Whether you’re thinking about dropping out of school to pursue a profession, graduating from high school and preparing to start a career, or simply changing careers, an electrical apprenticeship can represent a very smart move.
In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about becoming an electrician apprentice and completing your electrical apprenticeship.
What are the responsibilities of an electrician?
An electrician’s average day can encompass a wide range of tasks, including installing new electrical systems, maintaining and repairing older systems, and diagnosing defects.
Electricians work in a wide range of settings, including residences, offices, warehouses, mine sites, commercial structures, and construction projects, to name a few.
Like other businesses, the electrical industry is growing increasingly reliant on technology. The electrical industry is becoming more sophisticated as our communications, computer, and digital technologies become more sophisticated. The rapid pace of technological advancement is thrilling for everyone, but especially for electricians who are passionate about their work.
What is an electrician apprenticeship?
You must complete an electrician apprenticeship to become a practising electrician. This four-year curriculum combines both paid labour and more formal and structured instruction under the guidance of a more experienced and certified electrician.
Apprenticeships are training programmes that combine classroom learning with on-the-job training and experience to provide you with practical skills and knowledge. The training can be completed at a local TAFE or through a Registered Training Organization (RTO).
How long does it take to become an electrician?
Two distinct certificates will be completed as part of your electrician training and apprenticeship: The Certificate II in Electrotechnology (UEE22011) and the Electrician Certificate III in Electrotechnology (UEE30811). Some training institutes provide both of these certifications, while others focus on one or the other.
What can you expect to earn as an apprentice?
One of the advantages of the apprenticeship programme is that you can earn money while studying and gaining qualifications. Your weekly earnings as an apprentice will be determined by a number of factors, including your degree of education and training, as well as your technical abilities. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if you want to have a private conversation regarding specific electrician apprenticeship earnings and salary.
The most frequent annual wage for electricians in Australia is between $65,000 and $75,000. In certain states, such as Washington, the most frequent income is around $130,000.
What skills do you need?
It is not difficult to become an electrician, but it does necessitate specific abilities and an awareness of what it takes to be a great electrician.
Electricians are required to work with circuits, electrical appliances, electrical systems, etc. So, if you don’t think your personality qualities and skill set are fit for such employment, it’s worth looking into other options.
Is it difficult to work as an electrician apprentice?
Both yes and no. In terms of academics, if you’re good at math, such as percentages, vectors, and trigonometry, an electrical apprenticeship will be a lot easier for you. While having this kind of technical knowledge is beneficial, you don’t have to worry if you’re not a natural mathematician. That is the purpose of your apprenticeship: To train and educate you! What matters most is that you’re patient, have decent people skills, and are responsible.
Physically, good eyesight and the ability to discriminate between coloured wires are advantageous. It’s also a major benefit if you have excellent fine motor and hand-eye coordination. Electrical work can be physically demanding; therefore, you should be reasonably fit. You may need to work at heights or at least above ground level, depending on the type of electrical work you do.
You’ll also need to know how to use the numerous electrical tools and equipment that are essential for the work. You don’t need to know how to utilise these tools at a professional level to begin your apprenticeship; your job experience and training will teach you everything you need to know.
What should you know before starting as an electrician apprentice?
You don’t need any prior experience to become an apprentice electrician; your apprenticeship and training will arm you with all of the necessary abilities. However, there are some qualities that an employer would look for before offering you an apprenticeship. Employers seek a sense of responsibility and dependability, as well as personal, communication, and professional abilities, as well as a standard degree of competence. If you truly want to achieve, you must also be open to learning and developing.
Take a detailed look at the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site for further information, assistance, and even some aptitude quizzes if you’re not sure what kind of professional route you want to take or if you have the ability to be an electrician.
Why do most electricians go through an apprenticeship programme?
When you decide to become an electrician, you may not know the type of electrician you want to work as. Starting with basic electrical work and progressing to the essential abilities of your chosen specialisation, your apprenticeship programme will teach you a broad range of skills. Basically, an apprenticeship is on-the-job training to guarantee you know what it takes to be an electrician.
How can I become a successful electrician?
When it comes to how to become a great electrician, you’ll need to have a positive attitude, show up on time for jobs, keep learning new skills, and be kind to your customers. Along with the technical and important training aspects of the profession, you’ll learn all of these abilities while finishing your apprenticeship. You also can’t forget to get public liability insurance to cover yourself and your work, small mistakes can cause huge costs and set backs in your career.
What happens when the electrician’s apprenticeship is completed?
You’ll need to apply for a licence to operate as an unsupervised electrician after your training and apprenticeship are completed. After that, you’ll be able to work for another organisation or strike out on your own. If your supervisor is impressed with your work ethic and expertise throughout your apprenticeship, it’s not uncommon for them to give you regular work. (Keep in mind that you’ll still be paid during your apprenticeship.)
You can find suitable jobs via an array of avenues, including recruiting networks, jobs portals, recruitment agencies, and directly on company websites. Alternatively, you may wish to set up your own business as a sole trader.
How do you become an electrician apprentice?
If you’re interested in a future as an electrician and are ready to start looking for electrical apprenticeship options, contact your local TAFE or careers centre. All of the connections for different states and territories can be found here.
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The Australian Apprenticeships Support Network is an excellent resource for aspiring electrical apprentices, and they can assist you throughout the registration and application process. The Network can assist you in locating an electrical apprenticeship programme, a Registered Training Organization, and an employer, as well as with your training contract, counselling, apprenticeship assistance, and determining your eligibility for Trade Support Loans.
