One of the benefits of starting an electrical apprenticeship is that you can earn while you get paid. In New Zealand, an electrical apprentice can earn an average base salary of $52,634. Australia offers an average of $58,696/year, while the UK's average is £25,437/year, with entry positions at £19,094/year. In the USA, the average is $38,799/year, with a range from $28,000 to $52,000.
When choosing a trade career, it's important to consider your financial future. As an electrician, you’ll be entering one of the top-paying trades. But money shouldn’t be the only factor in your choice of apprenticeship!
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Looking to start your career as an electrician? Check out our guides below for a glimpse of life in the electrical trade:
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Apprentices are expected to complete their on-site training, as well as any theory work, throughout their apprenticeship. This often requires flexibility around their work hours and days. On the bright side, weekend work and overtime often come with benefits in the form or additional or increased pay, which may not be indicated within the following estimations.
To become an apprentice electrician, you'll need to meet specific requirements, which vary by country. Generally, you must be at least between 15 to 18 years old, with some level of high school education. The minimum requirements for starting your electrical apprenticeship are:
Your first steps to apply for an electrical apprenticeship could include checking trade association sites, online job boards, and vocational colleges in your area. It’s also worth speaking to local electrical companies, as they may be willing to support you through an apprenticeship, even if they’re not actively recruiting. You should then prepare a CV highlighting any relevant skills or experience.
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It takes an average of four years to complete an electrical apprenticeship. In that time you will learn the basics of electrical practical and theory work, including wiring techniques, circuit construction, safety standards and regulations, and electrical theory — basically what tool does what, where and why!
As an electrical apprentice, your job is to learn as much as possible about your trade before getting qualified. You'll get hands-on experience through training under the supervision of experienced electricians, allowing you to apply what you've learned in the real world. By the end, you’ll be capable of diagnosing and repairing electrical problems, installing electrical systems, and ensuring that work complies with national and local electrical codes. By then, you'll be prepared to take the journeyman electrician exam and be closer to becoming a fully qualified electrician!
There are plenty of opportunities for electricians throughout their careers, from full-time employment to contracting, working within residential, commercial, industrial, or maintenance sectors, or exploring niche specialties within the trade. For those looking to venture into entrepreneurship, starting your own electrical business comes with a whole host of opportunities and rewards.
Starting an apprenticeship as an electrician can be the start of a rewarding career path, with competitive salaries and a clear and varied path to future growth.
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.
Please note: This article is not intended as financial advice. Please check with your local governing bodies, union reps and agencies regarding questions concerning your pay. The information found in this article was found via. a range of sources, including; Seek.com, Glassdoor.com, PayScale.com & Indeed.com