Apprentice FAQs

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 usually completed one day per week or as a block (between one and three weeks at a time) at a training provider such as the College of Electrical Training. The rest of the time is spent on-the-job.

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.

Yes, a three month probationary period is included in the term of the apprenticeship.

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.

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

EGT recruits apprentices through a range of avenues including:

1. Career expos;
2. Pre-apprenticeship courses,
3. High schools,
4. Word of mouth,
5. 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 HELP (formerly 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.

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.

An electrical apprenticeship in Western Australia generally takes four years to complete. During this time, you will gain hands-on experience with a host employer while also attending off-the-job training at a Registered Training Organisation such as CET. The exact duration can vary slightly depending on your progress, prior experience, and training requirements, but most apprentices finish within the standard four-year period.

You can find all current apprenticeship opportunities directly through the EGT online Role Opportunities portal. The Role Opportunities portal is updated regularly with new vacancies, including electrical apprenticeships available across Western Australia. 

To apply for an electrical apprenticeship with EGT, simply visit our role opportunities portal and submit an application through the online form for the advertised role. You’ll be asked to provide basic personal details, your resume, and any relevant documents. Once your application is received, our recruitment team will review it and contact you if you are shortlisted for the next stage, which may include an interview, aptitude testing, or pre-employment checks.

If there are currently no opportunities available, you can register your interest.  

Yes, apprentices may be eligible for several forms of financial assistance, depending on individual circumstances. This can include government incentives, travel or accommodation support for training, discounts on tools or equipment, and other allowances designed to support apprentices during their training. The exact assistance available can vary, so it’s best to check current government programs or speak with your Apprentice Connect Australia Providers (ACAP) provider for the most accurate information.