If you’re considering your future career options, you should definitely look into a career as an electrician. As long as we’re dependant on electricity, there’s going to be a demand for electricians so it’s an important job to have.
But, if you’re wondering how to get started in this industry, we’ve put together a handy guide just for you. It covers your journey from pre-apprenticeship, right up to having a fulfilling career in the electrical industry.
How do I know if a career as an electrician is right for me?
There are some attributes that will make you more suited to a career in the electrical industry. A mechanical aptitude and some basic mathematical skill is an important pre-requisite to an electrical career. You will also be able to build and learn these skills as you go.
Electricians also need to be quite physical, as they are on their feet for most of the day. In addition, fine motor skills and good balance will be helpful for your day-to-day work. Additionally, good communication, problem solving skills, and an ability to work well in a team will take you far in your electrical career.
What is an electrical pre-apprenticeship?
An
electrical pre-apprenticeship is an entry-level training program that can provide a pathway into the industry. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong foundation for a fulfilling career, as well as build some vital safety skills.
Want to know more? Here’s a blog on the
major benefits of doing a pre-apprenticeship.
What is an apprenticeship?
Once you’ve completed a pre-apprenticeship, you’ll be in a great position to secure an
apprenticeship with an employer.
An electrical apprenticeship is a structured program where you learn on the job while attending off the job training. It also helps to expand your network contacts within the industry.
Interested in finding out more information? Learn about
different apprenticeship pathways here.
How long does it take to become an electrician apprentice?
Pre-apprenticeship courses for general students usually run over 3 months, with work experience on top of that. If you are doing your pre-apprenticeship in school, it runs over year 11 and year 12.
The length of your apprenticeship depends on your employer but is usually four years long.
Is an electrician apprenticeship hard?
During your electrical apprenticeship, there will be lots to do and you will definitely be busy. However, it’s not significantly harder than learning other trades or getting a university degree. The apprenticeship classroom training involves labs where you will undertake practical and hands-on learning to equip you with real experience. You can also work for an electrical contractor where you improve your skills and gain more experience.
What happens after I graduate?
Once you’ve graduated from your apprenticeship, you will receive your qualification and are considered to be a qualified electrician. This means you can work on your own and even supervise other staff.
In some cases, you will be able to retain employment from your apprenticeship. However, if this is not possible you will be able to leverage the industry contacts you have made in your pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship to gain further employment.
What are my job opportunities?
An electrical apprenticeship will open up a lot of job opportunities for your career and is one of the most in-demand trades in 2021. There’s never been a time with more opportunities for electricians than now, with the rise in emerging technologies such as home automation, renewable energy and robotics. In SEEK, there are over
10 thousand job opportunities in Australia and the industry is projected to grow by 10.9% in 5 years. According to
Job Outlook, the average weekly income for an electrician in 2021 is $1,823, which is nearly a six-figure yearly income.
As an electrician apprentice, some of the career options includes:
- Electronic equipment technician
This may involve installing, repairing and servicing electronic equipment, such as lifts, television, ovens, across commercial and residential settings.
- Technical cable jointer
The job responsibilities include repairing, terminating, constructing and servicing insulated power supply in underground power tables or overhead high voltage supply systems.
- Industrial technicians
You might expect to work with larger equipment, such as wind turbines, generators, or motors. This job option requires collaborative work with engineers and other parties to achieve the tasks at hand.
If you’re hardworking and committed to being an electrician, you can even go onto leadership roles and even be promoted to estimator, sales manager and upper management positions.
You could even be your own boss, as lots of successful electricians go on to run their own businesses.
Kick start your electrical career with CET
If you’re ready to embark on an exciting and fulfilling career in the electrical industry, get in touch with us today or find out more information about our
pre-apprenticeship electrical training and courses here.