program, London | 2021 - 2022

Engaged as a student volunteer for a community outreach program, contributing to various projects and initiatives to enhance community well-being and social awareness. Used creativity and analytical thinking to collaborate as a team to solve complex challenges and find solutions.

• Collaborated with a team of volunteers to organise and manage clean-up events, resulting in the collection and proper disposal of over 500 pounds of waste.

• Assisted in coordinating a charity fundraiser, contributing to collecting £500 donations for a local animal shelter.

• Participated in workshops on leadership development and communication skills, enhancing professional growth, problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

You can also draw inspiration from a student CV example or consider using a skills-based CV format. Learn more about how to write a CV with little to no experience.

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How to list education on an electrician CV 

If you’re starting a new career, there are many pathways to enter this profession, including applying directly to organisations or established contractors. Employers usually seek candidates with high school qualifications or equivalent. Requirements for licensing and certifications vary with each employer, and you may also be required to pass an additional exam. Entry requirements for college and apprenticeships typically include the following:

• Two or more GCSEs (grades 9 to 3) for level 2.

• Four or five GCSEs (grades 9 to 4), including English and maths, for level 3 or T level.

College: Attending college will help you gain technical knowledge and skills, but you’ll still need practical experience in the workplace. College courses may enhance your prospects for apprenticeships or trainee roles. Enrol in college courses such as:

• NVQ, T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction 

• Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation

• Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Courses are the quickest way to join this trade in the UK is through an intensive electrician course. Find more information on the Access Training website, such as costs and entry requirements. Alternatively, browse electrician courses with the National Careers Service.

Apprenticeships are the most traditional route to becoming an entry-level electrician. To become an apprentice or start a trainee role, you only need your GCSEs and do not need a certificate. These programs include hands-on training, classroom learning, and on-the-job experience to develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge. After finishing training and getting licensed, you can train further to advance your career, work abroad or become self-employed. You can applye through UK Trade Colleges or Train Union Congress.

Learn more about Electrician Apprenticeships in the UK and how to apply for one on the Prospects website.

Examples of education: 

• City & Guilds Level 3 Electrical Installation program, Birmingham Technical College, UK, 2018.

• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), Electrical Courses Ltd., Cambridgeshire, 2019

• Graduated with a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Manchester College, UK, 2016.

• BTEC Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manchester College of Technology, UK, 2020.

Refer to our apprenticeship CV example and our blog on how to write the CV education section for more information.

How to add references to an electrician CV 

We recommend adding referees if you are applying for a trainee role, an apprenticeship or have little to no work experience. It can support your application and enhance its credibility:

• Name of referee

• Job title

• Company or institution

• Email

• Phone number.

Obtain permission from the people you wish to include before listing them and brief them on your job search. Keep this section concise using up to three references who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

Refer to our article on when to add references to your CV. 

How to add additional certificates and licences to your CV

Include this section on your CV to boost its credibility and showcase your knowledge in critical areas. If you’re qualified or want to change positions, refer to our career change CV example. Moreover, completing additional courses could help you advance your career to more senior technician roles, such as an industrial and master electrician. 

Additional courses include:

• Inspection and Testing (2391)

• 2396 Electrical Design (2396)

• EV Charging (2921)

• Solar PV

• Energy Storage

• PAT Testing.

Learn more about how to add courses and certificates to your CV. 

Key takeaways 

This lucrative profession offers diverse opportunities in the UK and abroad, making it an attractive job worth pursuing. Creating a successful job application for this dynamic industry starts with a modern CV that is relevant and tailored. Even if you have little to no work experience and are pursuing an apprenticeship, quickly boost your chances of success through courses, gaining additional work experience, or using a skill-based CV template. By using these essential sections in this guide, you can create a stand-out personal profile, effectively highlight your skills, experiences, and use certifications to increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Next Steps?

If you need more inspiration or are considering a career change, browse our CV examples to help with your job search in 2023. If you’re applying to a trainee or apprenticeship role, to enhance your chances of being shortlisted, refer to our cover letter advice to complement your CV for an electrician role.

FAQ

Do I need a degree to become an electrician in the UK? 

In the UK, a degree is generally not required for this role. Instead, you must usually complete a relevant apprenticeship diploma or vocational training program and obtain the necessary certifications and qualifications. This hands-on experience and training are essential for pursuing a successful career in this profession.

What is a typical UK CV format for an electrician? 

The standard CV format in the UK includes a summary, work experience, education, skills, and certifications sections. Begin with personal details and a summary. List work history, education, and key skills relevant to the role. Keep it concise and use a well-structured format that is easy to read.

How long should an electrician CV be? 

Your CV should be 1-2 pages. It must be relevant, concise and well-structured. Consider writing a cover letter to support your application. For more guidance, read our article on how long a CV should be. 

What is the average salary of an electrician in the UK? 

Electricians are regarded as the most highly paid-profession in the trade. The average salary for an electrician in the UK is approximately £39K annually. However, this depends on your niche, location, experience, and speciality. 

How to become a self-employed electrician? 

Becoming an independent electrician in the UK involves gaining education, practical experience, and essential certifications. If you are already qualified, you’ll still need to obtain a mandatory licence and certificate to establish your business. You must invest in insurance and premium tools and consider using marketing channels to promote your brand. For more information on becoming self-employed, refer to the UK government site article on third-party certification schemes for domestic electrical work. 

What is a CV profile for an electrician?

An electrician CV personal statement is a concise yet impactful introductory section at the beginning of your CV. It provides a snapshot of your professional achievements, highlighting key skills, experience, and attributes relevant to the electrical field. It should convey your proficiency in electrical work, emphasise safety protocols, and outline your commitment to delivering high-quality results.