Do you enjoy hands-on work, have good problem-solving, math, and technical skills, and seek a well-paid, stable, and flexible trade job? A career as an Electrician could be perfect for you.
Electricians design, assemble, fit, test, diagnose, repair, and maintain electrical networks, systems, equipment, parts, appliances, circuits, and facilities for residential, industrial, and commercial purposes.
Most Australian employers require potential candidates to have a Certificate III in electrotechnology (Electrician or systems electrician) for an Electrician role. This course is part of an apprenticeship.
So, if you have what it takes to be a successful sparky, read the post below and learn how to become a licensed and qualified electrician in Australia. This post will discuss what training you need to get started in the Australian electrical industry. So keep reading.
1. What Is An Electrician?
Electricians install, repair and maintain electrical systems. Their main job is to test and install new systems, diagnose and fix electrical faults, and maintain electronic systems and equipment in homes, businesses, and industrial plants.
Electricians may also work on distribution equipment and electrical transmission. Additionally, electricians use various power and hand tools to get the job done. These must-have electrician tools may include saws and drills, wire strippers, and diagnostic equipment.
2. Primary Duties And Tasks Of An Electrician
An electrician's daily tasks and duties vary, depending on their chosen specialisation. However, here are some of the most common responsibilities that an electrician performs:
Testing and installing electrical systems and their components.
Repairing and maintaining electrical appliances.
Replacing and repairing defective parts and faulty wiring.
Laying out and measuring installation reference points.
Examining wiring diagrams, blueprints, and other specifications to determine methods and sequences of operation.
Installing and positioning electrical switchboards.
Cutting, selecting, and connecting cables and wires to connectors or terminals.
Testing continuity of the circuit.
Using electronic or electrical test instruments to diagnose or trace faults.
Connecting electrical systems to the power supply.
Removing potential electrical hazards.
3. What Skills Do Electricians Need?
Working as an electrician offers you a brilliant range of expertise at work. The job requires considerable skills like logical thinking, technical knowledge, and the ability to do practical tasks.
Additionally, you must know about circuits, electricity, and how it operates to maintain safety. It would help if you also had a sharp analytical mind to detect faults.
All in all, the work of an electrician is potentially risky, mainly if he is incautious or careless. As an electrician, you must follow the techniques you learn and the health and safety protocols.
Furthermore, you must communicate well with others and work independently without supervision. You should also know how to read, perceive, and follow electrical diagrams carefully.
Here are some of the skill requirements for an electrician:
Aptitude for electronics and mechanics.
A thorough technical understanding.
Strong hand-eye coordination and good eyesight.
Precise and detail-oriented.
Able to think logically and possess diagnostic ability.
Good communication skills and troubleshooter.
Able to work both as a part of a team and independently.
Able to cope with physically demanding work.
4. What Are The Educational And Training Requirements For An Electrician In Australia?
Usually, you need to complete your apprenticeship or traineeship to become an electrician in Australia. Electrician apprenticeship requirements in Australia may differ from one sector to the other. Still, most employers require you to have a Year 10 qualification, or they may even ask for Year 12.
Here are some of the options that you can consider if you want to become an electrician in Australia:
Additional Information:
Once your traineeship or apprenticeship is complete, you must apply for an electrician's license.
Remember, as registration and licensing requirements can differ between states and territories, you must ensure to check with the relevant licensing authority or department in your state or territory.
5. Steps To Become An Electrician In Australia
If you want to become an electrician in Australia, here is a step-by-step guide you need to follow:
Step 1: Apply For an Apprenticeship
In Australia, the journey to becoming an electrician starts with an apprenticeship. It is one of the best ways to learn about becoming an electrician. When you look for an apprenticeship, modify your application accordingly.
You can highlight the most relevant experiences you have gained and focus on all your strengths. Furthermore, you can also consider applying for a general electrician course before the apprenticeship. It will reflect your commitment to the industry.
Step 2: Apply for an Electrician Licence
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, it's time to apply for an electrician license through your local authority. You can work as an electrician without supervision when you get the license.
Just check what you can do to get an electrician license before you start training. This way, you can prepare for success and get the best results.
Step 3: Get Experience
After completing your electrician training and getting your license, it is crucial to start building your experience. You must polish your skills and learn about the vast electrical industry for better job opportunities.
Step 4: Consider Specialisation
In Australia, you will find electricians working in almost all sectors. Therefore, when gaining experience, you can consider a specialisation in a particular field, depending on your preferred work environment. It will help you to build your strengths and get the desired job.
Here are a few specialisations you can consider:
6. How To Find An Electrician Apprenticeship?
As a trainee or apprentice, you enter into a professional training arrangement with an employer that allows you to complete your training and receive a nationally recognised certification. It is where you learn new skills, work, and get professionally trained by a registered training provider.
One of the best ways to find a job as an electrical apprentice is to look for a local energy provider in your area and ask them in person if you can work for them as an apprentice.
You will find several energy contractors across Australia who offers paid apprenticeship programs to become an electrician. For most apprenticeship organisations, the only entry requirement is that you should have Australian citizenship with a high school degree.
You can also visit the Australian Apprenticeships support network to help you find an apprenticeship anywhere in Australia.
If you know someone who is a professional and a registered electrician, you can join them for a few hours every week and look at what they do while working.
They help you connect with co-workers or other people in the electrical industry. A lot of people launch their electrical careers through personal contacts.
Remember, showing interest and commitment can go a long way and help you express your ambitions and beliefs to a potential employer.
7. Electrician Courses In Australia
The following are the ideal qualifications to embark on a career in the high-tech Electrotechnology industry.
The Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) is a foundational course that most leading electrical companies consider an essential pre-apprenticeship qualification.
The TAFE electrician course provides training similar to that of a first-year electrical apprentice. The course helps improve work skills for the electrical trades and gives you an advantage over non-trained job applicants. It is also a pathway to Cert 3 course that qualifies you to become a licensed Electrician in Australia.
The Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) apprenticeship program provides on-the-job training to teach you the necessary theoretical and practical components to work at a trade level as an electrical apprentice.
You qualify to become a licensed electrician upon completing the certificate and apprenticeship.
Some of the top Australian universities, TAFE institutions, and RTOs offer these courses:
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) - TAFE Queensland
Electrotechnology (Career Start) – Certificate II - NSW Government
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) – TAFE SA
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) - Swinburne University
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician - Charles Darwin University
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician - Swinburne University of Technology
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician - RMIT University
Suppose you want to know how to become an electrician in Melbourne. In that case, this qualification will equip you with the essential trade skills and knowledge to offer paid services as a professional licensed electrician in Australia.
8. Employment Opportunities For An Electrician In Australia
Electricians in Australia can work in various fields, including:
Electrical
Construction
Manufacturing
Water supply
Renewable energy sector to install and design solar power systems
Transport and storage
Minerals
Mining
Business and domestic electronics retail and service such as refrigeration and air conditioning, security systems, etc.
Some even work with government organisations, in-house for large companies, within smaller operations, as self-employed tradespeople, for electrician contractors, or as external consultants.
The industry's IT and data communication facets are also becoming extremely relevant as emerging technologies transform how organisations work. Recent developments in data communication and home automation indicate that the technological transition in the electrical industry will continue to advance.
Some electricians may study further to build skills in electrical engineering, dual trade qualifications, or specialisation to advance their careers.
Gaining relevant experience and further professional training may help them get promoted to managerial, engineering, supervisory, or technician positions or obtain an electrical contractor license and operate a business.
9. What Are The Working Conditions For An Electrician?
You will find electricians working in various settings like private homes, workshops, and factories. Their job profile may require them to stand for long hours, work in confined spaces, and interact with the public.
They are usually required to work at any time and in all weather conditions, as most systems they work on require maintenance in various locations and at unpredictable times.
Also, the work is quite physical and may use ladders or stand on high platforms to work on towers, masts, and roofs.
When working as an electrician, you should know all the safety protocols and wear safety goggles and protective gear. It will help reduce exposure to hazards and protect them from dust, debris, dirt, extreme sunlight, fumes, rain, and snow.
Electricians usually work full-time in the morning, afternoon, or evening. They may require working irregular hours at night, on weekends, and on holidays to meet customer needs.
As overtime work is routine in the profession, finding the best work-life balance is hard. However, self-employed people can set their hours and work a more consistent schedule.
10. The Most Common Electrician Job Positions In Australia
Residential Electrician
Electrician Helper
Apprentice Electrician
Electrician
Industrial Electrician
Solar Electrician
Power Plant & Substation Electrician - Technician - Apprentice
Electrician - Crane Technician
Electricians & Electrical Trade Assistants
Electrical Instrumentation Technician
Shutdown Electricians & Supervisors
Construction Electrician
Maintenance Electrician
Electrical Fitter Mechanic
11. Electrician Career Path In Australia
According to Glassdoor, as electricians gain experience and training, they can progress in their careers in the following manner:
Electrician: $41K - $63K / year
Senior Electrician: $58K - $94K /year
Electrician IV: $52K - $77K / year
Electrician V: $47K - $70K /year
Director of Electrical: $98K - $163K /year
Chief Electrician: $78K - $131K /year
12. Job Outlook For Electricians In Australia
ANZSCO ID 3411 (Electricians)
Electrotechnology is a rapidly progressing industry that is inevitable for today's energy-dependent lifestyle.
Most large industry organisations, including mining, construction, and manufacturing, employ an in-house team of electricians to maintain their electrical systems.
According to Labour Market Insights, worker numbers will grow strongly from 143,100 in 2021 to 157,700 by 2026. It shows that it is a reliable professional to walk in.
Working Arrangements
Around 90% of employed Electricians work full-time for an average of 45 hours per week. Over 1/3rd workers regularly work for additional hours (paid or unpaid).
Major Industries For Employment
Around 68.0% of Electricians work in the Construction industry. Work opportunities are also available in:
Manufacturing
Mining
Electricity, gas, water, and waste services sector
Percentage Of Employment Across Australia
Around 44% of Electricians live outside of capital cities. Western Australia has a relatively larger employment share concerning its population size.
New South Wales - 29.3%
Victoria - 22.1%
Queensland - 22.7%
South Australia - 6.7%
Western Australia - 14.2%
Tasmania - 2.0%
Northern Territory - 1.7%
Australian Capital Territory - 1.3%
Electrician's Age and Gender Profile
The average age of Electricians is 34 years, with most between 25 and 34 years. Females constitute 2% of the workforce which is 46 percentage points below the average of all jobs, i.e., 48%.
13. What Is The Salary Of An Australian Electrician?
According to Pay Scale, the average hourly pay for an Electrician is AU$33.69/ hour. A profession as an electrician does offer substantial income based on the hours you work and the client load you take on.
Salary Based on Experience
Entry-level (< 1 year experience): AU$27.19 per hour
Early career (1-4 years of experience): AU$29.41 per hour
Mid-career (5-9 years of experience): AU$34.51 per hour
Experienced (10-19 years of experience): AU$37.18 per hour
Late career (20 years and above): AU$ 38 per hour.
Highest Paying Locations for Electricians in Australia
Darwin: $61.77 per hour
Perth: $59.25 per hour
Mackay: $56.07 per hour
West Pennant Hills: $50.17 per hour
Brisbane: $47.90 per hour
Melbourne: $47.70 per hour
Derrimut: $46.97 per hour
Sydney: $46.33 per hour
Sydney Western Suburbs: $45.90 per hour
Highest-Paying Industries for Electricians in Australia
Mining, Resources & Energy: $131,376 per year
Construction: $94,807 per year
Engineering: $90,572 per year
Trades and Services: $86,688 per year
Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics: $86,560 per year
Government & Defence: $74,652 per year
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does It Take To Become an Electrician in Australia?
You must usually complete a four-year apprenticeship offered as part of the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician course and complete specific licensing assessments. It is required to obtain an electrician license.
Once you complete the apprenticeship, you can apply for full-time electrician roles without requiring any prior electrical work experience.
Is Becoming an Electrician Hard in Australia?
If you are asking yourself, is an electrician a hard job? Is it the right career for you? You should know that no job is difficult if you get professional training and have the right mindset. Try specialising in a particular field and focus on taking one step at a time.
An apprenticeship program is the best way to learn how to become an electrician. You work full-time with an electrical contractor as an apprentice and take a minimum training of two to four hours per week.
Training may involve practical learning of aspects you learned in your electrical course. It will further make everything easy when you start working as an electrician.
What Electrician Makes The Most Money in Australia?
The average salary of the different electrician roles in Australia:
Electrical Foreman: Average $112,389 per year
Industrial Electrician: Average $99,762 per year
Maintenance Electrician: Average $84,887 per year
Journeyperson Electrician: Average $83,848 per year
Electrical Technician: Average $78,934 per year
Electrician: Average AU$75,503 per year
Commercial Electrician: Average $68.407 per year
So, the Electrical Foreman makes the most money in Australia.
How Much Does a 1st-year Apprentice Electrician Earn in Australia?
According to Indeed, the Apprentice electrician's salary in Australia is $56,389 per year. It depends on various factors, including:
Your age
The relevant award
Work location
Most Australian electrical apprenticeships are covered by the federal award and the apprenticeship salary increases annually with your experience.
Based on Indeed, the highest-paying locations for Apprentice Electricians are:
Brisbane - $107,707 per year
Wollongong - $58,759 per year
Canberra - $54,552 per year
Melbourne - $54,552 per year
Sydney - $53,659 per year
Perth - $52,865 per year
Newcastle - $51,574 per year
Rowville - $51,193 per year
Gold Coast - $48,016 per year
Who Earns More, Electricians or Plumbers in Australia?
According to Pay Scale, the average salary for an Electrician is AU$75,503, and the average salary for a Plumber is AU$69,063. It shows that electricians earn a slightly higher wage than plumbers in Australia.
Which State Pays Electricians The Most in Australia?
According to Labour Market Insights, Darwin, Northern Territory, pays the highest salary of $61.77 per hour to Electricians in Australia.
What is The Highest-Paid Trade Job in Australia?
According to Indeed, highest paying trades (with national average salary) in Australia are:
HVAC technician: $127,390 per year
Painter: $97,471 per year
Landscaper: $96,783 per year
Carpenter: $86,328 per year
Electrician: $85,283 per year
Handyman: $85,232 per year
Dental Hygienist: $84,469 per year
Concreter: $84,389 per year
Inspector: $83,191 per year
Builder: $81,318 per year
Boilermaker: $81,052 per year
Roofer: $79,863 per year
Lighting Consultant: $72,615 per year
Plumber: $69,146 per year
Bricklayer: $66,426 per year
Exterminator: $63,511 per year
Plasterer: $53,539 per year
Removalist: $50,073 per year
What is The Lowest-Paid Trade in Australia?
Based on the above list, removalists with a national average salary of $50,073 per year are the lowest-paid trade in Australia.
How Long is The Electrician Course in Australia?
Complete a four years Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) as part of an apprenticeship. It includes structured training via a workplace experience and registered training organisation.
What Is The Highest Paid Electrician per Hour?
As per Indeed, the salary of an electrician depends on their experience level, specialisation, work location, and more.
Salary Based on Level of Experience
Apprentice Electrician: $18.14 per hour / $56,389 per year
Junior Electrician: $40.80 per hour / $79,915 per year
Senior Electrician: $55.33 Per hour / $129,950 per year
Salary Based on Their Specialisation
Master electrician: $42.39 per hour / $76,773 per year
Residential Electrician: $35.38 per hour / $69,808 per year
Commercial Electrician: $46.45 per hour/ $62,603 per year
Industrial Electrician: $50.90 per hour/$88,108 per year
Thus, Industrial Electricians working in a senior role receives the highest salary within the electrotechnology industry.
Is Electrician A Good Career in Australia?
Yes. An electrician is a well-paid career in Australia. The profession demands a unique skill set and offers multiple job opportunities nationwide. The government expects the industry is set to boom with the amount of anticipated development within Australia.
Here are some excellent reasons to pursue a career as an Electrician:
1. Employment Opportunities
Almost every individual, institution, or business needs an electrician for their valuable skills that helps keep electrical systems in order.
When any building or entire geographical area faces power disruptions, they rely on an electrician to restore the power supply.
Due to being high in demand, electricians can find a diverse range of job opportunities in governments, companies, and manufacturers.
2. Career Advancement Opportunities
The profession provides ample scope for career advancement and specialisation. As you build experience and knowledge, you can train further to pursue the following in-demand and lucrative roles in Australia:
Solar panel electrician
Electrical assembler
Industrial Electrician
Electrical designer
3. No Formal Qualification Required
You usually don't need any university-level undergraduate or bachelor's degree to work as an electrician. Thus, you save on tuition, accommodation, and learning materials costs.
4. Decent Earnings
Due to their high-demand skills and the ability to work in high-risk activities, electricians are compensated well across Australia.
The national average salary for workers in this profession is AU$33.69/ hour, which can increase as you develop more work experience, work in high-paying locations, specialises in a niche, work overtime, and earn certifications that may give you a competitive edge.
5. Favourable Job Outlook
According to Labour Market Insights, the profession expects a strong % job growth of 10.2% in the next five years. According to the estimation, there will be 14,200 new job vacancies between 2021 to 2026. Moreover, worker numbers will rise from 143,100 in 2021 to 157,700 in 2026.
6. Scope for Self-Employment
Another advantage of working in this profession is that you can own your business or work as an entrepreneur or freelancer, which gives you greater flexibility to set your working hours, pay rates, and project schedules.
Self-employed electricians primarily work as independent contractors by owning a small electrical company and recruiting and managing a team of skilled workers. They can use their business to receive tax write-offs that, in turn, help save money at the year's end.
7. Paid Apprenticeships
Last but not least, the apprenticeship program that qualifies you for a license is a paid program where the training institutes pay you for the entire training duration. So, overall, you incur minimal expense while pursuing the Electrician career.
Despite the above positive aspects of the profession, it is also essential to know a few non-ideal aspects, such as safety concerns, long-term apprenticeship programs, environmental conditions, and irregular working hours.
Being informed about the career's pros and cons will help you make the right career decision.
How Much Do Self-Employed Electricians Make in Australia?
How much an electrician business owners make depends on several factors and varies by region. Some of these include:
The region you serve customers
No. of hours worked
Fixed and variable costs
Work experience
Current prices
Added credentials
Mostly, customers prefer paying premium prices to electricians with more than a decade of experience and added credentials. This way, with more experience, you can charge higher charges.
According to Indeed, the high-paying locations for Electricians in Australia are:
Darwin: $61.77 per hour
Perth: $59.25 per hour
Mackay: $56.07 per hour
West Pennant Hills: $50.17 per hour
Brisbane: $47.90 per hour
Melbourne: $47.70 per hour
Derrimut: $46.97 per hour
Sydney: $46.33 per hour
Sydney Western Suburbs: $45.90 per hour
How To Become an Electrician Without an Apprenticeship in Australia?
Considering the safety concerns of electrical trade work, Australian electrical boards and licensing authorities mandate to have an apprenticeship contract, a license, or a specific permit to work as qualified professionals on electrical systems.
This helps confirm the skills and experiences of each individual before employing them to work in the electrical field.
Most states need evidence of an electrical apprenticeship to issue an electrical license. Completing a Certificate III in electrotechnology (Electrician or systems electrician) (completed as part of 3-4 years of training) will help you apply for an electrician license in your respective state/ territory.
How To Become an Electrician in Australia for International Students?
International students with electrician qualifications and skills must obtain a positive skills assessment to apply for a PR visa in Australia. TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) is the skills assessment authority for trade qualifications.
The assessment comprises two steps:
Step 1: Verification of your education, qualifications, and experience
Step 2: Technical test
After completing these stages, you will obtain an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). It allows you to apply for a provisional license in any state/ territory in Australia you wish to work in.
Next, you must gain the qualifications and training necessary to earn your full license. Ausinet is a nationally-recognised training institute that offers electrician courses for overseas students in Australia. Some of these include:
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
Certificate III in Instrumentation And Control (UEE31220)
However, having a work license alone does not guarantee a work visa. You must apply for the correct visa via Employer sponsored or General Skilled Migration stream.
Potential Permanent Visas For Electricians In Australia:
186 - Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
187 - Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
189 - Skilled Independent (subclass 189) - Points-Tested
190 - Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) - State or Territory nominated
489 - Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) - Family sponsored
491 - Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family-Sponsored
491 - Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) State or Territory nominated
How Long is an Electrical Work License Valid in Australia?
In Australia, electricians receive a license for up to five years. You need to renew it before it expires. Your renewed license will have an expiry date of five years from its original expiry date.
If it has been 12 months since your electrical work license expired and you still need to renew it, you must apply for a new one.
How To Become an electrician in Queensland (QLD)?
According to WorkSafe QLD, the common pathway to obtain an electrical work license after completing an electrical apprenticeship in Queensland is:
How To Become an Electrician in New South Wales (NSW)?
According to Fair Trading NSW, Individuals who are currently a trainee or an apprentice can't apply for a license or certificate. They can apply right after finishing their traineeship/ apprenticeship to continue doing electrical work.
Here are the steps to earning an electrician work license in NSW:
Complete Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820-current, UEE30806 or UEE30807, or UEE30811).
Have a certificate of proficiency as an electrical mechanic or Electrician from the NSW Commissioner for Vocational Training, the former Vocational Training Review Panel of NSW, or its predecessors.
Have a minimum of 12 months of relevant electrical wiring work experience as an employee in the business, residential, and industrial areas required by NSW's 'Referee's Statement Electrical Work' form. Applicants should know and understand the wiring rules AS/NZS 3000:2018.
If you meet the above requirements, you can apply for an electrical license at the Service NSW website or visit the Service NSW centre with the following docs:
Details of previous or existing licenses/certificates you hold
An original copy of your qualification
Details of your previous and current employment and experience
Details of any issues concerning insolvency, criminal offence, or compliance (if applicable)
One passport-size photo
Evidence to confirm your identity
License application fee
You can renew your license online at Service NSW pr at your nearest Service NSW centre by furnishing the below details:
Your license number
Complete the renewal form
Licence renewal fee
Additional details /forms (if applicable)
Details of any modifications in the certificate or the license
Details of any issues concerning compliance, bankruptcy, or criminal offences (if applicable)
How To Become an Wlectrician in Victoria (VIC)?
Energy Safe Victoria has laid down the following eligibility requirements for candidates to obtain an electrician license.
Complete the Licensed Electrician's Assessment conducted by an ESV-approved assessment centre within five years from your application date.
Have a Certificate 3 in Electrotechnology Electrician or equivalent.
Complete a four-year training contract as an apprentice electrician. It includes a minimum of 12 months of experience in electrical installation work with written validation by the Employer.
A letter of completion that authorises the completion of apprenticeship from the VRQA
The license application fee.
15. Conclusion
Now that you know how to become an electrician in Australia, you are ready to look for electrical traineeships and apprenticeships in the field of your choice.
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