Victoria

    Here's what you need to know:

    • All Australian electricians must be qualified and licensed.

    To get your A Grade licence you:

    • Start with either a pre-apprenticeship course or go directly into an apprenticeship.
    • Successfully complete an electrical apprenticeship. This takes four years, combining practical on-the-job training and off-the-job learning.

    How we can help you:

    • NECA E&C delivers the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
    • NECA E&C employs apprentices (NECA Workforce Apprentices) and places them with partner/host electrical contractors

     

    NECA education and careers apprentice working hi vis workwear learns about using safety locks for switchboards from male supervisor

    Why choose NECA Education & Careers

    As a training organisation, owned and operated by the electrical industry, we provide:

    • Quality education tailored to Australian industry standards (delivered by industry-trained teachers)
    • Digital and adaptable learning options to suit varying learning styles
    • Purpose-built training facilities designed for real-world learning
    • Hands-on practical experience, and soft-skills training

    As the largest employer of electrical apprentices in Vic and Tas we provide secure employment opportunities for apprentice electricians. This includes:

    • Expert guidance from industry professionals
    • Strong industry connections that support career progression
    • Support throughout your training and beyond

    Once you’ve qualified and have your A Grade licence, we also offer training for electricians to remain current (through Continuing Professional Development) or to progress into specialisations.

    We’re here to help you build the skills to become the best electrician you can be.

     

    Happy and smiling female pre apprentice electrician uses electrical pliers inside a NECA Education and Careers trade school class.

    What is an apprenticeship?

    An apprenticeship is a work-study agreement that pays you a wage you while you learn skills. An electrician’s apprenticeship is a contract of training. It includes a national qualification (formal education) at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and on-the-job training.

    Becoming an electrician usually requires a high school certificate or a pre-apprenticeship course, along with good literacy and numeracy skills.

    At the completion of your training, you’ll get a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. This Certificate is one of the documents you need to provide to Energy Safe Victoria to qualify for an Electrician’s licence.

    Structure

    An electrical apprenticeship includes real-world experience and practical and theoretical training for the first three years, followed by full-time on-the-job experience in year four.

    Electrical apprentices work 5 days a week, with one day a week generally spent off-the-job learning. Some electrical apprenticeships structure the off-the-job learning in ‘blocks’ for 4-5 days at a time. Both options have the same outcome.

    All work is supervised by licensed electricians to ensure safety and compliance.

    Progression and progress tracking

    Apprentices will develop key skills including installing wiring systems, connecting electrical circuits, troubleshooting faults, and reading technical diagrams, all while adhering to safety regulations.

    Profiling is your record of completed on-site tasks that connects your classroom learning with practical work. Apprentices must keep this documentation updated to demonstrate their skills development.

    How do I start an apprenticeship?

    There are a few ways to begin your electrical apprenticeship.

    • NECA’s electro-start course – we periodically offer a self-funded “electro-start’ course which includes studying UEE22020 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start). This pathway can give you the chance to be selected for an apprenticeship with NECA E&C as a Workforce Apprentice.
    • UEE22020 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) – Taking a pre-app course can help you get started in an apprenticeship. Some VET providers offer government-funded pre-app courses—check with your local provider.
    • Consider applying to NECA E&C for an apprentice position as a NECA Workforce Apprentice (employed by NECA E&C and placed with Host Employers).
    • If you would like to learn more about your suitability as an electrical apprentice, we offer the NECA Pre-Selection assessment.  The results of this assessment are highly regarded by employers in the industry as it provides insight into your capabilities from an electrical standpoint.
    • Find direct employment with an electrical contracting company – Work for an electrical company that will support your apprenticeship.

     

    Male diverse electrical apprentice using tap to tap thread in a hole inside a NECA Education and Careers trade school class.

    UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

    To participate in the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician course delivered by NECA E&C, you must be employed, meet basic language, literacy and numeracy requirements, meet eligibility criteria, and attend a mandatory PTR session.

    Once you have a job, you and your employer will work with an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) to formalise your apprenticeship.  To participate in your off-the-job training with NECA in Victoria, you & your employer will need to nominate NECA E&C as your preferred training location.

    NECA E&C training locations

    NECA offers UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician training at our campuses in Carlton North and Dandenong, Victoria.

    Start your electrical career

    A flow chart describing the steps to becoming an apprentice employed by NECA E&C

     

    NECA E&C is the largest employer of electrical apprentices in Victoria, offering work placements through the host employers we partner with.

    As a NECA Workforce Apprentice, we connect you with opportunities to grow as an electrical apprentice, offering full support to ensure your success.

    Our specialist environment, designed specifically for the electrical industry, provides you the best foundation for becoming a electrician. We support, nurture and guide aspiring electricians to reach their goals.

    As a NECA Workforce Apprentice, you’ll receive:

    • support from an industry careers consultant
    • safety training, including a thorough induction
    • ongoing work health and safety support

    You can view our jobs board, or contact us when you are ready to take the next step.

    For direct employment roles, we encourage you to look on Seek.com.au, check local classified ads, or contact some local electricians to see if they employ apprentices.

    Attributes of an electrician

    Ideally, to be an electrician you will have:

    • Good hand-eye coordination
    • Skill and accuracy with hands-on tasks
    • Problem-solving abilities
    • Attention to detail
    • Strong communication skills
    • The ability to work both in a team and alone
    • A willingness to learn
    • An interest in maths and technical work
    • Basic knowledge of safety and regulations

     

    Why become an electrician?

    Work environments can change based on the job, which can change from day-to-day, or from week-to-week.

    Electricians are skilled tradespeople who design, install, maintain and repair electrical systems and equipment in various settings, including residential, commercial and industrial environments.

    A work site can be indoors, outdoors, or underground, in buildings under construction or in need of repair, or on projects like installing mains cables or street lighting.

    You can specialise or be generalist, you can lead or you can be part of the crew.

    Career growth opportunities
    Electricians will always
    be in demand
    A challenging
    career
    Changing 'office' locations
    You can become your own boss
    Global opportunities
    You earn while you learn
    Diverse experiences

    What does a day in the life of an electrical apprentice look like?

    Male NECA Education and Careers electrical apprentice wires lights inside a domestic property

    Becoming a licensed electrician

    In Victoria, once you’ve completed your apprenticeship (including all on-the tools and off-the-tools, as well as your ‘profiling’) you can apply for your A Grade electrical licence by – to get your licence you must pass the LEA, which covers safety, testing, and theory assessments.

    We’re here to help

    NECA offers licensing tutorials to help you prepare for your exams.

    Ongoing learning and career growth

    Even after completing your apprenticeship, your learning continues. As a licensed electrician, you’ll have opportunities to grow in your role and explore various career paths, including:

    • Becoming a registered electrical contractor and running your own business
    • Specialising in areas like renewable energy

    NECA offers lifelong learning opportunities to help you.

    Differences between an electrical apprenticeship and a traineeship

    An electrical apprentice

    An apprentice is someone who is training to become a licensed tradesperson – like an A Grade electrician.

    The pathway to become a qualified electrician includes:

    • 4-year program (typically)
    • A nationally recognised trade qualification
    • On-the-job training with formal study (usually a Certificate III in Electrotechnology)
    • Being supervised by a licensed electrician
    • Sitting and passing the Licensed Electrical Assessment to obtain the A Grade licence

     

    A trainee

    A trainee is someone learning skills in a particular non-trade role – often in a support role or in a more specialised area that doesn’t require full trade certification.

    This is often a stepping stone, or a way to gain industry experience without becoming a fully licensed electrician. Traineeships are:

    • Opportunities to earn while you learn, and set a foot on the ladder in a career you may not have thought of doing.
    • Short programs (1–2 years)
    • A career pathway to a Certificate II, Certificate III or Certificate IV in a specific area, e.g., data and voice, renewable energy systems or business (if you’re working in an admin-based role)
    • Not a trade licence, but the Telecommunications Traineeship is aligned closely with the electrical industry.
    • A supported environment in which to reach your goals.

    Read more about traineeships

    Read our
    success stories

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