Apprentice Army Electrician

Army Electricians are fully qualified and work all over the world. Join us and you’ll be trained to tackle any project, anywhere.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and
35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

GCSE Grade A–C/9-5, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C, in Maths, and

GCSE Grade A–C/9-4, or Scottish National 4 grade A-C, in English Lang, and one other subject

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

Could you set up electricity at a base, out in the field? Or get emergency power up and running in a blackout? These are the kinds of tasks you’ll handle as an Army Electrician. With our first‑class training, you’ll soon become qualified. You’ll learn about electrical engineering, low voltage underground cables, alarms and power generators. You can also get trade qualifications and your driving licence.

This can open up other jobs in the Army and the civilian world. Wherever you’re based – in the UK or abroad – you’ll have good mates around you and an exciting, active life.

Electrician is a Technical role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade. More about types of roles in the Royal Engineers

Learn the principles of electrical engineering

Work on single and three‑phase electrical installations

Install low‑voltage underground cables

Install intruder and fire alarm systems

Operate power‑generation equipment

Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.

If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (short) course at Harrogate .

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training .

Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent, for 33 weeks where you learn about wiring systems, electrical technology and power generation.

You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Level 3 Award in The Requirements For Electrical Installations BS 7671:2008 (2015) (17th Edition) (City and Guilds)

Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in Electrotechnical Studies and Practice (Military Engineering)

Level 3 Award in Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (City and Guilds)

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1. 1-2 days

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

2. 1 - 2 weeks

Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.

Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.

4. 1-3 months

Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

5. 3 - 5 months

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