Become an electrician and help Australia combat climate change!
One of the big promises the Australian Government has made to help address climate change is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. That means transitioning to clean energy, which will need lots of skilled up people, especially in trades! If you’re keen on combatting climate change and want a job where you’ll be super employable, you should become an electrician.
With Jobs and Skills Australia predicting we will likely need around 32,000 more electricians in the next seven years, there’s never been a better time to become one. Keep reading to find out how and why you should jump on this career path.
Who can be an electrician?
Anyone! We need all hands-on deck to achieve net zero by 2050, and the clean energy sector will thrive if it’s diverse. It’s especially crying out for more women and First Nations people, so if this is you and you’re interested in this pathway, go for it! No matter who you are, there is a role for you to play here.
How to get there
A Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) under an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement will allow you to work as a licensed and qualified electrician, on successful completion. To enhance your solar energy knowledge, you can choose to do top up units or electives relating to solar energy.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn on the job and get paid while you’re at it! You could get a Certificate III in Electrotechnology.
Awesome apprenticeship
If you participate in the New Energy Apprenticeships Program while studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology (or another clean energy relevant qualification), you’ll be eligible to receive up to $10,000 during your apprenticeship. You’ll also get to work with an industry mentor. New energy occupations are identified on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
On the job
In your day-to-day life as an electrician, you could be…
- Examining blueprints, developing wiring diagrams and specifications to determine sequence and methods of operation
- Measuring and laying out installation reference points
- Selecting, cutting and connecting wire and cable to terminals and connectors
- Using electrical and electronic test instruments to trace and diagnose faults
- Repairing and replacing faulty wiring and defective parts
- Positioning and installing electrical switchboards
- Connecting electrical systems to power supply
- Testing continuity of circuits
Who you could work for
- Solar panel and battery installation companies
- Renewable energy companies
- Electric vehicle manufacturers
- Wind turbine manufacturers
- Yourself!
This article was first published in the Electrician Job Kit in partnership with the Australian Government’s Your Career.
