Your apprenticeship will consist of a mix of theory and practical learning. Your theory based work will be done via TAFE or a Recognised Training Organisation such as a skills centre and you will need to complete a Cert III in elecotechnology. You will also need to complete paid on the job practical experience via your employer.

Your employer, who will provide you with practical experience during your apprenticeship is governed by the National Training Wage Award. This means that all wages for apprentices are standard across the board and each year you will receive a slight increase.

The Australian Government also offers apprentices a Trade Support Loan Program to help with the cost of living while completing your apprenticeship. Australian apprentices who are studying a cert III or IV qualification are eligible for a loan of up to $20,000 tax free under the TSL. The loans under the TSL program are repayable once the apprentice is earning a sustainable income just like a HELP debt for tertiary students. To apply for this TSL program your Australian Apprenticeship Centre (ACC) will provide you with a Trade Support Loan application form which will need to be lodged along with your Tax File Number (TFN).

Once you have completed your apprenticeship which usually takes 4 years (dependant on any prior training) you will be eligible for an “A” grade electrical licence. Once you are a qualified electrician you can expect to earn an average weekly wage of around $950.00 however this could be slightly more if you have a speciality such as powerline worker or for example an industrial electrician.

If becoming an Electrician interests you, you should make contact with employers offering apprenticeships and also inquire via TAFE as to which colleges provide the qualifications you are looking for and to find out if there are any entry requirements for the course. You should also make contact with an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (ACC) who will also be able to assist you with starting your apprenticeship.

If you are looking for jobs for apprentices you should look on www.findallelectricaljobs.com.au – a specialist jobs board for the electrical niche. With many jobs for apprentices listed by leading Australian employers it is your first stop for finding a suitable apprenticeship to start you on your journey to becoming an electrician.