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Approved Electrician Career Journey | Ben Harvey at MEL
- Teddie Casterton
- Jan 6
- 9 min read
Ben Harvey's electrical career now spans 12 years, having started in the industry at 16.
Now, he works for MEL and is excelling on all fronts.
When you meet Ben Harvey, one of the first things you notice is his quiet confidence. In the UK, 'Approved Electrician' is a formal grading set by the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and achieving this status requires relevant qualifications, including a Level 3 qualification, practical experience, and passing the AM2 assessment.
Ben's technical knowledge and commitment to industry standards have helped him excel as an electrician in the UK. At just 28, he’s already built a 12-year career in the electrical trade, earned his City & Guilds 2391 inspection and testing qualification—which is an advanced qualification required to achieve Approved Electrician status and is considered an industry recognised qualification—and scored a remarkable 100% in the written exam—an achievement his test centre says they’ve never seen before.
Ben Harvey, MEL's newest Approved Electrician
But Ben’s journey to becoming an approved electrician at MEL is much more than qualifications. He knew what he wanted, learned under immense pressure, sought balance, rediscovered his passions and found a workplace where he genuinely felt at home.
Choosing a Trade: The Technical Knowledge Pull
Ben always knew he wanted to work in a trade. His dad, who worked for a water company, gently steered him away from plumbing, while his mum hoped he’d go into carpentry. But for Ben, the answer was obvious:
“Carpentry didn’t appeal as much as the electrical side, because it used more of the technical side of your brain.”
He initially enrolled in a full-time electrical course at college because he couldn’t secure an apprenticeship. There are several entry routes to becoming an electrician, including college courses, apprenticeships, and private training providers, so choosing a reputable training provider is important. Classroom learning at college provides foundational technical knowledge, while on-the-job training during an apprenticeship is essential for developing practical skills.
Many people start out as an electrician's mate, gaining hands-on experience and practical skills before progressing further in their approved electrician career journey.
Ben was a little different.
On his first day, Ben turned up in a suit and tie; he was determined to make a good impression.
Surrounded by classmates wearing tracksuits, he felt overdressed, even awkward. But that choice paid off. Shortly after, the college called: a local company was looking for an apprentice, and Ben had “stood out.” The suit had done its job.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 and typically take about four years to complete. During an apprenticeship, you'll work alongside a qualified employer while studying at a college or an approved training centre, combining on-the-job training with classroom learning to become an electrician.
The company threw him in at the deep end, sometimes literally doing work he technically shouldn’t have been doing as an apprentice, but he learned quickly.
For those not pursuing an apprenticeship, completing a Level 2 qualification is typically the first step. The City & Guilds 2365 Diploma qualifications are a common route for those seeking to learn and practice the skills necessary for employment in the electrotechnology sector.
Once qualified, he was thrust straight into big London sites, managing teams and navigating complex commercial projects. It was a valuable experience, but the stress eventually took its toll.
The Move to MEL and the Electrical Industry
By the time he was working on a multi-storey refurbishment at a major research institution in central London, the daily pressure and responsibility had become exhausting.
“I didn’t want to be waking up at the crack of dawn to go into London to pull my hair out all day.”
Ben interviewed with MEL from a corner of a bustling site, trying to avoid being spotted by his existing employer. The conversation went well.
“They came across as very personable. The ethos attracted me; it felt close-knit, almost like a family. And it’s 100% true. Absolutely.”
Relearning Variety and Rediscovering the Trade
Ben’s first MEL project was at Eton College: a mix of commercial and domestic work that felt refreshing after so many years focused solely on commercial installations. As a domestic electrician, Ben worked on domestic wiring and installations, which are fundamental services in residential properties.
Electricians handle a diverse range of jobs, including work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, and they provide buildings with energy to light rooms, heat water, and power devices.
Then came something completely different: Environment Agency lock work.
Thanks to his mechanical background, he once completed a nuts-and-bolts restoration on his classic Mini, MEL quickly realised Ben could bridge the gap between electrical and mechanical work. They paired him with “Jimbo,” whom Ben affectionately calls the Oracle, to learn the ropes.
The crossover work suited him; it was technical, varied, and challenging in new ways.
Electrical components and electrical wiring play a crucial role in ensuring systems function safely and efficiently. Electricians install, inspect, and test electrical equipment, are responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment, and must follow strict safety protocols and use appropriate protective equipment.
Diagnosing faults and responding to electrical faults, especially in emergency situations, is an essential part of the job. And in doing that, attention to detail is crucial for electricians to ensure every component is fitted safely and meets current wiring regulations.
Electricians work across a broad range of environments, including construction sites, domestic homes, schools, and hospitals. Successful electricians need strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and good communication skills.
Types of Electrical Work: Broadening Horizons at MEL
At MEL, the variety of electrical work on offer means no two days are ever quite the same.
The electrical industry itself is vast, with a broad range of specialist areas that allow electricians to carve out unique career paths.
Residential
For some, the focus is on residential properties: installing and maintaining domestic electrical systems, wiring, and lighting that keep homes running safely and efficiently.
Commercial
Others gravitate towards the commercial side, where electrical work involves complex systems in offices, retail spaces, and public buildings, often integrating data cabling and advanced building management systems.
Industrial
Industrial projects present another set of challenges, with electricians working on high-voltage electrical systems in factories, plants, and large-scale infrastructure. Here, safety protocols and technical expertise are paramount.
With the rise of renewable energy and green technologies, there’s a growing demand for electricians who can install and maintain solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, and other sustainable solutions.
These high-demand sectors not only offer exciting opportunities for career progression but also allow electricians to play a key role in the transition to a more energy-efficient future.
At MEL, this diversity means that electricians like Ben can continually broaden their horizons, tackling everything from traditional domestic installations to cutting-edge renewable energy projects.
Becoming a Qualified Electrician: A Perfect Score
To move from qualified to approved electrician, Ben attended a week of training in Tring, covering periodic inspections and advanced testing.
To become a fully qualified electrician, you must complete the AM2 assessment, which is an industry-recognised competence assessment. The diploma route is a flexible training pathway that combines classroom learning and practical experience, leading to recognised qualifications such as the NVQ and AM2.
For those with years of experience but without an apprenticeship, the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) is available. Electricians must adhere to stringent rules and regulations every time they carry out work, requiring further training and ongoing certification. Holding an ECS Gold Card can provide a pay premium in the field and is a mark of competence.
Applications for the 'Approved' grade must be submitted to the Joint Industry Board (JIB). The competent person scheme allows qualified professionals, such as a domestic installer, to self-certify certain types of work. As of October 2026, individual Level 3 qualifications are mandatory for electricians engaging in periodic inspections or low-carbon work.
Ben knew the exam was notoriously difficult. Many from his previous company had failed it multiple times. He put in about 30 hours of revision, not excessive by his own description, but enough for someone whose mind naturally absorbs technical material.
The result?
100% on the written exam.
“Apparently, I’m the only one at that test centre to get 100%. I was quite happy with that.”
His interest in the why behind electrical testing, not just the button-pressing automation, clearly paid off.
Technical Skill vs. Client Management: A Balance
When asked which is more important—technical ability or client relationships—Ben is clear:
“They’re equally important.”
Safety and compliance always come first, but representing MEL professionally matters too.
“I take any client interaction seriously. You have to have respect.”
As he grows into more senior roles, he expects he’ll spend more time with clients. But for now, he leans toward the technical side: solving complex problems, producing beautifully tidy installations, and making things “as good as they can be.”
A Standout Project: Electrical Wiring for a Rotork Motor
MEL electricians working on installing the Rotork electro-hydraulic actuator for Thames Water.
One of his most challenging jobs as an approved electrician involved installing and wiring a Rotork electro-hydraulic actuator at a Thames Water site south of Oxford. This project took place on a construction site, where electricians must manage safety risks, including working with live electricity and in potentially hazardous environments.
Rotork systems are highly sophisticated. They’re programmable, sensor-rich, and nothing like a simple motor with a power feed.
“When you first look at it, you think, ‘What’s going on here?’ There are so many terminals, cables, numbers…”
But once he was shown how the technical drawings mapped to the hardware, it all clicked.
He also learned niche industry practices—like leaving a spiral of cable slack so the motor can be removed for maintenance without rewiring. And all of this took place within potentially hazardous environments: tanks, confined spaces, and high-risk water infrastructure. The work of an electrician is both physically active and mentally engaging, requiring strong problem-solving skills and strict adherence to safety protocols.
With experience, electricians can move into supervisory roles such as Site Supervisor, Foreman, or Project Manager, and take on site management responsibilities, overseeing teams and ensuring safety and quality on construction sites.
“It keeps you on your toes. It’s something different from just screwing in a light bulb.”
Staying Up-to-Date: Training, Tech, and Trends
The industry is shaped by constant advancements in electrical systems, components, and regulations, making ongoing electrical training a cornerstone of professional success.
And electricians must regularly update their knowledge to comply with the latest wiring regulations, such as the 18th Edition, and to master new technologies in areas like smart home systems, renewable energy, and building services engineering.
For many electricians, further education and specialist electrical training courses are key to unlocking new career opportunities and ensuring job security. Whether it’s learning to interpret technical plans, using main software packages for electrical design, or gaining hands-on experience with the latest green technologies, continuous learning is part of the job. This commitment to professional development allows electricians to move into high-demand areas such as solar panel installation, energy storage solutions, and smart building technologies.
At MEL and across the electrical trade, the drive to stay up-to-date isn’t just about meeting industry standards; it’s about future-proofing your career. By pursuing further qualifications and keeping pace with industry trends, electricians can expand their expertise, enhance their earning potential, and remain at the forefront of a sector that’s always on the move.
For Ben and his colleagues, this dedication to learning ensures they’re ready to tackle whatever challenges - and opportunities - the future may bring.
Looking Ahead
Even with his impressive achievements, Ben keeps a grounded perspective:
“I try to stay in the here and now.”
He enjoys his work, especially the technical challenges and the opportunity to keep learning. But he’s also honest: he doesn’t see himself being an electrician forever.
The demand for electricians in the UK is at an all-time high, with a significant skills gap and an ageing workforce driving the need for over 100,000 new electricians by 2032. This makes the approved electrician career journey especially attractive for both new entrants and career changers, who are increasingly joining the trade for its clear career path, high demand, and advancement opportunities.
We know the future for electricians is bright and future-proof, especially for those who pursue further training and specialisation in renewable technologies like solar PV, EV charging, and smart home technologies. Ongoing skill development and higher-level qualifications, such as HNDs or degrees in electrical engineering, can open doors to advanced roles, management, or site supervisory positions - and that's why we're always pushing our team to develop further and pursue CPD opportunities.
Over time, many electricians choose to become self-employed, with some establishing their own businesses, offering services ranging from domestic wiring to specialised industrial work.
To do this, business ownership requires obtaining a contractor's license to bid on contracts and employ other electricians, providing flexibility and the potential for higher earnings. Currently, the average salary for qualified electricians generally falls between £30,000 and £40,000 per year.
The electrical industry offers a broad career path with numerous opportunities for specialisation and advancement as technology evolves, particularly in high-demand fields such as renewable energy technologies and smart home systems.
But for Ben, lighting consultancy, lighting design, or something else entirely - he’s open to the future.
For now, MEL is the right place, the right environment, and the right next step.
And with 100% on his approved electrician exam, it’s clear that whatever Ben tackles next, he’ll do it with the same commitment, curiosity, and quiet determination that have defined his journey so far.
