The Skills Employers Want – Beyond Electrical Qualifications
When you’re training for a career in the electrical industry, it’s natural to focus on qualifications and technical skills. But when it comes to finding work, employers are often looking for something more.
New research from City & Guilds has highlighted the growing importance of employability skills – the everyday skills and behaviours that help people work effectively with others, solve problems and contribute positively in the workplace.
The research, published in September 2026, found that 64% of UK businesses say candidates with skills such as face-to-face communication, problem-solving and effective time management are becoming harder to find. Almost three-quarters (74%) said employability skills are now more important than technical expertise for workplace success.
For someone looking for their first opportunity in the electrical industry, that is worth paying attention to.
What are employers actually looking for?
Electrical qualifications provide essential technical knowledge, but employers also need people they can rely on as part of a team.
The National Careers Service identifies a range of skills needed by electricians, including attention to detail, problem-solving, initiative, safe use of tools and equipment, and good customer service skills.
On a busy electrical site, these qualities matter. An employer needs to know that you will:
turn up reliably and on time
listen carefully and follow instructions
work safely and responsibly
communicate well with colleagues, customers and other trades
ask questions when you are unsure
look after tools, equipment and the working environment
work effectively as part of a team
use initiative appropriately
be willing to learn.
You might not have years of electrical experience yet, but you can still demonstrate many of these qualities.
Your previous experience counts
This is particularly important for adult career changers entering the electrical industry.
If you have previously worked in retail, hospitality, warehousing, engineering, manufacturing, delivery, construction, facilities management or an office environment, you are not starting from zero.
You may already have years of experience managing your time, dealing with customers, following procedures, working safely, meeting deadlines or working as part of a team.
The key is learning how to translate that experience for an electrical employer.
For example, working in a busy kitchen can demonstrate teamwork, organisation and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Warehouse work may show experience of health and safety procedures and physically demanding work. A customer-facing role can demonstrate communication skills and professionalism.
These are all transferable skills – and they belong on your CV.
Show, rather than simply tell
Rather than filling a CV with phrases such as hardworking, reliable and good team player, think about how you can provide evidence.
Instead of:
“I have good communication skills.”
You might explain that you regularly dealt with customers, contractors or colleagues and had to communicate information clearly.
Instead of:
“I work well under pressure.”
Give an example of working to deadlines, responding to changing priorities or maintaining standards during particularly busy periods.
The same principle applies at interview. Employers are much more likely to remember a short example of something you have actually done than a list of qualities you say you possess.
Qualifications get you started – employability skills help you progress
Technical knowledge will always be fundamental to electrical work, and gaining the right qualifications is an important part of building an electrical career. But qualifications are only one part of what makes someone valuable in the workplace.
City & Guilds' latest research reinforces something many employers already recognise: communication, problem-solving, teamwork and time management matter alongside technical ability.
For electrical learners, particularly those searching for that important first role, the message is positive.
You may have more to offer an electrical employer than you realise.
Your qualifications demonstrate what you are learning. Your practical training shows the skills you are developing. And your previous employment, attitude and approach to work can provide evidence of the kind of person you will be on site.
Learning to bring all three together – technical knowledge, practical ability and employability skills – can help you present a much stronger picture of what you can offer.
Thinking of Becoming a Qualified Electrician?
If you're interested in learning a skilled trade, why not train to become a certified professional?
At Optima, we provide comprehensive electrical training courses that equip you with the skills, qualifications, and confidence to work safely and legally in this vital industry.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your qualifications, our accredited training programmes will give you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to meet new building standards and market demand.
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Contact us today to embark on your training journey.
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