Become An Electrician Apprentice

By Enrolling To Australian Apprenticeships Centre

Joining Australian Apprenticeships is a good way if you are changing careers or are just starting out in the workforce. The best way to get started is by enrolling in an apprenticeships approved program.

There are over 300 locations across Australia where you can get information about electrician training so chances are, there is a centre near you.

Queensland Apprenticeships - The Queensland Government has established an industry-led skills commission, known as Skills Queensland, to drive training investment and skills reform.

Victoria Apprenticeships - The Australian Apprenticeship in Victoria can help match you with employers seeking workers with your qualifications.

New South Wales Apprenticeships - A great way to jumpstart a new career.

The Australian Apprenticeship centres not only provide training, they also offer job placement services by pairing new students with employers in need of apprentices.

There are no special entry qualifications for an Australian Apprenticeship. As long as you are of working age and have a desire to learn, you can apply. This program is a combination of work and learning so you have the ability to earn while you learn through on-the-job training. The training is also competency based.

So if you have existing skills or are a fast learner, you will progress through the program at a faster pace. If you can't afford to leave your current job while in training, some centres offer part-time classes so you can fit them into your schedule more easily.

In addition to an electrician apprenticeship, these centres also give students the opportunity to specialize in various certificate levels that prepare them for over 500 occupations in all sectors of industry and business such as automotive, retail, telecommunications, building and construction, transportation, utilities and energy, engineering, and information technology.

The length of your training will vary according to the program and amount of experience you already have. Because of the financial hardship years of training may cause, the Australian government provides some assistance, especially for skills that are in high demand.

Other forms of financial assistance may be available from your state or territory. You may be able to receive help paying for tools needed for electrician apprentice classes as well as living expenses if you have to live away from home during your training.

An electrician apprentice training course involves both classroom study and working in the field. Some of the required classes include physics and math. The program takes about four years to complete.

During that time about one day per week or one week each month is spent in classroom learning while the remainder of the time is spent in the field doing the actual work. When training is complete, you must pass examinations in order to receive a license to work. One examination is theory based and the other is skills based.

The license is awarded by the state or territory where you take the test. Each state or territory is responsible for the quality of training in its area. They also oversee certificates and registrations you earn and help facilitate employment arrangements. Becoming an electrician apprentice requires dedicated study and extensive hands-on training so you are well prepared to perform this potentially dangerous job.

Part of the skills you learn through an Australian Apprenticeship program is how to properly use the electrician's tools. As an electrician apprentice, you will probably provide your own small hand tools and basic testing equipment but the more expensive equipment will be provided by individual employers.

Some of the tools you will probably have to purchase during your training include lineman's pliers, diagonal pliers, needle-nose pliers, wire strippers, cable cutters, multimeter, and crimping tools. In addition, you will need to have common tools available on your job site such as hammers, screwdrivers, flashlights, drills, and saws.

If you quality for the Tools For Your Trade financial incentive, you will receive money every year of your training to help you purchase the essential tools of your trade. As an electrician apprentice, you will be able to engage in a wide variety of work environments. If you love working outdoors, this would be an ideal occupation. You could specialize in utility work, or work mostly indoors in construction.

You will be able to work independently, but as an electrician apprentice, you must work under an electrical contractor and can't operate as an independent business. Applying for an apprenticeship is a little different than applying for training at a college for a general major. That's because in addition to classroom learning, you also undergo extensive on-the-job training, and that requires an employer with a job opening.

These employers work in co-operation with the Australian Apprenticeship centres. Your training will be a collaboration between you, your employer, the Australian government, and the training centre. You may find certain employers require prior experience or specific qualifications in potential apprentice applicants.

If an electrician apprentice job sounds like the ideal career for you, it is recommended that you closely follow job boards and help wanted ads to find employers. You can also contact the Australian Apprenticeship centres for assistance. You don't have to attend a centre in your immediate area and if you broaden your search for apprenticeship opportunities, you increase your chances of finding one.

While the first few years may be tough financially while you work for lower wages and struggle to pay for your education and tools, after you graduate, you will be equipped with a well-paying career that will provide a nice lifestyle for you and your family throughout your working life. An electrician apprentice job is always in demand and can act as a stepping stone to more advanced electrician related careers that offer even more job opportunities and higher salaries.

So if you are in high school and trying to decide what to do after you graduate, or are in a low paying career and want to advance yourself, consider earning while you learn through an electrician apprentice course at an Australian Apprenticeships Centre. Tradesmen are always in demand so you can feel secure about your future as an electrician apprentice.