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Are you interested in a career as an electrician? However, are you unsure exactly what’s involved and how to become an electrician? Here we look into the main things you need to know and do to kick start your new career in the electrical industry.

An electrician specialises in the installation, operation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems. These systems include wiring, circuit boards and electronics. Electricians are responsible for the internal wiring in homes and other buildings.

Training and Study

The most important thing you must do to become an electrician is an electrical apprenticeship. You can secure an apprenticeship from any company or consider apprenticeship under a Group Training Organisation (GTO) like apprenticepower.

If you want to become an electrician should plan on going to Registered Training Organisation. Select a reputable, accredited school in Australia that teaches the basic skills of becoming an electrician. Doing a Certificate I in Electro technology, offered in TAFE campuses around the country, will help you get started in your apprenticeship.

During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to safely handle electricity and how to install electrical components. Once training is complete an electrician can pursue professional certification or licensing, if required in the region. Electricians must complete their training in state approved programs. The minimum education requirement to become an electrician apprentice is a high school certificate or equivalent.

A basic curriculum for electrician trainees includes hands-on and practical training. Students must be able to understand and interpret architectural plans for residential and commercial buildings. A basic National Electrical Code (NEC) course highlights the construction code for different types of dwellings such as single or family and the types of electrical services that are applicable. Students must also have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts as they apply to electronics.

Jobs of an Apprentice Electrician

To become an electrician you will also be required to complete on-the-job training through an apprenticeship jobs. Electrical apprentices learn the trade by working under the watchful eyes of skilled and experienced qualified electricians.

If working on the electrical components of construction projects you may be responsible for handling heavy conduit or equipment, pulling heavy cable, cleaning and sweeping the work area, or climbing an extension ladder to install equipment in the ceiling.

Alternatively, you may be running small conduit and pulling small wire for lights and receptacles in a commercial building, or trying to find out why a motor doesn’t run when the start button is pressed. You may be installing electrical outlets in a carpeted, air conditioned office, or you may be freezing in misting rain while installing conduits in the foundation of a new building. The work is usually physical and requires the use of your mind as well as your hands.

You may be in a new building that just going up or on a new job within an existing facility. In any case, the job will cause you to be around moving machinery, noise, dirt, poor footing, construction debris and any number of other hazards. You will learn to cope with all of these things and still do a productive day of work.

Now that you know how to become an electrician, your next step is to get one! Check out the latest electrical apprenticeship jobs we have on offer right now!