Retraining as a commercial or industrial electrician, or progressing beyond domestic electrical work, requires more than holding the basic qualifications. Commercial and industrial environments generally demand higher levels of technical competence, safety awareness, and regulatory knowledge. For electricians looking to retrain, upskill, or future-proof their careers, choosing the right training courses can make a significant difference to their employability, compliance, and earning potential. Below are four electrical training courses that consistently pay off in commercial and industrial settings, both for individuals retraining as electricians and for employers developing skilled teams.
1. 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
What it covers: This course gives you a comprehensive review of the current BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations; the UK’s nationally-recognised standard for electrical installations. It equips learners with the legal and safety requirements governing electrical work up to 1000 V AC or 1500v DC.
Why it matters: In all commercial and industrial roles, having up-to-date regulations knowledge is fundamental, so even experienced electricians must refresh their understanding with the latest amendments to avoid falling behind spec. This course is often a pre-requisite for inspection & testing and industry certifications. More details & bookings: 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Course
2. City & Guilds 2377 (Level 3): Portable Appliance Testing (In-Service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment)
What it covers: Our City & Guilds 2377 course is designed to build competence in the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment (ISITEE); often still referred to as PAT testing, although the industry language increasingly focuses on inspection, testing, and risk-based maintenance rather than “PAT” alone.
The course builds the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to:
- Understand your legal duties and guidance around equipment safety (including the IET Code of Practice approach)
- Carry out formal visual inspections and identify damage, misuse, or unsafe equipment
- Select appropriate test methods and use portable appliance test instruments correctly
- Record results, label equipment, and make clear pass/fail decisions based on findings
- Apply sensible inspection/test frequencies based on environment and equipment type (a key part of safe, compliant in-service testing)
Why it matters: In many commercial and industrial workplaces, a large share of electrical risk sits in portable and movable equipment, tools, extension leads, IT equipment, appliances, and hired-in equipment. Being able to inspect and test competently helps organisations reduce risk, meet their duty of care, and demonstrate control measures during audits. For electricians (or those retraining into the industry), C&G 2377 is a strong, recognised qualification that adds immediate value in facilities, manufacturing, construction support roles, and contract maintenance environments. More details & bookings: City & Guilds 2377
3) City & Guilds 2921 Level 3 Award in the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations
What it covers: This City & Guilds qualification focuses on the competent design and installation of electric vehicle charging equipment for domestic and small commercial settings. The course gives learners both the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to safely install EV charging points in accordance with relevant standards. Topics you’ll cover include site assessment, equipment selection, installation best practices, and compliance with current industry guidance.
Why it matters: Demand for EV infrastructure is growing across workplaces, retail and public environments. Electricians with formal training in EV charging are better placed to meet the expectations of employers and clients who require safe, compliant, and efficient installations. More details & bookings: City & Guilds 2921 – EV Charging Installation
4) City & Guilds 2922 3 Award in the Installation of Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
What it covers: Our solar PV systems course enables experienced electricians to install, test, commission, and handover grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems. This includes understanding system components, safe DC and AC circuit work, and relevant standards such as BS 7671 and MCS requirements.
Why it matters: Solar PV is becoming a core component of commercial energy solutions. With renewable energy demand growing, electricians with solar PV training gain the skills to work on sustainable power installations, expanding the range of services you can offer to commercial and industrial clients. More details & bookings: C&G 2922 Level 3 Award – Solar PV Systems
Progress your career as an electrician in 2026
Investing in training that aligns with commercial and industrial needs gives both electricians and employers confidence in competence and compliance. These courses build on one another; starting with foundational regulations and moving into the specialist skills expected on modern work sites. If you’d like to find out more, please contact one of our training advisors today by clicking here.
