What is the Electrical Industry?

Modern society is powered in large by electricity and the electrical industry is all about keeping those many wires, circuits, networks, and components working as safely, efficiently, and effectively as possible. An electrician is responsible for the maintenance and installation of these electrical components, both in residential homes, as well as on an industrial scale.

The Electrical Industry in Australia

There are now more than 170,000 electricians working right across the country, most of whom are employed in the manufacturing, construction, and mining industries. The majority of jobs are based in New South Wales (28.1%), Queensland (23.3%), and Victoria (21.9%).

The average working week is 40.6 hours long, 98.8% of Australia’s electricians are men, and the average salary is $72,800. This is also a highly educated profession, with 80.7% of electricians having completed at least a Certificate III electrical contractor’s course.

Electrical Courses

To perform electrical work in Australia you will need to hold a license from the appropriate local authority, and eligibility requirements vary state-to-state. Most will require that you have completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship, which includes a mix of in-class and on-the-job training.

Certificate

Certificate level electrical courses provide a fantastic way to get started, as you’ll learn the basics of workplace safety, get trained to use a broad range of tools and equipment, and master the art of identifying, fixing, and replacing electrical materials and components. Certificate programs are particularly well suited for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship students; in fact, most apprenticeship programs in Australia will require that you complete at least a Certificate III level electrical course as part of your training.

Diploma

If you would like to step into management roles, start your own business, or perhaps even learn to design your own electrical systems, investing in an advanced diploma or bachelor degree will hold you in good stead. For example, a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering will not only develop your knowledge of electrical systems, circuits, and components; but you’ll learn how to design, build, and navigate complex electrical networks as well.

No matter what you decide to do, be it a short electrical course in Sydney, a professional electrical estimating course in Melbourne, or an electrical contractor’s course online, you can count on getting a world-class education. With so many options to choose from, there’s an electrical course to suit everyone’s needs and schedules.

Career Prospects in the Electrical Industry

Australia’s electrical industry has experienced strong growth in recent years, exceeding 19.8% over the past two years alone, and this positive trend appears set to continue.

According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics as many as 191,600 electricians are expected to be working throughout Australia by the year 2020, which means plenty of opportunities for skilled and knowledgeable graduates for years to come.

Is a Career in the Electrical Industry Right for You?

To succeed in the electrical industry you need to be a hard worker, a skilled problem solver, and have the ability to focus 100% on the task at hand; after all, dealing with electricity can easily become a life and death matter. You will also need to be just as comfortable working alone as you are when part of a team and having a knack for quality customer service will certainly help as well.

If you have the following skills and talents, you’ll do well in the electrical industry;

  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Active listening
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Time management
  • Sound judgement
  • Physical fitness
  • Sharp eyesight

Think you’ve got what it takes to thrive in Australia’s electrical industry? Just find your course, sign up, and take the next step in your professional journey today!