‘how Do I Get An Apprenticeship?’

‘I want to be an electrician. What are the requirements for apprenticeships and how do I go about getting an apprenticeship?’

Trevor, 19

Good on you for wanting to get an apprenticeship Trev. You’ll need to do that to become a qualified electrician, and that will also involve undertaking a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. The details of this qualification can be viewed at training.gov.au and this is where you can also search for registered training organisations that deliver this program.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 11 and sometimes Year 12. The duration of an apprenticeship is usually four years and during this time you will complete both on- and off-the-job training and gain valuable workplace experience.

How to find an apprenticeship

If you are still at school you could consider an Australian school-based apprenticeship, which you can undertake as part of your senior secondary school certificate.

There’s also heaps of information at the Australian Apprenticeships Centre website. Here you’ll find details of the skills you’ll need to become an apprentice, contact details for Australian Apprenticeships Centres and the latest information regarding employment conditions and the labour market.

You can also search online, register with job boards and browse local and state newspapers. Equally important is networking with friends and family as they might know someone who can help.

It’s a good idea to register with a Group Training Organisation (GTO) as their job is to find placements for apprentices. The Australian Apprenticeship Access Program is a federal government initiative that can also help eligible candidates obtain an apprenticeship.

Good luck!

Jo Messer is a Career Development Specialist who has many years of experience in supporting and guiding students and graduates of some of Australia’s most respected universities, as well as mature-aged clients, across all facets of their career. She is a Professional Member of CDAA and an active member of NAGCAS. Whether you have a specific question about how to achieve your career goal or something more general, Jo is available to provide you with up-to-date advice.