Get ahead of the competition to become an apprentice electrician
Croxford Electrical only recruits the best apprentices on their journey to become an electrician.
Choosing a career an an electrician is smart – it’s hands-on, future-proof, and opens doors to a well-paid, skilled profession. But if you want to succeed, you’ll need to show more than just enthusiasm. At Croxford Electrical our skilled technicians invest a lot of time and energy to train you to our exceptional standards, across domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations. For this reason, we only select the very best!
As a recruiting manager, I receive a steady stream of applications from young hopefuls. Some stand out for all the right reasons – others not so much. So, if you’re serious about becoming an apprentice electrician, here’s what I’m looking for:
Get the Basics Locked Down
Start with the non-negotiables:
- GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4 or above)
This isn’t just a tick box exercise, to be an electrician you’ll need to work with measurements, understand wiring diagrams, and write reports – so strong numeracy and literacy matter. - A Full Clean UK Driving Licence (or learning towards)
The electrical trade is mobile, Croxford Electrical Ltd serve customers across the Midlands and beyond. We are looking for apprentices who, once qualified, will stay on with us as electricians, by which time, being able to drive a company van will be a must. - Health & Safety
It is really important as a Croxford Electrical electrician that you have a head for heights. We regularly work at the top of high ladders, using access equipment and scaffolds. If the thought of this scares you, then perhaps this is not the career for you
Develop Electrician Skills So You Can Hit the Ground Running
- Electrical Installation Level 2 Diploma
If you’re a school leaver and haven’t already started this, look into colleges or private training providers. This course teaches you the basics, so you can start adding value to our customers from Day 1 of your apprenticeship.
But you don’t have to wait for college to start learning:
- Buy and read a copy of the latest Electrical Installation On-Site Guide. It summarises the core wiring regulations in domestic and commercial settings, with easy-to-follow diagrams.
- Look at your Consumer Unit (Fuse Box)
Take a photo of your consumer unit (with the cover open, so you can see the circuit breakers) and reverse image search it. Learn what the RCD and MCBs do. Understanding your own home setup is a great first step to understanding how domestic wiring works. - Build Confidence with DIY
You don’t need to be an expert – but you should be comfortable with basic DIY and tools. B&Q’s DIY tutorials are an excellent source of information and advice. They’re easy to follow and give you the hands-on basics, so you can develop confidence with tasks. - Practice simple, safe DIY tasks at home. Don’t worry about electrics for now, we can teach you all you will need to know about that. Instead, look for opportunities to practise using tools like a drill, a hand saw, a spirit level and screwdrivers. Putting up shelves is ideal (just make sure you check that there is no electrical wiring in the wall, before you start drilling!)
- Learn to safely wire a UK plug with this useful tutorial from the BBC.
As an Electrician, Soft Skills Matter, Too
We look for more than just technical know-how. Show us:
- A positive attitude
- A willingness to listen and learn
- Problem-solving mindset
- Reliability – you turn up when you say you will
An apprenticeship is about more than skills – it’s about becoming someone a team can rely on.
Final Thought: Lay the Groundwork Early
Getting into the electrical trade is competitive – but if you follow this advice, you’ll already be ahead of 90% of the other applicants.
You don’t need to know everything. You do need curiosity, commitment, and a bit of spark. If you’ve got that, you’re halfway there.