How to earn more money through electrical qualifications
26th Dec.
The electrical industry is thriving, with demand for skilled electricians rising across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. For professionals and aspiring electricians alike, advancing your career by earning additional electrical qualifications can significantly boost your earning potential.
At Energy Technical Academy Group, we’ve seen firsthand how the right qualifications can open doors to better opportunities, higher pay, and long-term career satisfaction. Here’s how investing in your skills and qualifications can help you maximize your income.
Why Electrical Qualifications Matter
Electrical qualifications do more than validate your skills—they demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, safety, and staying up to date in a competitive industry. Employers, contractors, and clients often prefer certified electricians because they know they’re working with someone who meets the highest standards of knowledge and expertise.
More qualifications can:
- Increase Your Marketability: Stand out in a crowded job market.
- Expand Your Skillset: Offer specialised services that command higher fees.
- Provide Career Stability: Ensure compliance with evolving industry standards.
Top Qualifications to Boost Your Earning Potential
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance or Installation)
This qualification is a cornerstone for electricians. It certifies your ability to install and maintain electrical systems safely and efficiently, making you eligible for many higher-paying roles.
Why It Matters:
- It’s a mandatory qualification to gain the ECS Gold Card, a standard for professional electricians in the UK.
- Demonstrates mastery of core electrical skills.
18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
The 18th Edition qualification ensures you’re up to date with the latest UK wiring regulations—a requirement for most electrical jobs.
Why It Matters:
- Shows compliance with current safety and installation standards.
- Employers often prioritize electricians with this certification for major projects.
Inspection and Testing (City & Guilds 2391 or Equivalent)
Being able to test and certify electrical installations is a sought-after skill. This qualification allows you to conduct Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing, which are essential for ensuring systems are safe and compliant.
Why It Matters:
- Expands your service offerings, allowing you to charge premium rates for testing and certification work.
- It’s a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications.
Renewables and Sustainable Technologies Certifications
As Scotland continues to lead the way in renewable energy adoption, skills in areas like solar PV installation, battery storage, and EV charging points are becoming increasingly valuable.
Why It Matters:
- Opens opportunities in high-demand sectors.
- Positions you as a specialist in environmentally-friendly technologies, a rapidly growing field.
High Voltage (HV) Switching and Maintenance Training
Specialized training in high-voltage systems can unlock roles in industrial and energy sectors, such as wind farms or power generation facilities.
Why It Matters:
- High voltage roles often come with significantly higher salaries.
- Demonstrates expertise in complex and high-risk environments.
Ways to Maximize Your Earnings with Qualifications
Specialise in High-Demand Skills
Qualifications like EV charger installation or solar PV systems allow you to tap into Scotland’s growing renewable energy sector. With more homeowners and businesses transitioning to green energy, electricians with these skills can charge premium rates.
Become a Self-Employed Electrician
With advanced qualifications, you can branch out as a self-employed electrician or start your own business. Offering specialised services, like inspection and testing or renewable energy installations, can attract higher-paying clients.
Take on Supervisory or Management Roles
Advanced qualifications like the NVQ Level 4 in Electrical Design and Verification can qualify you for supervisory or project management positions, which often come with higher salaries.
Teach or Train Others
With extensive experience and the right certifications, you can transition into teaching roles, training the next generation of electricians while earning a stable income.
The Financial Benefits of Investing in Training
While earning new qualifications requires time and investment, the financial benefits can far outweigh the initial costs. For example:
- Inspection and Testing Certification: Adds £5,000–£10,000 annually to your income, as you can charge for testing and certifications.
- Renewables Certifications: Enables you to command £30–£50+ per hour for specialized installations.
- High Voltage Training: Roles in this field often start at £40,000 per year and can exceed £70,000 with experience.
How ETAG Can Help You Succeed
At ETAG, we offer a wide range of training programs and qualifications to help electricians at all levels achieve their career goals. Our courses are:
- Industry-Recognized: Accredited and aligned with UK standards.
- Flexible: Designed to fit around your work and personal commitments.
- Hands-On: Focused on practical skills you can apply immediately.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
If you’re ready to boost your earning potential and expand your career opportunities, start by investing in your skills with Energy Technical Academy Group. Whether you’re looking to enter the field, upskill, or specialize, we have the resources and expertise to guide you to success.
Contact us today to explore our courses and find the right qualification to unlock your earning potential.
Recommended Electrical Courses
Approved Electrical Installations and Renewable Course (Day release)
This managed learning programme is accredited by our partners and will give you all the qualifications and experience you need to start a career as an electrician.
Approved Electrical Installations and Renewable Course (Evenings)
This managed learning programme is accredited by our partners and will give you all the qualifications and experience you need to start a career as an electrician.
Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations
This regulated and LCL-accredited qualification is for learners who wish to demonstrate their knowledge in the Initial Verification and Testing of electrical installation systems in the UK.