What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship comprises of a contract of training between yourself and an employer which includes on-the-job training with formal study at a registered training organisation (RTO). The employer is committed to providing you with a 4-year apprenticeship that covers all the requirements to become a fully qualified electrician.
What options are there?
School based apprenticeships - completed as part of VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC). Speak to your school about these.
Pre apprenticeship programs - are offered by your local TAFE or RTO. Some employers prefer applicants who have completed this type of training. You can complete a pre apprenticeship without employment as a pathway into an apprenticeship.
Mainstream apprenticeship – This can be direct employment with a local Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) (ie; Employer) or through a Group Training Organisation who matches you with a host employer.
How to Find an Employer
- Skills and Jobs Centres are located at your local TAFE and can provide you with additional support and advice in finding an employer. You do not need to be a student at that TAFE.
- Online job postings – E.g. SEEK, indeed, Job Rapido, even Facebook groups for Electricians. Regularly monitor and apply directly online with a quality CV and letter of application.
- Apprenticeship Employment Network –Supporting young people with training and employment. Use the following link to find a Group Training Organisation in your region. https://aen.org.au/find-an-apprenticeship-employer/ (Industries Serviced, select: Electro Tech Printing Info Communication)
- Contact an Apprenticeship Connect Provider who connect applicants with employers and support you throughout your apprenticeship. https://www.apprenticeships.gov.au/who-to-contact/search-for-a-provider
- Disability Employment Services can assist if you have a permanent disability, illness or injury. https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/find-a-provider
Earn While you Learn
One of the biggest advantages of an electrical apprenticeship is that you get paid while gaining valuable skills. As an apprentice, you’ll work alongside qualified electricians, contributing to real projects and building practical experience. Your wages increase as you progress through each stage of your apprenticeship, reflecting your growing skills and responsibilities. This means you can start your career without the burden of student debt, while learning on the job and in the classroom.
Pricing Tables for Apprenticeship levels:Adult apprentice (21 years or older when starting the apprenticeship, non EBA)
Level |
Weekly pay rate |
Hourly pay rate |
Apprentice - 1st year |
$939.42 |
$24.72* |
Apprentice - 2nd year |
$1,038.16 |
$27.32* |
Apprentice - 3rd year |
$1,038.16 |
$27.32* |
Apprentice - 4th year |
$1,038.16 |
$27.32* |
Apprentice – (Under 21 years of age. Completed year 12)
Classification |
Weekly pay rate |
Hourly pay rate |
Apprentice - 1st year |
$652.82 |
$17.18 |
Apprentice - 2nd year |
$767.46 |
$20.20 |
Apprentice - 3rd year |
$824.78 |
$21.70 |
Apprentice - 4th year |
$962.35 |
$25.33 |
All rates incur more for overtime, Sundays and Public Holidays
Pricing tables taken from FairWork Australia. Note This was accurate at the time of publishing (November 2025)
Financial Support with the Key Apprenticeship Program
If you’re training as an Australian Apprentice in the clean energy or housing construction sectors, you may be eligible for support through the Key Apprenticeship program (KAP)
KAP provides financial support to eligible apprentices of up to $10,000 for full-time apprentices and up to $5,000 for part-time apprentices, paid in instalments.
Completing Your Apprenticeship
Your apprenticeship combines on-the-job experience with formal learning. While working, you’ll document your progress using eProfiling, a digital work journal that tracks your skills and competencies. This record is essential for demonstrating your practical experience.
In addition to workplace training, you’ll attend classroom sessions where you must complete all units and assessments satisfactorily. These lessons provide the theoretical foundation to complement your hands-on skills.
Finally, you’ll need to pass the Licensed Electricians Assessment (LEA), which includes:
- SWP (Safe Working Practices) – understanding and applying safety standards
- LET (Licensed Electrician’s Theory) – testing your theoretical knowledge
- LEP (Licensed Electrician’s Practical) – demonstrating your ability to perform practical tasks to industry standards
Future Energy Skills runs refresher training to set you up for success prior to your assessment. For more information on this visit https://futureenergyskills.com.au/training-assessment/lea/#lea-training
Final Requirements for Licensing
Apply for Your A-Grade Electrician Licence
Before applying for your licence, you’ll need:
- An employer letter confirming at least 12 months of practical electrical work
- A confirmation letter from the Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority (VRQA) verifying your apprenticeship completion
Once you’ve met all requirements, apply to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). Submit your application along with all supporting documents and assessment results. After approval, you’ll officially be a licensed electrician in Victoria.
Further information
- For more detailed information about electrical apprenticeships and licencing visit:
Energy Safe Victoria Webpage About electrical apprenticeships | Energy Safe Victoria - Consumer Building and Occupational Services Tasmania https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/licensing-and-registration/licensed-occupations/apprentices#Eligibility