So you want to be an electrical apprentice?

The number one thing you have to be ok with as an electrical apprentice is problem-solving.

If you like the sound of using your investigative skills to fix all things electrical, then this just might be the career path for you.

You’ll also need to have excellent attention to detail, be good at maths and enjoy a variety of working conditions (such as outdoors, at a height or in confined spaces).

You’ll learn the skills to safely install, test, fault find, repair and maintain a wide range of electrical systems and equipment and how to communicate effectively with the people that need them.

You can be an apprentice in anything and everything electrical-related from electrotechnology to automotive and engineering.

No matter which electrical apprenticeship you choose, you’ll learn real skills on-the-job AND work towards a nationally recognised qualification! (Check out pathways here).

Typically, an electrical apprenticeship takes four years to complete.

And your wage? Well, that all depends on your award!

To find out which award your apprenticeship comes under, take a look at Fair Work’s free and easy to use pay calculator here.

Once you’re fully qualified, you’ll have a broad set of skills and a qualification to take you wherever you want to go in the industry.

You might want to stay with your current employer and take on more responsibilities within the business (like training up new apprentices!) or maybe you’ll want to take your skills elsewhere.

Whatever you decide, there’s plenty of money to be made in the electrical industry - with the average wage of employees in the industry sitting between $1,351 and $1,650 per week.*