Are you considering a career as an electrician? The electrical trade offers a world of possibilities, with a constant demand for skilled professionals and a host of benefits. Electricians are among the most sought-after tradespeople. But, in order to get there, you need to complete your apprenticeship, get certified, and find a job.
Not sure which trade is right for you? Check out our comparison guide to choosing the right trade.
Already thinking of starting your own electrical business? Check out the cost of starting an electrical business, before you jump in.
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- The path to becoming an electrician
- A pre-apprenticeship program
- How to find an apprenticeship
- Applying for your apprenticeship
- Required certificates to practise
- What to look forward to as a professional electrician
1. The path to becoming an electrician
First things first, there are some requirements to starting your journey towards sparky-dom, including minimum age requirements for an apprenticeship and recommended prior education.
Age requirements
- 🇺🇸 USA: As electricians are considered a hazardous trade, you must be 18+ to begin.
- 🇬🇧 UK: You can start your apprenticeship at school, but must be 16+.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Apprentices should be 15+ years old, or have completed Year 10, before starting their apprenticeship.
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: Anyone aged 16+ can begin an apprenticeship in New Zealand.
Education
- 🇺🇸 USA: Apprentices must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information, check the Government Official website here.
- 🇬🇧 UK: Apprentices should have completed General Certificate of Secondary Education. For more information, check the UK Government website here.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: It is recommended that apprentices finish their high school education, or complete year 10. For more information, check the Australian Government website here.
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: There are no education requirements to start an apprenticeship in New Zealand, although a driver's licence is highly recommended. For more, check the NZ Government website here.
2. A pre-apprenticeship program
Becoming an electrician can start with an apprenticeship. However, there are also education programmes that can provide a strong foundation and often reduce your time as an apprentice. Taking a pre-apprenticeship course gives you a theoretical understanding of the necessary skills to become a great electrician, such as physics and algebra, and is a great way of trialling the field before committing to a full apprenticeship.
- 🇺🇸 USA: Students can get an Advanced Electrical Certificate at Delta College’s pre-apprenticeship certificates.
- 🇬🇧 UK: Students can complete a Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering (Electrical), a Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation, or a T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction. For more, check out Achieve Training’s pre-apprenticeship programmes.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Students can take Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start). Check out Victoria University Polytechnic’s pre-apprenticeships for more.
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) is a solid first step for understanding the basics before beginning your apprenticeship. Check out some of Unitec’s pre-trade courses here.
For a full list of schooling options, check out our list of The Best Electrical Schools.
3. How to find an apprenticeship
It can be a daunting process to find the right apprenticeship. You should look for a company that is willing to invest in your education and provide you with the right skills to set you up for the rest of your career. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find an apprenticeship, including searching through online databases or reaching out to local businesses.
- 🇺🇸 USA: Apprenticeships can be found through trade schools, Apprentice Finder or through Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATC). JATC has locations in several cities and states throughout the U.S. including Central Florida, California, and South Texas.
- 🇬🇧 UK: In the UK, there are two main apprenticeship paths, the ‘Installation and Maintenance Electrician Advanced Apprenticeship’ and the ‘Domestic Electrician Advanced Apprenticeship.’ Another way to become an electrician in the UK is through a domestic electrical installer course, which only takes a few weeks or through an apprenticeship in the armed forces. For more on these options, check out the Government's website here.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: You can find an apprenticeship through the Australian Apprenticeship website.
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: The Electrical Training Company (ETCO) and Te Pūkenga oversee electrical apprenticeships in NZ.
For more information, check out how to get an electrical apprenticeship.
4. Applying for your apprenticeship
When you find a company (or several) that you’d like to work for, it’s time to put your best foot forward. Writing a well-prepared CV is crucial for a successful apprenticeship application.
- Start with a personalised introduction that shares insights about your personality, work ethic, goals, and key attributes.
- Include all your work experience, highlighting the skills gained in each position.
- List your education and training in descending order, focusing on relevant coursework, noteworthy grades, and any certificates or awards.
- Don't hesitate to showcase your communication, problem-solving, and electrical skills.
- Customised cover letters for each application are crucial, showcasing your understanding of the role and how your skills align with it.
For more tips on creating an effective CV for electricians, check out how to write the perfect CV for an apprenticeship.
After you hear back, prepare for the interview process by researching what to expect during interviews.
For a sneak peek, check out our 'Top Interview Questions for Apprentices'.
These can help you prepare for the types of questions you’ll be asked on the day.
Remember, no one expects you to have all the answers on day one. It’s far more important to arrive with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic. But if you’d like to know more about what it’s really like to work in the trades, check out our YouTube channel for practical guides and advice.
5. Required certificates to practise
Throughout your apprenticeship, your experience will be used as part of your training and certification. Your final certification is often tied to a theory test, taken towards the end of your last year. Once these have been completed, you are ready to venture forth as a fully-fledged sparky!
- 🇺🇸 USA: You'll need to pass your state's electrician licence test, which typically takes four to five years during your apprenticeship.
- 🇬🇧UK: Once you have completed the NVQ or level 2 or 3 college courses and gained some work experience, you will be a fully qualified and licensed electrician! This can be done within two to four years.
- 🇦🇺Australia: A Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician is required, typically obtained during a four-year apprenticeship.
- 🇳🇿New Zealand: You must gain a New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) (Level 4) through a four-year apprenticeship.
As a certified electrician, you’ll have the freedom to take on more challenging projects or explore different roles and possibilities.
6. What to look forward to as a professional electrician
After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you'll be well on your way to a promising career in the electrical trade. Your apprenticeship is where it all begins, so it's vital to make wise choices and seize opportunities to learn and build your reputation.
As a great, professional electrician, you can expect a high demand for your skills in the job market. Opportunities are abundant, whether you're interested in travelling, specialising in unique and challenging areas or even starting your own electrical business. That path can lead to more cash in your pocket and, if you're using Tradify, some extra free time for yourself.
Electricians who want to grow successful trade businesses use Tradify. Sign up for a free 14-day trial, or jump into one of our weekly live walkthroughs.
