The future of the electrical industry will be shaped by the young people learning the trade today.
And while strong technical skills will always sit at the heart of being a great electrician, the workforce of the future will need more than technical capability alone.
Problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and the dedication to keep learning will all matter as the industry continues to evolve.
From renewables and energy efficiency to electric vehicle infrastructure, automation and smarter technology, the next generation of electricians will have an exciting role to play in shaping how we build the future.
WorldSkills practice 2026
That is why industry-led training matters.
At NECA Education & Careers (NECA E&C), we believe building the next generation of electrical talent starts with quality training, supportive learning environments, hands-on experience and a genuine connection to industry.
And WorldSkills competitions are a fantastic example of what that can look like in action.
Putting skills to the test
This week, electrical apprentices are putting their skills to the test at the ANZETA WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition hosted by PEER in South Australia. Participants are from the ANZETA group or organisations – Electrical Group Training (EGT), Electro Careers & Apprenticeships (Electro CA), ElectroGroup NSW, Electrogroup Queensland, NECA Education & Careers, NECA Training and Apprenticeships, PEER, and The Electrical Training Company (ETCO).
Representing NECA E&C are Tadhg Boyle, a third-year apprentice hosted by Stowe in Victoria, Shane Lawrence, a third-year apprentice hosted by M+G in Victoria, and Kate Figgel, a fourth-year apprentice hosted by Banks Electrical & Solar in Tasmania.
In the lead-up to the competition, all three spent time preparing, sharpening their practical skills and getting ready for the kind of high-pressure environment WorldSkills competitions are known for.
WorldSkills Regional Competitions give apprentices, trainees and students the opportunity to test themselves against industry benchmarks and put their training into practice.
But for the young people taking part, it is about much more than winning a medal. It’s a chance to challenge themselves, build confidence, learn from others, and see just how far their training can take them.
For electrical apprentices, experiences like WorldSkills competitions bring technical training to life.
Competitors need to demonstrate accuracy, safe work practices, problem-solving, time management and pride in their workmanship – the same qualities the electrical industry relies on every day.
But it also represents something bigger.
The young people entering the workforce today will become the electricians, supervisors, business owners, trainers and industry leaders of tomorrow.
When apprentices are encouraged to keep learning, back themselves, and take on new challenges, that growth carries over into the wider industry, too.
At NECA Education & Careers, we are proud to support training pathways that help young people turn practical learning into real career opportunities.
Because the future of our industry does not happen by chance.
It is built by skilled people, supported by strong training and shaped by an industry willing to invest in the next generation.
Good luck Tadhg, Shane, and Kate. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!
Where could an electrical career take you?
Tadhg, Shane, and Kate are still building their electrical careers, but that is part of what makes opportunities like WorldSkills so valuable.
An electrical apprenticeship can be the beginning of many different pathways.
You might stay on the tools and become a highly skilled A-Grade electrician. Or your career could eventually take you into estimating, specialist technical roles, teaching, engineering, sales, leadership or even running your own electrical business.
The electrical industry is changing, and the opportunities within it are growing too.
NECA has developed a tool to help you explore what those possibilities could look like, which covers more than 70 roles across the electrotechnology industry.
Wherever you are in your career, it is worth seeing just how far your skills could take you and learn what you need to do to achieve your future.