Career Pathways
Apprenticeships: A Smart Path to Becoming an Electrician
If you’re thinking about a career in the electrical trade, choosing an apprenticeship over going to university can fast-track your success with less debt and more hands-on experience. Here’s why an apprenticeship could be the better option for you:
Why Choose an Apprenticeship Over Uni?
If you’re thinking about a career in the electrical trade, choosing an apprenticeship over going to university can fast-track your success with less debt and more hands-on experience. Here’s why an apprenticeship could be the better option for you:
1. Earn While You Learn
As an apprentice, you’ll get paid while you train. Starting as early as 18, you’ll receive:
Earn Money Early
Join us from year 10 on wards & you can earn while you learn
- Free training
- Gain Super
- Mentoring
- Uniform
- Long Service Entitlements
- $30-60kYear 1
- $32-62kYear 2
- $37-75kYear 3-4
- 136-272k + OT + AllowancesTotal
In contrast, university students often graduate with up to $40,000 in debt, PLUS the costs of study materials.
2. Regular Hours and Flexibility
Apprentices enjoy steady working hours and the flexibility to:
Regular Hours
Start early & finish early, so you have time to do the things you love
Mix It Up
Work on lots of projects and discover what you like best
40 Study Days per Year
Be taught by the best & mentored along the way
Uni comparison: Students spend up to 40 hours per week in lectures AND need to work part-time to cover their living costs.
3. High Success Rates and Job Security
The stats speak for themselves:80% of apprentices finish their training and become qualified sparkies
99% of qualified apprentices get a job within 3 months of completing their training.
Starting salaries for qualified electricians can be as high as $91,000.
Uni graduates are 20-30% less likely to complete their degree and may find it harder to land a job, often with lower starting pay than tradies.
4. Diverse Career Paths
Once you’re qualified, the electrical trade offers plenty of career options, including:
Specialising
in areas like automation, solar, telecoms, or the Internet of Things.
Supervising Teams
teams and sharing your knowledge with the next generation of apprentices.
Starting Your Own Business
becoming your own boss and running things your way.
