Electrician job description

Electricians establish a plan for electrical systems, and install and maintain them in residential homes, commercial settings and sometimes large industrial equipment and machinery. They are responsible for safely setting up these systems so that the electricity runs smoothly in various settings.

Tasks and responsibilities for an electrician

Electricians can work as employees for a larger company, can work as sole traders or run their own electrician business, and some electricians may specialise in certain areas.

So, what does an electrician do? An electricians work can include:

Consulting with customers or other tradespeople to establish wants and needs
Installing and testing electrical systems and components
Maintaining and repairing electrical appliances and faulty wiring
Removing potential electrical hazards
Consulting wiring diagrams and specifications to determine electrical sequences
Ensuring a stocked inventory of necessary supplies and parts
Troubleshoot problems

How to become an electrician

The electrical industry is highly regulated, and it is essential that workers have the correct qualifications and meet set requirements. To be a qualified electrician, you must complete an electrical apprenticeship and gain an electrical licence. So, what are the requirements to become an electrician?

Become an electrical apprentice

To become a licensed electrician in Australia you must complete an Australian apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship takes around four years to complete and allows you to gain your qualification while being employed by a sole trader or company and earning a wage.

The qualification gained through your apprenticeship is a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820), and you will also be required to complete specific licensing assessments.
Study

If you are not quite ready to delve into a four year apprenticeship, you can study a course like a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) through an RTO (registered training organisation) or TAFE to establish whether this is the right career for you before taking on further study.
Gain a licence

If you wish to work as an electrician on construction sites you will need to take a short course and obtain a White Card.

Pathway options

Getting started as an apprentice electrician can lead to electrician job opportunities, more senior roles in the industry, specialisations, and even owning a business.

Where an electrician career path can lead you:

Junior

Trade assistant

Most common qualification:
Cert II in Construction (CPC20120)
Pipelayer

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Pipe Laying) (RII30920)
Road construction worker

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance) (RII30920)
Traffic controller

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management) (RII30920)

Mid

Builder

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)
Electrician

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
Construction estimator

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120)
Building inspector

Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220)
Construction site foreman

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120)
Contract administrator

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320)

Senior

Construction project manager

Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320)
Construction manager

Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320)
Quantity surveyor

Most common qualification:
Bachelor of Construction Management

As part of an electrician apprenticeship, you must complete a formal electrician qualification (Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) ) which your employer usually organises.

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020)

This qualification covers skills for work entry programs providing grounding in safety and fundamental skills and knowledge for work in any electrotechnology discipline. This course can be used as a gateway into the electrical trades, allowing you to try out the industry before committing to a full apprenticeship.

Course duration can vary between providers and can be taken full-time or part time.

Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)

This course provides the skills to select, install, set up, test, fault-find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises. It covers the essential skills and performance capabilities to obtain an ‘Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence’ from the Electrical Regulatory Authority Council (ERAC).

The skills taught for this certification require a licence to practise in certain workplaces. For more information about this, check out MySkills.

Competency development tasks for this accredited qualification are subject to regulations directly related to licensing. Where a licence or permit to practise is not yet held, it may be achieved through a contract of training and apprenticeship.

Studying this qualification is a key requirement for obtaining an ‘Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence’ from the ERAC. You’ll also need to undertake a four-year apprenticeship (or a Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway) and perform electrical installations for at least one year to qualify for the licence.

Where required for Licencing, the certification documentation issued must indicate if the qualification was completed as an apprenticeship or Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway.

The average course duration: for this qualification is 6420 hours.

Related subjects

Trade-based industries are always in need of enthusiastic newcomers. Practical roles that require excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills are plentiful and come in many shapes and sizes.

A career as an electrician might sound perfect for you right now. You can access more resources and articles to delve deeper into the topic and help get your new career underway.