(EICR Testing, EPC Certificates & More with Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords)
Introduction: Why Electricians Matter Now More Than Ever
In today’s Scotland, the demand for skilled electricians is booming. Whether it’s wiring new homes, keeping old tenements safe, or helping landlords comply with new regulations, electricians are vital for keeping our communities running. But it’s not just about sockets and switches anymore. EICR testing, EPC certificates, and a host of other landlord compliance services are now a major part of the modern electrician’s toolkit.
That’s why the pathway into the trade—whether you’re leaving school or starting over as an adult—offers more opportunity than ever. This guide is your all-in-one source for understanding how to become an apprentice electrician in Scotland, what the real job looks like (including all things EICR and EPC), the challenges you’ll face, and how companies like Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords are leading the way in compliance and quality.
What Is an Electrical Apprenticeship in Scotland?
A Foundation for a Real Career
An electrical apprenticeship is a paid job with built-in training—combining practical site work with classroom learning. In Scotland, most apprenticeships last four years and lead to the SVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation. You’ll work under experienced electricians, but also spend time at college, building your knowledge of regulations, safety, and new technologies.
But in 2025, the world of electrical work isn’t just about wiring and lights. Compliance testing—including EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) and EPC (Energy Performance Certificates)—is now at the heart of the industry, especially for those working with landlords and property agents.
EICR Testing, EPC Certificates, and the Modern Electrician
EICR: Keeping Scotland’s Homes Safe
EICR testing is the process of inspecting and testing the fixed wiring in a property. It’s now a legal requirement for all privately rented homes in Scotland to have an up-to-date EICR. Landlords can’t rent out their property without one, and tenants have a right to ask for it.
What does EICR involve?
Inspecting sockets, lighting circuits, fuse boards, and the overall condition of the wiring. Testing for faults and making sure everything meets BS7671 regulations.Why is it important?
EICRs prevent fires, electric shocks, and help landlords avoid hefty fines. They’re a key part of compliance for letting agents and property managers.How does it affect apprentices?
Modern apprentices don’t just install; they learn to test, report, and advise on compliance, making them invaluable to employers.
EPC Certificates: The Efficiency Angle
EPC (Energy Performance Certificates) rate the energy efficiency of a property, from A (very efficient) to G (poor). Every rental property in Scotland needs a valid EPC, and tenants increasingly expect good ratings.
EPCs are not just paperwork.
Apprentices often shadow engineers who assess insulation, heating systems, and energy usage.Future-proofing your career:
Understanding EPCs and how to improve a property’s rating makes you a more rounded electrician—and opens doors in the renewables sector.
How Do You Become an Apprentice Electrician in Scotland?
1. Decide If It’s for You
Ask yourself:
Are you practical and good with your hands?
Do you want a job that combines technical know-how with real responsibility?
Interested in safety, compliance, and making a real difference?
If yes, you’re in the right place.
2. Entry Requirements
Most employers look for:
National 4/5s in Maths, English, and a technical or science subject
A positive attitude, punctuality, and a willingness to learn
For adult apprentices: transferable skills and evidence of reliability, even if you’re changing careers
Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords welcome applications from all ages—your previous job or life experience is often a huge asset.
3. Finding the Right Employer
You can apply directly to electrical firms (including Wes Electrical) or use national sites like Apprenticeships.scot or college links. Companies like ours value proactive, motivated candidates. If you have an interest in EICR testing, landlord compliance, or EPC certificates, make that clear—you’ll stand out!
4. The Application and Interview Process
Prepare a CV highlighting practical skills (even DIY, caring for your own home, or helping family/friends counts)
If you’re an adult, emphasise any relevant experience, reliability, and your motivation for retraining
At interview, be ready to talk about why compliance matters (mention EICR and EPC!) and why you’re committed to a skilled trade
5. College and On-the-Job Training
Once hired, you’ll split your time between work and college. Colleges like West College Scotland, Glasgow Clyde College, and others are used by leading firms. Your work will cover:
Installation, maintenance, and fault finding
EICR testing and compliance reports
Understanding energy efficiency for EPCs
Health and safety, including safe isolation and live testing
Adult Apprenticeships: Starting Over (and Why It’s a Smart Move)
Age Is Just a Number
Scotland’s construction sector faces a real shortage of skilled labour, especially as older electricians retire. That’s why there’s a huge opportunity for adults to retrain—companies like Wes Electrical have seen adult apprentices become some of their best engineers.
Adult apprenticeships:
Offer the same pay and funding as youth apprenticeships
Recognise your life experience, work ethic, and maturity
Sometimes require a bit more juggling (especially if you have a family), but the payoff is huge—skilled electricians can earn upwards of £40,000 within a few years of qualifying
Real-World Example
Take “Mark,” a 34-year-old who started as an adult apprentice with Wes Electrical. After two years, Mark was already handling EICR testing independently, carrying out EPC surveys, and even mentoring school-leaver apprentices. Adult learners bring a steadiness and commitment that employers love.
What Does an Apprentice Electrician Actually Do?
Daily Life on the Job
Forget the stereotype of the apprentice who just makes tea and sweeps up. In a top company, you’ll be:
Assisting with Installations: Wiring homes, upgrading fuse boards, fitting smoke alarms, and installing energy-efficient lighting (often required to boost EPC ratings)
EICR Testing: Learning to inspect, test, and report on wiring safety, using real equipment. You’ll shadow experienced testers and eventually conduct inspections under supervision.
Carrying Out PAT Testing: Testing portable appliances for landlords—a must-have compliance check.
Supporting EPC Surveys: Observing or assisting with property inspections, learning what makes a home efficient and how upgrades impact energy ratings.
Working with Compliance Paperwork: Learning how to fill out EICR reports, issue landlord certificates, and explain findings to clients
Training at College
Electrical science, principles, and regulations (BS7671, the Wiring Regs)
Practical assessments: wiring circuits, safe isolation, testing procedures
Health and safety, first aid, and site safety protocols
Real-World Skills: Not Just Wires
At Certificates 4 Landlords, apprentices learn that electrical safety isn’t just technical—it’s about people’s lives, property protection, and the legal responsibilities of landlords. That’s why compliance and communication skills are just as important as technical ability.
Compliance Work: EICR Testing, EPCs, and Landlord Certificates Explained
EICR Testing: The Backbone of Landlord Compliance
What is EICR testing?
A comprehensive check of a property’s electrical systems. It involves visual inspection and electrical tests to ensure safety and compliance.Why do landlords need EICRs?
Scottish law requires every rental property to have a valid EICR, renewed every five years (or sooner if recommended). Letting agents will not advertise a property without it.What does the report cover?
Wiring condition
Fuse board safety
Earthing and bonding
Sockets, switches, and fixed appliances
Any safety defects or urgent hazards
The apprentice’s role:
Learning to identify faults and potential hazards
Assisting in filling out EICR paperwork
Communicating findings to the supervisor and landlord
EPC Certificates: Energy Matters
What’s included?
Insulation, windows, heating, and lighting are all assessed
Recommendations for improvement (e.g., LED lighting, better insulation)
Why is this important for electricians?
Modern electricians are often asked by landlords, “How can I improve my EPC?” Apprentices learn how efficient wiring, modern heating controls, and low-energy lighting contribute to better ratings.
Other Landlord Certificates
PAT Testing: Portable appliances (like kettles and microwaves) need annual checks—often done as part of an apprentice’s learning.
Smoke/Heat Alarm Compliance: Scotland’s new laws require linked smoke and heat alarms—installing and testing these is core apprentice work.
Legionella Risk Assessments: Not strictly electrical, but many multi-skilled firms train apprentices to recognise the basics.
How Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords Lead the Field
Our companies offer a one-stop shop for landlord compliance:
Full EICR and PAT testing packages
EPC certificates with practical advice on upgrades
Smoke and heat alarm installation to meet the latest Scottish standards
Emergency call-outs for landlords
For apprentices, this means exposure to the full range of compliance services, making you highly employable and prepared for the real world.
Challenges for Apprentices and Adult Learners (And How to Smash Them)
The Hard Bits
Learning the Regs: BS7671 isn’t light reading, but you’ll have support from mentors and college tutors.
Time Management: Balancing work, college, and (for adults) sometimes family, takes organisation and discipline.
New Technologies: The industry moves fast—smart home tech, EV chargers, and renewables are everywhere now.
Paperwork: Compliance means paperwork—learning to get reports right is crucial.
How to Succeed
Ask questions: No one expects you to know everything at the start.
Get stuck in: The more hands-on experience you get, the faster you’ll learn.
Be reliable: Turning up on time, every time, goes a long way.
Take pride in compliance: Understand why EICR, EPC, and other certificates matter—not just for the law, but for people’s safety and comfort.
Use support: Companies like Wes Electrical pair every apprentice with a mentor—lean on them!
Career Progression: Where Can an Electrical Apprenticeship Take You?
Qualified Electrician
The first big milestone. You’ll be able to:
Work independently on installations, repairs, and compliance testing
Command a competitive wage, often £30k–£40k within a couple of years
Compliance Specialist
Focus on EICR testing, EPC certificates, and all aspects of landlord compliance
Higher demand (especially in cities like Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrew, and the West End)
Opportunities to train as a QS (Qualified Supervisor) or compliance lead
Energy and Renewables Expert
Add solar PV, battery storage, EV charger installation, and heat pumps to your skill set
Increasingly important as EPC standards tighten
Team Leader or Business Owner
Start your own compliance firm, offer emergency electrical services, or build a niche in landlord support
Companies like Wes Electrical often promote from within—their best apprentices are now supervisors, estimators, or even running their own businesses
Multi-Skilled Engineer
Many apprentices cross-train into fire alarms, security systems, or property compliance inspections, making themselves even more employable
Apprenticeships at Wes Electrical & Certificates 4 Landlords: A Real-World Experience
Why Train With Us?
Diverse Experience: We don’t just do “wiring.” Our apprentices work on EICR testing, EPC certificates, full rewires, and compliance upgrades.
Mentorship: Every apprentice has a direct mentor, usually someone who started as an apprentice themselves.
Location Variety: From high-end West End flats to student HMOs in Paisley or Renfrew, you’ll see it all.
Career Support: We help you move up—whether it’s passing the AM2, specialising in compliance, or starting your own business.
What Sets Us Apart
Compliance First: We’ve built our reputation on helping landlords keep their properties safe and legal—our apprentices see the full process.
Technology Driven: From EV chargers to smart home compliance, we stay ahead of the curve—and so do you.
Trusted Locally: Our brands, Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords, are trusted across Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrew, and beyond.
FAQs About Electrical Apprenticeships, EICR, and EPC Certificates
1. What’s the difference between an EICR and an EPC?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) checks wiring safety and is required by law for all rented homes. An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) measures how energy-efficient a property is. Both are legal requirements for Scottish landlords.
2. Can I do an apprenticeship as an adult?
Yes! There’s no upper age limit. Many of our best apprentices started as adults—your life skills will help you succeed.
3. How long does the apprenticeship take?
Usually four years, with a mix of on-site training and college study.
4. What will I earn as an apprentice?
Starting pay varies but is always above minimum wage. As you progress, your wage increases each year. Once qualified, electricians in Scotland can earn £30k–£40k+ with specialisms like EICR testing and compliance.
5. What support will I get?
Mentorship, college tutors, workplace support, and guidance from compliance specialists.
6. Do I need to be good at paperwork?
You’ll learn—compliance reports like EICR, EPC, and PAT testing are part of the job, and we’ll train you to get it right.
7. What areas do Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords cover?
All of Glasgow, Paisley, Renfrew, the West End, and surrounding areas.
8. Can I specialise in EICR or EPC work?
Definitely. Many electricians choose compliance as their focus. The demand is only growing.
Final Thoughts: Your Future in Electrical Compliance Starts Here
Becoming an electrician in Scotland in 2025 is about so much more than wiring. It’s about safety, compliance, energy efficiency, and building a skill set that keeps you in demand for decades. Whether you’re 16 or 45, the apprenticeship route is open to you—and the need for new talent has never been greater.
At Wes Electrical and Certificates 4 Landlords, we don’t just train electricians. We develop compliance professionals ready to tackle everything from EICR testing and EPC certificates to the next generation of smart homes and green tech.
Ready to start your journey?
Get in touch with us for information about apprenticeships, compliance work, or just to learn more about what a modern electrician can do. Your future—safe, legal, and energy-efficient—starts right here.
Contact Details
Wes Electrical
Office 1, Technology House, 9 Newton Place, Glasgow, G3 7PR
0141 840 5236
www.wesuk.co.uk
Certificates 4 Landlords
www.certificates4landlords.com
