If you’re at the beginning of your electrotechnical career, you may be trying to narrow down a list of the essential tools you’ll need to support your practical learning over the next couple of years.
Alex Robinson | Head of Product Development (Training)
Collecting the right set of tools can sometimes be costly, so now is the perfect time to be building your tool kit and perhaps giving friends and family a gentle nudge for gift ideas.
We’ve asked our Head of Product Development, Alex Robinson, to share his recommendations on tools you’ll need. Having started his career as an electrical apprentice, Alex has over 20 years’ experience within the industry, working on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as teaching at one of the largest colleges in the UK, Coleg Cambria.
Alex Robinson, Head of Product Development at NICEIC:
I’ll never forget the pride I felt when I bought my first set of tools at the start of my electrical apprenticeship.
There I was, excited and ready, holding a brand-new set of gear that I had no idea how to use. I even marked them with my initials – AR – though one of the seasoned electricians soon added a couple of extra letters with a permanent marker (I’ll leave it to you to guess which ones!).
If you're putting together your first set of tools, I’d recommend starting with these:
As I moved through my apprenticeship and started gaining more experience at college, I began to build on my kit with some additional tools I was learning to use. These included:
By the time I was nearing the end of my four-year apprenticeship and getting ready to officially become a qualified electrician, I had saved up enough to make a few big purchases: a cordless drill/driver and a multifunction tester. These two items served me faithfully for the next decade in the trade.
Whether you're working on basic tasks like clipping twin-and-earth cable in a home or installing PVC conduit in a commercial setting, these tools will cover all your bases. And if you’re considering entering the SkillELECTRIC competition, this list will cover most of what you need to tackle the challenge head-on.
Finally, don’t forget to check out helpful resources like our Pocket Guide App or NICEIC publications to stay on top of the latest industry standards and best practices.
We’ve asked our Head of Product Development, Alex Robinson, to share his recommendations on tools you’ll need. Having started his career as an electrical apprentice, Alex has over 20 years’ experience within the industry, working on residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as teaching at one of the largest colleges in the UK, Coleg Cambria.
Alex Robinson, Head of Product Development at NICEIC:
I’ll never forget the pride I felt when I bought my first set of tools at the start of my electrical apprenticeship.
There I was, excited and ready, holding a brand-new set of gear that I had no idea how to use. I even marked them with my initials – AR – though one of the seasoned electricians soon added a couple of extra letters with a permanent marker (I’ll leave it to you to guess which ones!).
If you're putting together your first set of tools, I’d recommend starting with these:
Basic tool set for an apprentice electrician
- Toolbox or tool bag
- Insulated screwdriver set (Phillips, Posidrive, and Slotted)
- Insulated side cutters
- Insulated pliers (long-nose and short-nose)
- Electrician’s knife
- Tape measure
- Spirit levels (pocket-sized and large)
- Hacksaws (junior and full-sized)
- Hammers (claw and lump)
- Masonry chisel
- Safe Isolation kit (including a voltage indicator, proving unit, lock-off device, and warning labels)
As I moved through my apprenticeship and started gaining more experience at college, I began to build on my kit with some additional tools I was learning to use. These included:
Tools for advancing in your training
- Ratchet crimping tool
- Plasterboard saw
- Mitre box or saw
- Bush wrench
- Nylon cable draw
- PVC conduit cutters
- 20mm bending spring
- Adjustable spanners (x2)
- Metal file set (hand, half-round, and round)
- Automatic wire strippers
By the time I was nearing the end of my four-year apprenticeship and getting ready to officially become a qualified electrician, I had saved up enough to make a few big purchases: a cordless drill/driver and a multifunction tester. These two items served me faithfully for the next decade in the trade.
Whether you're working on basic tasks like clipping twin-and-earth cable in a home or installing PVC conduit in a commercial setting, these tools will cover all your bases. And if you’re considering entering the SkillELECTRIC competition, this list will cover most of what you need to tackle the challenge head-on.
Finally, don’t forget to check out helpful resources like our Pocket Guide App or NICEIC publications to stay on top of the latest industry standards and best practices.
