Electrician (general) – Career Centre

Electricians may work in workshops or on location at construction sites, private dwellings, industrial plants, power stations, offices and anywhere requiring electrical maintenance. They may work in cramped conditions or at heights, and sometimes their work can be dangerous. They usually work normal business hours but may be required to be on call day or night to conduct emergency repairs.

According to industry, electricians can expect to earn as much as approximately $1200.00 per week (full-time and before tax). Self-employed electricians can often earn more.

Electricians use tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, drills and wire strippers. They also use ohmmeters or voltmeters for testing electrical equipment. Since the work can sometimes be dangerous, they may be required to wear and use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as bright and reflective safety clothing, hard hats, earmuffs, gloves, goggles and enclosed steel-capped boots.

To become an electrician you usually need to complete an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson or Electrical Mechanic Electrotechnology Electrician apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally-recognised qualification. The apprenticeship usually takes 4 years to complete. Visit the ApprentiCentre to find out more.

To improve your chances of gaining an apprenticeship, you can learn some relevant electrical skills through the Certificate I in Engineering (Pre-Apprenticeship - Electrical), which includes a supervised work placement. The Certificate takes 6 months (1 semester) full-time to complete.

If you are still at school, you may be able to access an apprenticeship through your school. You generally start your school-based apprenticeship by attending school three days a week, spending one day at a registered training organisation and one day at work.

Talk to your schools VET Co-ordinator to discuss possibly starting your training now through VET in Schools.

If you get a full-time apprenticeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school leaving age.

If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Studying English and mathematics at school will help you in your further studies in this area.

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Electrician (general) - Career Centre