Electrical engineer pay in Portsmouth April 2026

Electricians have the job of testing, installing and repairing electrical systems.

These can be lighting, security, power and fire systems.

There are different types of electricians. These include:

• Installation engineers/ technicians. These are electricians that install electrical systems
• Maintenance electricians/ technicians. These are electricians that repair and make sure electrical systems keep working.

Other names for electricians also include:

• Electrical engineers
• Electrical technicians
• Electrical fitters
• Electrotechnical panel builders
• Machine repair and rewind electricians
• Highway systems electricians
• Sparks or sparkies

What you do in this type of job depends on what type of area you work in. Some jobs include:

• Testing and installing wiring, circuits, machines and other electrical systems
• Fixing and maintaining electrical systems
• Making sure street lighting and electrical signs are working properly
• Making sure electrical motors and transformers are working properly
• Making and installing electrical control panels

You may have to work in a business, in a client’s home or outdoors during all types of weather.

You also might be called out early in the morning, late in the evening, over the weekend or on bank holidays.

If you want to apply for an electrician job, you might need the following:

• Some GCSEs, a Level 2 or 3 Diploma, or a relevant apprenticeship
• A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (SCSC) card
• The right to work in the UK