What is an electrical apprenticeship?
An electrical apprenticeship is a type of formal training that you need to undertake to become a qualified electrician in Australia.
Electrician apprenticeships usually take 4 years to complete. Your apprenticeship may take longer if you are still enrolled in high school or working part-time.
Australian Apprenticeships include a mix of on-the-job training in a real work environment, and theory-based learning with a Registered Training Organisation, such as TAFE.
Upon completing your electrician apprenticeship, you will earn a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820).
The skills covered as part of this Certificate III training include:
- General electrical work
- Occupational health and safety requirements
- Installing low-voltage electrical equipment
- Installing appliances, switchgear and accessories
- Verifying the function and compliance of installations
- Terminating cables and electrical accessories
- Troubleshooting and repairing faults in AC and DC systems
- Securing electrical equipment
- Using drawings, diagrams, specifications and industry codes
- Documenting work and applying OHS and workplace codes
- Working with single- and three-phase electrical equipment
- Arranging circuits and protection for general electrical installations
- Applying sustainability principles in the electrical sector
Earning your Certificate III allows you to apply for an unrestricted electrical licence and work without supervision.
During your apprenticeship you will work under the supervision of a qualified electrician. Your employer will provide on-the-job training and instruction to help you build the skills you need to become an electrician.
Assessments include a combination of theory-based exams, skills observations and reports by your employer.
Read more about what's involved in an Electrician Apprenticeship, or view our Jobs Board for current roles.