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Physical making / fixingPhysical making / fixing
Electrical and Electronics Technicians n.e.c.
Electrical and electronics technicians n.e.c. play a pivotal role in the advancement of technology, ensuring that electrical systems and electronic devices operate efficiently and safely. With the UK's push towards innovation and sustainability, these technicians are crucial in supporting the infrastructure that powers industries and homes alike.
No degree needed for many routesApprenticeship route
AI impact: low££ payApprenticeship route
18
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Robin · your guide
Curious about being a electrical and electronics technicians n.e.c.? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.
What you'd actually do
As an Electrical and Electronics Technician n.e.c., you will find yourself at the heart of technological innovation, playing a critical role in the maintenance and enhancement of electrical systems and electronic devices across various sectors. Your expertise will not only ensure the smooth operation of equipment but also contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of electrical installations, making you an invaluable asset in today's tech-driven world.
Your daily environment will be dynamic and diverse, ranging from industrial settings to corporate offices, and even residential areas. You will often work alongside engineers and other technicians, sharing knowledge and collaborating on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible in electrical and electronic systems.
- Inspection and Testing: You will routinely inspect and test electrical and electronic systems to ensure they meet safety standards and function correctly. This involves using specialized tools and equipment to measure performance metrics and identify any issues.
- Fault Diagnosis: When problems arise, it will be your responsibility to diagnose faults in electrical equipment. This requires a keen analytical mind and a methodical approach to troubleshooting, ensuring that solutions are both effective and efficient.
- Installation and Maintenance: You will assist in the installation of new electrical systems and electronic devices, ensuring they are set up correctly. Regular maintenance will also be part of your role, helping to prevent future issues and extend the lifespan of equipment.
- Preventive Maintenance: Conducting routine preventive maintenance on equipment is essential to avoid unexpected breakdowns. You will develop maintenance schedules and checklists, ensuring that all systems are functioning at peak performance.
- Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, you will contribute to the design and improvement of electrical systems. Your input will help shape innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
- Documentation: Keeping accurate records of your findings, repairs, and maintenance activities is crucial. This documentation not only helps in tracking performance but also supports compliance with safety regulations.
- Continuous Learning: The field of electrical and electronics technology is ever-evolving. You will need to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements to remain competitive and effective in your role.
- Safety Compliance: Adhering to safety standards and regulations is paramount in this role. You will be expected to follow best practices to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you while working on electrical systems.
In conclusion, a career as an Electrical and Electronics Technician n.e.c. offers you the chance to be at the forefront of technology, working in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. Your skills will not only contribute to the efficiency of electrical systems but will also play a significant part in the advancement of sustainable technologies that are essential for the future.
1Inspect and test electrical and electronic systems for functionality and safety.
2Diagnose faults in electrical equipment and implement effective solutions.
3Assist in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems and electronic devices.
4Conduct routine preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal performance.
5Collaborate with engineers to develop and improve system designs and specifications.
6Document findings and maintain accurate records of repairs and maintenance activities.
7Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in technology to enhance skills.
8Adhere to safety standards and regulations while working on electrical systems.
Career progression & pay
01
Getting in
Junior Technician
£24,000 - £30,000
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent.
As a Junior Technician, you will assist in the maintenance and repair of electrical systems, gaining hands-on experience and learning from senior technicians.
02
Building up
Mid-Level Technician
£32,000 - £40,000
HND or Foundation Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, plus relevant work experience.
In this role, you will take on more complex tasks, including troubleshooting and system design, while mentoring junior staff.
03
At the top
Senior Technician
£45,000+
Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and extensive industry experience.
As a Senior Technician, you will lead projects, oversee teams, and drive innovation within your organisation, making strategic decisions that impact the business.
Degrees that lead here via Engineering and Technology
Acoustics
Skyborne Aviation Training Limited
Advanced Manufacturing and Operations
Coleg Sir Gar
Aero-Mechanical Engineering
University of Strathclyde
Aero-Mechanical Engineering
University of Strathclyde
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
The University of Leeds
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
The University of Leeds
Apprenticeships that lead here
Electrical fitting and assembly – Apprenticeship unit
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 · GCSE level
Electrical, electronic product service and installation engineer
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 3 · A-level3 yrs
Vehicle damage mechanical, electrical and trim (MET) technician
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 3 · A-level3 yrs
Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 · GCSE level1.5 yrs
Highway electrical maintenance and installation operative
Construction and the built environment
Level 2 · GCSE level2 yrs
Autocare technician
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 · GCSE level2.5 yrs
Who hires - top UK employers
BAE Systems
A global defence, aerospace and security company, BAE Systems offers exciting opportunities for electrical and electronics technicians.
Siemens
A leading global technology company, Siemens is at the forefront of innovation in electrical engineering.
Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce is a world leader in power systems, providing exciting career opportunities in electrical and electronics engineering.
AI & the future of this job
Electrical and electronics technicians occupy a largely AI-resistant space because their core work is physical, site-specific, and requires hands-on fault diagnosis in unpredictable environments. AI tools can assist with documentation, fault logging, and predictive maintenance scheduling, but they cannot inspect a circuit board in a damp substation or trace a wiring fault in a live building. The UK's green energy transition, EV infrastructure rollout, and ageing building stock are all actively driving demand for these skills. Entry-level roles remain accessible and are not contracting in the way that purely knowledge-based junior positions are.
Within 5 Years
Minimal core disruption
Over the next five years, AI will mostly appear as a productivity aid rather than a threat. Predictive maintenance software will flag issues earlier, and diagnostic tools will get smarter at suggesting likely fault causes. However, a technician still needs to physically verify, test, and fix the problem on site. Demand will hold steady or increase thanks to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, data centre growth, and EV charging network installation across the UK.
Within 10 Years
Selective automation of admin
By the mid-2030s, AI-assisted diagnostic platforms will handle a greater share of remote monitoring and fault prediction, potentially reducing the volume of routine scheduled inspections. The work that remains will skew towards complex installations, emergency fault resolution, and system commissioning where physical presence and experienced judgement are non-negotiable. Technicians who develop expertise in emerging areas such as battery storage systems, smart building technology, or industrial automation will be especially well-placed. The profession will not shrink dramatically, but it will reward those who actively upskill.
Within 20 Years
Evolving but durable role
Across a twenty-year horizon, robotics capable of performing nuanced electrical work in varied physical environments remains a distant and expensive prospect. The UK's infrastructure will require continual maintenance, upgrade, and expansion regardless of AI progress. Senior technicians who have built diagnostic expertise and moved into supervisory or specialist roles will be in strong demand. The biggest risk is not automation but rather a failure to keep pace with new technologies like smart grid systems and industrial IoT, which is manageable through continuous professional development.
How to stay ahead
Pursue a recognised apprenticeship first
The Level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician apprenticeship or equivalent gives you paid work experience, industry contacts, and a respected qualification simultaneously. This beats a full-time degree on both cost and employability grounds for this specific career. Employers such as Network Rail, defence contractors, and energy companies actively recruit through these routes.
Specialise in high-growth infrastructure
Deliberately targeting EV charging installation, offshore wind, battery energy storage, or data centre fit-out will place you in sectors with strong government and private investment backing. These areas have genuine skills shortages right now, which translates to better pay and job security. Specialisation also makes you harder to replace, since these systems are complex, site-specific, and evolving rapidly.
Build competence in smart systems and IoT
Understanding how AI-assisted monitoring platforms, building management systems, and industrial IoT sensors work will allow you to install, commission, and troubleshoot the very tools that some fear will replace technicians. This positions you as someone who manages automation rather than competes with it. Short courses through providers like City and Guilds or Siemens training centres can build this knowledge without a full degree commitment.
Work towards IET professional registration
Achieving Engineering Technician (EngTech) or eventually Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status through the IET demonstrates a recognised level of competence that carries genuine weight with employers and clients. It also opens the door to senior technician, team lead, and technical specialist roles that command significantly higher salaries. Registration requires documented experience and continuing professional development, both of which encourage the kind of deliberate career progression that protects long-term employability.
How to get in - your routes
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