Only licensed electricians may do electrical work.
What do they do?
- Plan, install, test and maintain the electrical systems in homes, schools, shops, factories and farms.
- Read plans and drawings, work out loads and cable sizes, and follow strict safety standards.
- Find and fix faults safely, and check that work is safe before power is turned back on.
- Some go on to specialise in areas such as solar and batteries, electric vehicle charging, data and communications, or running their own business.
School subjects that help
- Maths: measurement, rates, formulas, percentages and careful calculation
- Science: electricity, energy and how circuits work
- English: reading technical instructions, standards and safety information, and writing clear reports
- Design and Technologies: reading plans and solving practical problems
Extra subjects in this Career Track:
- ⚡ Electricity & Energy: Circuits, energy, power and electrical safety, in line with Victorian Curriculum 2.0 Science.
- 📐 Technical Reading & Measurement: Reading plans, instructions and tables, and measuring accurately, the way tradespeople do every day.
A common pathway in Australia
- Finish school (many apprentices start after Year 10, 11 or 12; some begin through a school-based apprenticeship or VCE Vocational Major).
- Find an employer and start an electrical apprenticeship, usually about four years of paid work and training.
- Study the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at TAFE or another registered training organisation during the apprenticeship.
- Pass the required assessments, then apply for an electrical licence from the state's regulator (in Victoria, Energy Safe Victoria). Only licensed electricians may do electrical work.
This is a general guide written by Focus Academic Coaching, not official advice. Requirements differ between states and can change, so always check the official sites below. Last checked: 3 November 2026.
Official information
- Energy Safe Victoria: electrical licences · Licensing for electrical work in Victoria
- Energy Safe Victoria: apprentices · Information for electrical apprentices
- Australian Apprenticeships · Australian Government apprenticeship information
- Your Career · Australian Government career and course information