Have you ever wondered what life was like before there was electricity? Electricity is so important to modern life, and where would we be without the important electricians who maintain it on our behalf? If you are considering becoming an electrician, but thinking about other professions, we thought we would provide you with our top 10 reasons why we think you should become an electrician today.

It pays the most of any trade

In a recent blog post, we discussed salary expectations for electricians in 2015, with the average electrician salary at £30,172, an increase of 4.60% since 2013, and almost £2,000 more than the second-highest ranked plumber on the industry pay scale. We've seen this increase since the recession in 2008 due to a skills shortage in the industry, when skilled workers left the industry for pastures new, so the demand for electricians left behind is outstripping supply as the market recovers, which means they can charge more!

Obviously, for those who become electricians, it is possible to supplement their salary electrical design courses by being self-employed, working overtime, getting a JIB card or investing in inspection and testing courses, becoming a manager after completing our 2396, or moving into an office job, which means you can earn more than average if you work hard. There are career opportunities for all electricians, and there are many paths you can take!

Challenging and interesting work

Dealing with electrics can be tricky work and you must have an in-depth knowledge of practical installation techniques, electrical diagrams, and health and safety. You'll need to be able to think quickly and provide solutions to solve problems on the job, ensuring your work is compliant with UK wiring and building regulations. One day you may be performing a standard installation, the next you may find a fault, and then you may carry out inspections and tests. This challenge and variety will keep you sharp and ensure that no two days are the same.

A lifetime of careers and skills

Once you learn your trade, it becomes a skill that will help you through life, skill after skill that your friends and colleagues will be interested in seeking out for your help and advice.

Projects in property

Most businessmen or women have many friends in the industry, which means it is easy for them to build homes and sell them at bargain prices, which is a healthy way to increase your income.

Van office space

One of the most appealing reasons to become an electrician is to have your own office on wheels, where you can hold business meetings with your staff and keep the old sandwiches you decide to trade for fast food, newspapers, and dirty old boots to escape from the prying eyes of what you might call a bachelor.

Work Environment

This is probably the most enticing part of becoming an electrician. Not everyone is interested in working behind a desk, writing emails, and signing contracts, and if you want to pursue a career with your own two hands, then electrical may be for you. Electricians often work in different homes and areas, and even those who perform electrical work for one company may be on the move every day. You won't be tied to four walls of the same office building and the same co-workers working strict hours, allowing you to experience a variety of homes and businesses across the country. When working in a family home, we always highly recommend our blog on the do and don'ts that will help new entrants to the industry.

Be your boss

If you are interested in starting your own business, many electricians are self-employed and own and manage their businesses, which can be both fun and exciting and a great reason to become an electrician. You will have more knowledge and understanding about avoiding fires and electric shocks than any average DIYer.

Inexpensive Training

A huge benefit of becoming an electrician is that you won't rack up unimaginable student debt like other college programs on the market, training to become an electrician can be a lot cheaper, and with companies like Trade Skills 4U, you can continue working while you train.

Job opportunities

As an electrician, you'll experience opportunities for career advancement. Starting as an electrician, hard-working and dedicated electricians can advance to become electrical engineers, contract managers, or even electrical design engineers within their companies and fields.

Skills shortage means increased demand

We believe we will see an explosion of jobs over the next decade, with more than 130,000 jobs available.