Electrician and trades CV for the United Kingdom
For electrician and trades jobs in the United Kingdom, lead with Level 3 qualification, 18th Edition (BS 7671) and ECS card. Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2 pages (longer for academic and senior medical CVs). Employers there usually leave out a photo, date of birth and marital status. If you are not a citizen, your right to work or visa status is usually stated.
Build an electrician and trades CV for the United KingdomYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Registration and licences
| Electricians | Level 3 qualification, 18th Edition (BS 7671) and ECS card |
|---|---|
| Plumbers | NVQ Level 2/3 plumbing; WRAS approval |
| Gas engineers | Gas Safe registration |
| HVAC technicians | F-Gas certificate |
Put it near the top of the CV. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress” and the date you applied. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you apply.
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important |
|---|---|
| Licences, tickets & cards | Expected |
| Skills, tools & equipment | Expected |
| Experience | Expected |
| Apprenticeship & training | Recommended |
Length: 2 pages (longer for academic and senior medical CVs).
Personal details in the United Kingdom
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages (longer for academic and senior medical CVs) |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Single column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Usually left out |
| Date of birth | Usually left out |
| Nationality | Usually left out |
| Marital status | Usually left out |
| Right to work / visa status | Usually included |
| References | “References available on request” is fine |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- In the United Kingdom, the Equality Act 2010 lists age, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation among its protected characteristics. Source: legislation.gov.uk
- UK employers must check that a new employee has the right to work in the UK before the job starts. Source: gov.uk
- In the United Kingdom, Acas guidance on age discrimination covers recruitment, including how job applications are assessed. Source: acas.org.uk
- In the United Kingdom, work with children or vulnerable adults usually needs a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS); Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes. Source: gov.uk
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Put licences, trade certificates and safety cards first (e.g. Red Seal, journeyman, CSCS, White Card).
- List tools, machinery and systems you are competent with.
- A driving licence and own tools are worth stating.
- One to two pages; employers read quickly.
- No photo, date of birth or marital status: age, sex and marriage are protected under the Equality Act 2010, so employers generally prefer CVs without them.
- Open with a short personal profile (3–4 lines) aimed at the role.
- If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, state your right to work (e.g. Skilled Worker visa, settled status).
- Two referees are normal; “references available on request” is fine on the CV itself.
Questions
What licences should a trades CV for the United Kingdom show?
Put your licences, trade certificates and safety cards first, each with the issuing body, number and expiry date. For electricians in the United Kingdom, that means Level 3 qualification, 18th Edition (BS 7671) and ECS card; other trades list their own licence or apprenticeship certificate in the same section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a trades CV for the United Kingdom have a photo?
No. Leave the photo off a trades CV for the United Kingdom. Employers there don’t expect one and generally prefer CVs without it, and the CV Atlas readiness check flags a photo if you add one. Use the space for your experience and qualifications, and include a photo only if a job advert asks for one. No photo, date of birth or marital status: age, sex and marriage are protected under the Equality Act 2010, so employers generally prefer CVs without them.
How long should a trades CV be in the United Kingdom?
Aim for 2 pages, the norm in the United Kingdom. Put your licences and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your licences first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a trades CV for the United Kingdom need?
A trades CV for the United Kingdom needs your contact details, experience, licences, tickets and cards and skills, tools and equipment. In the header, include your visa or right-to-work status. Leave out the photo, date of birth and nationality. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for the United Kingdom and Skilled trades CVs in any country.
Other jobs in the United Kingdom: Doctor, Nurse, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Electrician and trades CVs for other countries: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your electrician and trades CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.