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Electrician - Royal Engineers
Army Electricians are fully qualified and work all over the world. Join us and you’ll be trained to tackle any project, anywhere.
Royal Engineers
Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
16 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
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.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
2km run 11 min
Education
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
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers (RE) are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradespeople, providing essential support to all areas of the British Army.
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
Key responsibilities
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)
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
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.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.
As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.
Rob Needham
Royal Engineers
It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.
Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
There truly is no job like being in the Army, where colleagues become your friends.
You’re living, training and working with the same people, so friendships build very quickly.
Yes. Everyone starts in the same position, learning together and supporting each other. That shared journey makes it easy to form friendships and feel like you belong.
Kelvin R
Infantry
I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.
It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.
Steven R
Royal Logistic Corps
Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.
Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
Your future starts here
Every Electrician - Royal Engineers started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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