Electrical engineering technician
Help an electrical engineer maintain systems and equipment. You’d help provide renewable energy products across many different industries.
About the job
Career insights – Electrical project engineer
What it's like
As an electrical engineering technician, you'll work hands-on with electrical systems, supporting engineers to design, test and maintain equipment. It's a practical role where you'll see the direct impact of your work every day.
You might help develop new products, troubleshoot faults or ensure equipment meets safety standards.
Electrical engineering technicians work in industries such as:
manufacturing
energy
transport
construction
telecommunications
Some specialise in areas such as renewable energy, automation or control systems.
Your tasks might include:
assembling and testing electrical circuits and prototypes
diagnosing faults in machinery and electrical equipment
using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create wiring diagrams
installing and maintaining control systems in factories or buildings
calibrating instruments and sensors for accurate measurements
preparing technical reports and documentation
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
support the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems
help improve energy efficiency in industrial or commercial settings
Hours
You’ll usually work Monday to Friday.
Some employers may require occasional evening or weekend shifts, especially for maintenance or emergency repairs.
You may need to be on call to respond to urgent issues or breakdowns.
Your hours can vary if you’re working on-site or need to meet deadlines for specific projects.
Environment
You could find yourself in factories, modern offices or on-site at renewable energy projects.
Some days involve hands-on work with complex machinery or control panels, while others require site visits to inspect installations or troubleshoot faults.
Expect to work both indoors and outdoors.
Travel
You'll usually need a full UK driving licence to travel to different sites.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Food and drink Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Electrical Installation (SVQ Level 3). Or a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in Electrical Engineering.
Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
Normal colour vision and to pass a colour vision assessment, to work with electrical wiring.
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