Trade Spotlight: Electrical Apprenticeships
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we're exploring the types of Electrical trade roles available in the industry and the qualifications you'll need to make it in this trade - which you can only gain through an Australian apprenticeship.
Everyone thinks of the local sparky when they think about the electrical trade, but take a closer look at many industries and you’ll find an electrical trade specialist utilising their skills and expertise in ways you would never have imagined. Today, we explore the different career outcomes you can achieve through any Electrical Trade Apprenticeship.
The following trade qualifications available through an Australian Apprenticeship with Electrical trade career outcomes include:
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate III in Electrical Machine Repair
- Certificate III in Electrical Fitting
- Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
There are many more specialised Electrical trade certificates that you can undertake as an apprentice depending on the industry you work in.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeships
An Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeship will provide you with the skills to assemble, install, service and repair industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in homes, shops, factories, office buildings and hospitals.
With a qualification in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade, you will become part of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Industry (HVAC). Within the Electrical trade sector, this apprenticeship pathway offers you the most diversity in practical skills exposure. An Air Conditioning and Refrigeration apprenticeship is perfect if you have an investigative mind and would like to do a variety of practical work including (but not limited to) plumbing, sheet metalwork and electrical diagnostics.
Read more about Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Apprenticeships.
Electrician Apprenticeships
An Electrician Apprenticeship will prepare you for a job where you will install, maintain, repair, test and commission electrical equipment and systems for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes.
Depending on your chosen certificate and practical specialisation you could find yourself working in factories that make and/or repair electrical equipment, devices and machinery; repairing and maintaining electronic devices like televisions and radios; or even running your own small business as an Electrical Contractor.
Read more about Electrician Apprenticeships.
Electrical Fitter Apprenticeships
An Electrical Fitter Apprenticeship will prepare you for a job where you will typically work on the development and maintenance of major electrical infrastructure including the wiring between electrical components in power plants or in major machinery used in industries like mining or manufacturing. They are sometimes referred to as an Electrical Fitter Mechanic.
The career pathway for an Electrical Fitter can allow you to specialise as switchboard builders, armature winders (who wind or rewind coils on electrical motors and generators), or electrical instrument fitters (who test, repair and maintain electrical measuring equipment used in industry). There are also further career development opportunities to upgrade to a full electrical licence.
Read more about Electrical Fitter Apprenticeships.
Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeships
Also known as an Electrical Instrumentation Apprenticeship, an Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeship will prepare you for a job where you will primarily focus on the measurement, automation and control of systems used to monitor and maintain temperature, pressure and flow in processes for industries such as mining, oil and gas, food and manufacturing.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills essential for investigating systems, installing equipment, servicing them and ensuring everything is operating at peak performance. This qualification offers opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries. You could find yourself working for large multinational organisations.
Read more about Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeships.
Have any of these Electrical Career options sparked your interest?
Click here to view our latest opportunities on the MIGAS Jobs Board and apply today!