Many people find themselves confused when they think of electricians and electrical engineers and how they differ from one another. Both professions are crucial for the development and maintenance of electrical systems, but they focus on different aspects of the processes and systems.
This guide will clarify these differences, ensuring you confidently know the difference between an electrician vs electrical engineer and which role is best for you.
Understanding the Basics of Electricians vs Electrical Engineers
Electricians
Typically, electricians are the hands-on professionals who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. They work directly with the hardware of these systems, including wiring, switches, and other installations.
Electricians ensure that electricity reaches homes, businesses, and industrial facilities safely and reliably. They often follow the blueprints designed by engineers to implement or modify electrical systems and must adhere to strict safety regulations and standards.
Electrical Engineers
On the other hand, electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems. They work on a variety of technologies from small components like microchips to large-scale projects such as power generation facilities or telecommunications networks. Electrical engineers use their deep understanding of electrical theories and properties to create and improve electrical products and systems.
See our latest Electrical Engineering vacancies here!
Education and Certification for Electricians vs Electrical Engineers
The training and skill sets for each career path differ significantly as well. Electricians usually complete apprenticeships or vocational training, which involves both classroom studies and hands-on work experience. Electrical engineers, however, are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
Education to Become an Electrician
To become a certified electrician in the UK, you must complete an apprenticeship or vocational training program, which provides both theoretical and practical training. Courses cover a range of topics, from electrical theory and building regulations to installation and maintenance practices. These programs can last from three to five years, often resulting in a Level 3 diploma.
Education to Become an Electrical Engineer
Prospective electrical engineers must pursue a more academically rigorous path, usually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. These degrees cover a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, computer science, physics, project management, and specific electrical engineering courses such as circuit design and microprocessor interfacing.
Some positions, particularly those in research or academia, might also require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
A Typical Days Work for an Electrician vs an Electrical Engineer
One of the best ways to compare an electrician vs electrical engineer is to take a closer look at what a typical days work looks like for each role.
Electrician Day-to-Day
The daily work of electricians can be quite varied, depending on their specific job or project. One day might involve installing new residential wiring systems while another could focus on troubleshooting and repairing industrial electrical equipment.
Electricians need to be adaptable, ready to tackle different tasks that require problem-solving skills and physical dexterity.
Electrical Engineer Day-to-Day
Electrical engineers typically spend their days in a more office-based or laboratory environment. They might design new electrical systems using CAD software, oversee the manufacturing of electrical devices, or conduct research and tests on different electrical components.
Their work focuses more on planning, designing, and overseeing, rather than direct implementation, and it requires strong analytical and creative skills.
Career Progression Opportunities for Both Electricians and Electrical Engineers
Electrician Career Progression
Electricians have ample opportunity to advance their careers. They might start as apprentices, become journeymen, and eventually achieve master electrician status. Some go on to run their own contracting businesses or specialise in areas like solar energy or home automation systems.
There are also opportunities in management or inspector roles, overseeing other electricians and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
Electrical Engineer Career Progression
Electrical engineers also have diverse career progression paths. They might start as junior engineers, moving up to senior positions, or specialise in a particular area such as power systems engineering, telecommunications, or embedded systems.
Many engineers advance into project management, overseeing large engineering projects, or move into senior executive roles within technology companies.
See our latest Electrical Engineering vacancies here!
What Impact on Society do Electricians and Electrical Engineers Have
Both electricians and electrical engineers have profound impacts on how society functions daily. Electricians ensure that our homes, places of work, and leisure are powered safely and efficiently. They are directly responsible for the installation and maintenance of the systems that distribute and use electrical power.
Electrical engineers, however, influence how these systems are created and improved upon. They design new technologies that enhance our lives and increase safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Finding Your Next Role With The Electronics Group Recruitment
The roles of electricians and electrical engineers, while interconnected, are distinct in their focus, training, and daily tasks. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the career path that best fits their interests and skills.
Whether you’re drawn to the hands-on work of an electrician or the innovative design focus of an electrical engineer, both paths offer rewarding careers that contribute significantly to modern society.
Here at The Electronics Group Recruitment, we specialise in connecting talented individuals with top companies. We often recruit for electrical engineer roles at all levels. You can see the vacancies we are currently recruiting for here. Or learn more about the benefits of working with a specialist recruitment agency.
If you would like to discuss your electrical engineering career with us or see a vacancy you like, then feel free to get in touch with our recruitment team today.
