Electrical Industry 2026: What’s in Store for Hosts and Apprentices
The electrical industry in Western Australia is entering a period of rapid expansion and change. With major infrastructure upgrades, a labour shortage in the construction industry, increased demand for skilled trades, and a strong transition to renewable energy technologies, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for both host employers and apprentices.
As the state’s largest employer of electrical apprentices, EGT is focused on preparing businesses and future electricians for what comes next. Here is what hosts and apprentices can expect in 2026.
A Growing Pipeline of Electrical Work Across WA
Western Australia’s project pipeline continues to strengthen, driven by several key forces:
- Large-scale commercial and industrial construction
- Significant investment in rail, road, and power infrastructure
- Ongoing upgrades to residential and mixed-use developments
- Increasing demand for telecommunications and smart-technology installations
- Renewable energy projects across solar, battery storage, and EV charging
For businesses, this means continued demand for skilled labour, and apprentices remain one of the most effective ways to build sustainable workforce capacity.
For apprentices, it means strong job security, diverse learning environments and clear long-term career pathways across sectors like construction, maintenance, mining, industrial automation, and renewables.
Host Employers: Greater Flexibility and Workforce Stability
In 2026, businesses will be looking for ways to secure reliable talent without being locked into long-term commitments or weighed down by rising labour and resource costs. The group training model will remain one of the most risk-free ways to take on an apprentice.
Hosting an EGT apprentice gives employers the ability to:
- Scale their workforce up or down as needed
- Access apprentices who have been screened, inducted and supported by EGT
- Reduce administrative and HR load
- Rely on EGT for performance management and training coordination
With industry demand expected to remain high, more host employers are planning to take on multiple apprentices to future-proof their operations.
Learn more about becoming a Host Employer
Apprentices: More Pathways, Better Support, and Stronger Career Prospects
For those considering an electrical apprenticeship in 2026, opportunities have never been stronger.
EGT apprentices gain access to:
- A wide variety of host placements to broaden on-the-job experience
- Ongoing mentoring and support throughout the apprenticeship
- The chance to work on major WA infrastructure projects
With WA’s long-term demand for licensed electricians expected to rise, completing an apprenticeship remains one of the most reliable and well-paid trade pathways.
Click here to see all current apprenticeship opportunities with EGT.
Renewables and Emerging Technologies Will Shape the Next Generation of Electricians
2026 will see a sharp rise in work relating to:
- Solar PV and battery storage systems
- Smart home automation
- Electric vehicle charging technology
- Energy-efficient commercial systems
- Industrial robotics and automation
- HV and LV system upgrades across key sectors
Apprentices trained across these technologies will be highly valued by employers. Host businesses that participate early will benefit from teams equipped with cutting-edge electrical capability.
Why 2026 Is a Strong Year to Become or Host an Apprentice
As WA’s construction, infrastructure and renewables sectors continue to grow, 2026 offers:
- High demand for electrical apprentices
- Strong long-term job security
- More diverse training environments
- A supportive group training model that reduces risk for employers
- A clear pathway to becoming a licensed electrician
Whether you are a business looking to develop your workforce, a school leaver exploring a career in the electrical trade, or looking to start a new career EGT is here to guide you through the next steps.
