Electrician - training, salary and further training

Electrician - or official Electronics technician for energy and building technology - ensure that electricity flows safely, lights are on and modern technology works in everyday life. Whether building a smart home, installing solar systems or carrying out household repairs, electricians are sought-after specialists with a wide range of applications. We provide an overview of the training, requirements, salary and further training opportunities.

Electrician training: process and content

The official job title today is Electronics technician. The training programme combines theoretical principles at vocational school with practical content at the training company - you get to know the real work right from the start. At the same time, a standardisation of knowledge is ensured: It's all about the theoretical basics that every electrician needs to know. Whichever specialisation you choose, everyone is expected to be able to lay at least one cable and connect one device.

Training period

The training period is generally 3.5 years. In some specialisations, this time can be shortened, for example if you already have previous knowledge or have exceptional comprehension skills.

Contents of the training

During the course of the apprenticeship, you will learn, among other things: Assemble and dismantle assemblies, measure and calculate electrical currents, assemble switchgear combinations and enclosures, carry out and document other services, create and implement modification and expansion plans, test systems and safety equipment as well as plan and design your own work processes and calculate them according to the company's specifications.

Prerequisites

There is no precise legal regulation for training. In practice, it has been shown that a secondary school leaving certificate offers better opportunities. More important than a formal qualification are good grades in physics and maths as well as manual skills and a genuine interest in the profession. In view of the current shortage of skilled labour, many companies are desperately looking for trainees - if you have the right interests and a few good grades, you should apply. Direct contact with the desired company - by phone call, for example - can be more effective than blind applications.

Remuneration during training

During the apprenticeship, you already perform work and are paid for it. The exact amount depends on the region and specialisation - but you can expect to earn around 800 to 1,300 euros per month calculate.

Electrician salary: What is realistic?

After completing the apprenticeship, the salary increases significantly - to more than double the apprenticeship salary, i.e. to over 2,000 euros gross per month. With a little work experience 3,000 euros gross possible. Anyone who has proven themselves in the profession for 10 years can be awarded around 3,600 euros gross per month calculate.

These figures are average values. Those who work in Bavaria, Hesse or Baden-Württemberg can currently expect the highest salaries. Although large cities offer higher salaries, they also have a higher cost of living. Shift work, night work and corresponding bonuses can also increase income.

However, salary can also be actively influenced: Personal initiative, commitment and proactively taking on tasks increase your own value in the company - and therefore your negotiating position.

Further training as an electrician: specialisation and career

After training, there are various paths to further training. With the state-certified technician you can work in development, lead teams and work as a project manager in electrical engineering. The Master craftsman provides in-depth knowledge, allows you to train your own apprentices and includes knowledge from business management - right through to self-employment. A University studies is also possible and opens up further career levels.

Specialisation and further training are reducing the number of competitors - the demand for specialist skills is increasing and salaries can be actively shaped. This is particularly true in electrical engineering, where the shortage of skilled labour persists.

Electricians as subcontractors or skilled workers from abroad

For companies looking to employ qualified electricians or electronics technicians on a short-term or project-related basis, Global Business Recruiting offers the placement of skilled workers from other EU countries - both as subcontractors on a work contract basis and via legal employee leasing. Find out more in our article on Professional recognition for electricians from abroad.

Frequently asked questions about training and salary as an electrician