Thinking about training to become a sparky? Great idea – electrical careers pay well, offer great career security, and allow you to live the life you want. Not only this, but employment in this sector is projected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations.
Whether you’re looking to install solar panels, run renewable energy projects, or even repair electrical equipment in factories, there are plenty of career paths for an electrician. And, most of the below you can jump straight into once you complete your apprenticeship!
When many people think of an electrician, this is the type of electrical work that often comes to mind. Electricians who specialise in the residential sector may repair malfunctioning or broken electrical items in the home, such as ovens or ceiling fans, or carry out new installations, such as light fixtures, power points or TV outlets. For new builds, electricians install meter boxes, electrical wiring, data/communications lines, lights, fixtures and connect the home to the power network. The demand for skills in smart home wiring and automation is also increasing, as renewable energy sources and new technologies change the way we generate power and manage energy usage in the home.
Electricians working in the commercial sector do similar work but on a larger scale for commercial buildings; ranging from business premises, shops and cafes to multi-storey apartment complexes. Commercial electricians may also work in niche areas with unique requirements such as hospitals and other medical facilities. Commercial electrical work is also changing rapidly to meet expanding technologies and energy management requirements, as building management systems and maintenance requirements increase in complexity.
Industrial electricians work on complex electrical systems and machinery in the manufacturing and production sector. They often create sophisticated systems, incorporating multiple facets such as control and supervision elements, automation, and network overviews. They maintain these systems, conduct predictive maintenance and implement safety control circuits for the organisation.
Appliance Electricians are tradespeople who work on appliances within the home or elsewhere, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, stovetops and ovens.
These are specialised, highly trained electricians, who work on and maintain data and communications networks. Further study may be required for this role.
Renewable Energy Electricians install, set up, test, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical systems for renewable energy installations across a wide variety of places, including domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. As the demand for solar panels and other renewables continues to increase, being able to professionally install solar panels is highly sought after. Further study is required for this role.
Instrumentation Electricians are qualified electricians who specialise in working with equipment instrumentation and control systems. They install and maintain equipment and repair faults to reduce interruptions in a production environment. Further study is required for this role.
Electrical apprenticeships open doors in many career fields
for the duration of your apprenticeship - if your host employer goes out of business or closes their doors, you don’t need to worry about being out of a job or finding a new employer - EGT will simply place you with a new host employer.
EGT actively supports apprentices to nominate for a variety of industry and training awards. This is a unique opportunity to enhance your career and develop industry networks.
EGT apprentices are fully supported by an EGT Field Officer for the length of their training. EGT Field Officers can assist with professional and personal matters that may arise, provide career and training advice and act as a conduit between your host employer and EGT.
EGT arranges everything upfront that you need to get started in the electrical trade - from your uniform and boots, to your tool kit and safety gear.
EGT apprentices have the opportunity to work with a variety of host employers throughout WA, enabling skill development in multiple areas of the trade and allowing you to find out what sectors you would most like to work in when you have completed your training.
plus quality off-the-job training through the College of Electrical Training or TAFE.
At EGT, the safety of our apprentices in the workplace is our highest priority. Our motto is No Harm and we promote this message through our #looktwiceactonce campaigns, No Harm Awards, regular Safety Alerts, and mandatory safety training.
EGT offers a range of additional training courses to apprentices, such as the Programmable Logic Controllers Skillset, giving you greater career options and increasing your employability when you finish your apprenticeship.
Apply today to become an electrical apprentice with EGT.
