How to Become a Licensed Electrician

Electricians are in high demand across Australia, with government forecasts predicting an additional 14,000 professionals needed by 2030. If you’re considering a career in this essential trade, our guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an electrician.

How to Start Your Electrical Apprenticeship

If your goal is to become a fully licensed electrician, there’s only one path to get there: an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship combines paid, hands-on work with formal training, setting you up for a secure and rewarding career.

An apprenticeship is a mix of on-the-job training and formal study with a registered training organisation (RTO). You’ll work alongside qualified electricians, learn practical skills, and attend classes to build your theoretical knowledge. Most apprenticeships run for four years, and at the end, you’ll be ready to apply for your electrician’s licence.

One of the biggest perks? You’ll get paid while you train. Your wages will increase as you progress, so you’ll be building skills and earning money at the same time, without the burden of student debt. Plus, you’ll gain real-world experience that employers value.

Electrical Apprenticeship Study Options

There’s more than one way to start:

• School-based apprenticeships: Completed as part of VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
• Pre-apprenticeship programs: Offered by RTOs (Registered Training Organisations), such as TAFEs, these short courses give you a head start and make you more attractive to employers.

• Mainstream apprenticeships: Apply directly with a local Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) employer or through a Group Training Organisation (GTO) that matches you with a host employer.

Financial Support for Apprentices

Did you know there are government incentives for apprentices in clean energy? These programs can help with costs while you train. Want to know what incentives you might qualify for? Visit our blog to find out more.

How Do You Find an Employer?

If you have a friend or family member already in the electrical trade, that can be a great way to get started. If not, try checking job boards like SEEK or Indeed, join electrician-focused Facebook groups, or reach out to your local Skills and Jobs Centre for guidance. GTO’s and apprenticeship providers can also connect you with employers and guide you through the process. Find out more about this on our apprenticeships page.

Getting your Electrician’s Licence

An electrician’s licence entitles the licence holder to carry out all types of electrical installation work in Victoria without supervision.

To obtain an electrician’s licence, Energy Safe Victoria specifies that an apprentice electrician must satisfactorily complete the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA) conducted by an approved assessment centre.

The LEA is a combination of three assessments, undertaken on separate occasions. 

FES is an Energy Safe Victoria approved assessment centre and provides training services for anyone wishing to undertake refresher training prior to sitting their LEA.

Find out more about the LEA here

What Happens Next?

Once you complete your apprenticeship and pass the required assessments, from there, the opportunities are endless; whether you want to work for a company, start your own business, or specialise in areas like renewable energy.

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Ready to take the first step? Explore pre-apprenticeship programs at your local TAFE or check out apprenticeship listings online. Your future as a qualified electrician could be closer than you think!

Find out more at https://futureenergyskills.com.au/careers-information/becoming-an-electrical-apprentice/