Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions relating to apprenticeships.
What is an apprenticeship?
What are an apprentice's obligations?
Is the probation period included in the term of apprenticeship?
What school results do I need to have?
Who pays the training fees - The employer or the apprentice?
What rates of pay apply to apprenticeships?
How are apprentices recruited?
Why become an EGT apprentice?
What is the anniversary date of an apprenticeship?
Tips on becoming an EGT Apprentice
What is an Apprenticeship?
An electrical apprenticeship is a 4 year period during which an apprentice is employed to learn all about, and become qualified in the electrical trade. It combines practical experience in the workplace with structured off the job training at a training provider such as the College of Electrical Training.
In Western Australia apprenticeships are delivered under a competency-based training system. Workplace and off the job training and assessment are used based on the skills the apprentice should acquire over the term of the apprenticeship. Off the job training is either one day per week or as a block (anywhere from 1-3 weeks at a time) at a provider such as the College of Electrical Training and the rest of the time is spent on the job.
What are an apprentice’s obligations?
An apprentice is obliged to:
- Apply themselves to their on-the-job training and make an effort to learn the trade and attain the skills of a qualified tradesperson,
- Apply themselves to the off the job training, attendance is compulsory and satisfactory completion is required prior to issuing qualifications, and
- Cooperate with the employer to achieve the desired training outcomes.
Is the probation period included in the term of apprenticeship?
Yes, a three month probationary period is included in the term of the apprenticeship.
What school results do I need to have?
Generally, an electrical apprentice will need to have completed year 10 and have strong numeracy and literacy skills. Due to the technical and mathematical nature of the electrical trade, applicants will benefit from passing Year 11 ATAR mathematics or having high marks in general mathematics.
To discuss the selection requirements for an apprenticeship please feel free to contact EGT or undertake a practice test for the Readiness Assessment which is accessible when logging into an existing Energy Space account here. This practice test is aligned to the Readiness Assessment and is therefore a perfect preparation.
What rates of pay apply to apprenticeships?
Apprentices receive wages according to the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 and according to the year of the apprenticeship.
- Some Host Employers also offer additional payments based on their situation but we always recommend budgeting on the modern award rates.
- For more information, visit Fair Work
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How are apprentices recruited?
EGT recruits apprentices through a range of avenues including:
- Career expos;
- Pre-apprenticeship courses,
- High schools,
- Word of mouth,
- Directly, where a prospective apprentice contacts us
- Start of a great Career: An Electrical Apprenticeship is just the start of a great career in the electrotechnology industry.
- Earn While You Learn: An apprentice makes real money while they learn and don’t finish with a HECS debt.
- Do Interesting and Varied Work: You will have the opportunity to work with a range of different employers and experience all aspects of the electrotechnology industry.
- Learn On and Off the Job: Learn new skills by working and training with EGT and the College of Electrical Training.
- Gain Qualifications: You will receive a nationally recognised qualification and will be licenced as an electrician.
Tips on becoming an EGT Apprentice
You can do a number of things including:
- Complete all the sections of your application form in full and provide as many relevant details as possible
- Upload all documents required for your application
- If you have completed a course or qualification, upload a copy of your academic record as evidence.
