Apprentice Electrician
Electricians manage different types of electrical equipment which might be for industrial, commercial or domestic use. As an apprentice you will learn all about electricity and how to install, maintain and test certain equipment.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $41,107 up to $95,024+
The good
- Learning lots of new things
- Being in different places a lot of the time
- Working across different types of systems
- Potential to be your own boss
- Having a hands-on job
- Solving problems
The not so good
- Standing for long periods of time
- Working in confined spaces occasionally
- Risk of being hurt or getting shocked
As an apprentice electrician your work might include overhauling transformers, fixing up circuit breakers and maintaining any day-to-day problems.
Electricians use maths all the time to understand how electricity works and how to create safe circuits.
You will rely on equations to choose wiring options and determine the voltage, current and resistance of electricity.
Good literacy skills will come in handy when keeping up with safety regulations and reading policy procedures or manuals.
To be an electrician you will also need good coordination, precision, communication skills and an interest in electronics.
They push you forward, they want you to do better, it's really good. The opportunities are endless.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Standard or higher)
- Mathematics (General 2 or higher)
- Physics
- Industrial Technology (Electronics)
What can I do after I have finished school?
University degrees
Studying one of these degrees can help with your career.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
Courses and qualifications
Courses and qualifications can give you a great start.
- Certificate III Systems Electrician
- Advanced Diploma in Electrical Technology
Suggestions
Check out Energy Supply Association of Australia for more information
- Talk to your career advisor about when and how you can apply for TAFE or equivalent
- Ask an electronics teacher for more information or any work experience opportunities
- Go to career expos to find out about electrical apprenticeships
