Become an Electrician Apprentice in Australia: Government-supported paid training
In Australia, a government-supported electrical apprenticeship lets you earn AU$15.67–28/hour while training and AU$45–56/hour as a Journeyman Electrician (Full-time). Completing the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology opens nationwide career opportunities with stable, well-paid work.
✅ Why choose an electrician apprenticeship in Australia
High-demand occupation: Construction, infrastructure and renewable energy projects are driving ongoing demand for qualified electricians.
Paid apprenticeship: Apprentices receive an apprenticeship wage while gaining hands-on experience and classroom training.
National qualification & state/territory licensing: Completing the national qualification enables pathways to licences in the various states and territories, providing a nationally recognised career route.
🗺️ State / Territory — Typical Electrician Apprenticeship
| State / Territory | Program / Entry (typical name) | Features (work-based + study) | Require |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW (New South Wales) | TAFE NSW — Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) | 4 years. Employer on-the-job apprenticeship + TAFE block/day-release. | Apprentice, AASN registered, proof of prior experience/training required. |
| VIC (Victoria) | TAFE / Victoria RTOs — UEE30820 (Certificate III) | 4 years. Employer on-the-job + TAFE practical training; Courses meet state Energy Safety licensing requirements. | Apprentice with active Epsilon number and PTR literacy/numeracy assessment passed. |
| QLD (Queensland) | TAFE QLD / User Choice — UEE30820 (incl. tools rebate) | Work-based apprenticeship; state offers tool purchase rebates/support (first year). | Requires English 3, Maths 4, and Digital Technologies 3. |
📜 Certification & Licensing
Journeyperson Certificate / Certificate of Qualification: Awarded upon completion of the apprenticeship and passing the required assessments.
National qualification: UEE30820 Certificate III is the national standard and basis for electrician licences.
State/territory licences: Electrical work generally requires a licensed electrician. Each state has specific licence application and assessment processes (for example, NSW Fair Trading). Performing electrical work without the required licence may be illegal and subject to penalties.
📈 Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Electrician Apprentice
1️⃣ Confirm target qualification and state requirements — Check the licence and apprenticeship registration rules in the state or territory where you plan to work.
2️⃣ Meet entry requirements — Most apprenticeships expect a secondary school certificate or equivalent; basic maths and physics knowledge is commonly required.
3️⃣ Find an employer sponsor (host employer) — Apprentices sign a training contract with a registered employer and record their workplace hours.
4️⃣ Attend TAFE / Registered Training Organisation (RTO) classes — Complete staged classroom learning and assessments as part of the apprenticeship agreement.
5️⃣ Accumulate required workplace hours and pass assessments — After meeting the national training package requirements, apply for the relevant state licence and any required skill assessments.
🛠️ Skills & Training During Apprenticeship
Electrical fundamentals, circuit analysis and fault finding.
Electrical safety and applicable regulations (state safety codes, workplace health & safety).
Reading and implementing electrical drawings, wiring, switchboard installation and testing.
Emerging technologies: solar PV, battery storage, EV charger installation and maintenance.
Use of professional testing equipment (insulation resistance testers, multimeters, etc.).
💰 Salary & Career Outlook
Electrician apprentices earn AU$15.67–28/hour, depending on age, apprenticeship year, award or enterprise agreement, state, and whether they’re 21+.
Journeyman Electrician (Full-time) make around AU$45–56/hour, with higher pay in mining, night shifts, high-risk work, or for senior tradespeople.
Career paths include: onsite electrician, senior electrician/foreman, industrial electrician, solar/storage installer, electrical site engineer, contractor or business owner. Holding licences and additional endorsements (e.g., high-voltage, elevated work permits) can increase earnings and opportunities.
❓ Q&A about electrician apprenticeships
Q: How long does it usually take to gain qualification as an electrician?
🟢 A: Typically 4 years, though exact duration depends on the state, training schedule and any accelerated arrangements.
Q: Is the national qualification recognised across states?
🟢 A: The UEE30820 is a nationally registered qualification, but practical licensing to perform electrical work still requires meeting each state/territory’s licence conditions.
🎉 The above information is compiled by experts
Choosing an electrician apprenticeship in Australia is a reliable route into a high-demand trade: apprenticeships combine paid workplace learning with classroom training, the national qualification (UEE30820) and state licence systems provide a clear career pathway, and licensed electricians can access solid earnings and diversified job opportunities across residential, commercial, industrial and renewable energy sectors.
