Electrician training: how to become a skilled tradesman in construction

The construction sector in Flanders is crying out for electricians. It is a bottleneck profession: vacancies are hard to fill and employers offer attractive conditions. Anyone who completes a recognized training course therefore has an edge. But which course should you choose? And how long does it take? Below I list all the options, with concrete information about duration, costs and what you can earn afterwards.

Which training options exist in Flanders?

You can become an electrician in several ways. The three main providers are VDAB, Syntra and the adult education centers (CVO). In addition, dual learning exists for those who already work or have an apprenticeship contract. For school leavers there is also a full-time daytime course in secondary or higher education, but most adults opt for evening classes or a VDAB program.

• VDAB: free for job seekers, job-oriented training, often with an internship. Takes 3 to 12 months, depending on your prior knowledge.
• Syntra: practice-oriented courses in evening or weekend classes, often 2 years. Recognized for self-employed people in secondary or main occupation.
• CVO (adult education center): evening or daytime classes, modular structure. Usually takes 2 to 3 years. You obtain a recognized certificate.
• Dual learning: you combine working and learning. You get an apprenticeship contract and work 4 days a week at a construction company, 1 day at school. Takes 2 to 3 years. Ideal if you prefer to earn money immediately.

How long does electrician training take?

That depends on your prior education and the program. Those with no prior knowledge at all should count on 2 to 3 years. If you already have a technical background, you can progress faster through exemptions. A VDAB course for job seekers sometimes takes only 3 to 6 months, because it is very intensive and aimed at direct employment. An evening course at Syntra or CVO spreads the same material over 2 years, with 1 to 2 class evenings per week.

How much does electrician training cost?

The price varies greatly by provider. VDAB courses are free for job seekers and for those receiving a living wage or unemployment benefit. At Syntra you pay a registration fee, usually between 200 and 800 euros per year, depending on the campus and program. CVO courses charge a registration fee per module, often around 1.5 euros per class hour. In addition, you have costs for work clothes, tools and course materials. Those who are employed can sometimes use Flemish training leave or the SME portfolio. Check with your employer or VDAB for support.

What do you learn during the training?

Electricity is broader than pulling wires. A good course covers both theory and practice. You learn to connect distribution boards, install lighting, place sockets and switches, as well as detect and repair faults. Safety comes first: you learn to work according to the AREI (General Regulations on Electrical Installations). In addition, measurement technology, basic electronics and sometimes home automation are covered. Those who later want to become self-employed can take extra modules on entrepreneurship.

What do you earn as an electrician?

A starting electrician in Flanders earns gross between 2,200 and 2,600 euros per month. With a few years of experience, that rises to 2,800 to 3,500 euros gross. As a self-employed person, your daily rate is often between 250 and 400 euros, but then you pay your own social contributions and insurance. Because electrician is a bottleneck profession, you can often negotiate extra benefits such as a company car, meal vouchers or a higher salary. Keep in mind that net wages are lower due to Belgian tax pressure.

Where can you work after your training?

With a recognized diploma or certificate, you will quickly find work at construction companies, electrical installers, industry or facility services. Many graduates start as employees and grow into team leader, site manager or self-employed electrician. Flexi-jobs in construction are also popular for those who want extra income. Check the electrician vacancies on our site and apply spontaneously to a construction boss in your region.

When is the best time to start the training?

Most courses start in September, after the summer holidays. Those who decide in spring have the best chance of a place. Some centers also organize a second intake in February. July is traditionally a quiet month: campuses close and there are no new intake moments. So don't plan your registration at the last minute. VDAB organizes intakes all year round, but group courses often follow the school year.

Can you become an electrician without a diploma?

For many jobs in construction, a VDAB certificate or a certificate from a recognized center is sufficient. An official secondary education diploma is not always required, as long as you demonstrate the technical skills. For self-employed people in a main occupation, a business management certificate via Syntra may be required. Employers mainly look at your practical experience and safety certificates such as BA4 or VCA. If you don't have a diploma yet, a VDAB course is the fastest route.

Considering a career as an electrician in Flanders? Also read our guide on jobs in the construction sector or discover which other construction professions are also bottleneck occupations.

An electrician installs, repairs, and maintains electrical installations. The tasks differ greatly depending on whether you work in homes, offices, or factories.

Residential electrician

You pull wiring in new-build homes, install distribution boards, and connect lighting, sockets, and switches. During renovations, you replace outdated installations and prepare everything for inspection. Increasingly, you also install charging stations, solar panels, and smart thermostats.

Commercial electrician

In offices, shops, schools, and healthcare facilities, you work on more extensive distribution boards, emergency lighting, and data cabling. Home automation and energy management are becoming more important. Assignments last longer and often take place in teams with other technicians.

Industrial electrician

In production environments, you connect machines, program controls, and troubleshoot faults. Preventive maintenance prevents downtime. Knowledge of PLC controls, frequency drives, and safety relays makes you extra valuable here.

A starter without experience in Flanders earns between 2,200 and 2,600 euros gross per month. After three to five years, the gross salary is between 2,800 and 3,400 euros. Specialized industrial electricians with shift premiums earn 3,800 to 4,200 euros gross.

Net, depending on your family situation, 1,900 to 2,500 euros remain. Many employers add meal vouchers of 6 to 8 euros per worked day. Eco vouchers, a year-end bonus, and a company car or mobility budget are not uncommon in the construction sector.

Hourly rate of a self-employed electrician

As a self-employed professional, you invoice 40 to 60 euros per hour excluding VAT. In major cities such as Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels, rates are at the higher end. Travel costs are charged separately or included in the rate. Urgent interventions outside office hours sometimes cost 70 to 90 euros per hour.

After your training, you start as a fitter or assistant. With experience and additional training, you can grow into a team leader or site manager. These roles combine technical work with planning and supervising colleagues.

Which certificates accelerate your career?

• BA4/BA5: authorization for work on electrical installations.
• VCA: safety certificate, required on many construction sites and in factories.
• AREI knowledge: essential for inspections and compliance.

If you want to become self-employed, you also need a business management certificate. Combinations with evening courses, such as HVAC or home automation, broaden your assignments. Some electricians advance to estimator, prevention advisor, or electrical project manager.