with STEM™ CAREERS JOB KIT
Electrician
An urgent challenge
Imagine a society without electricity. No lights, no refrigeration, no communications, no computers or IT. Society would grind to a halt. Electricity is a modern lifeblood — as necessary as food, air and water.
Electricity is also the technical pathway to addressing climate change. The energy transition to low emission technologies is the most urgent challenge for societies globally.
We have about 15 gigawatts (GW) of residential solar installed in Australia, with capacity for about 45 GW. And we need to build 40 wind turbines every month through to 2030 to meet the government’s emission targets.
This means that many more electricians are needed now and into the future because
We will need around 32,000 more electricians by 2030. By 2050, this jumps to an additional 85,000”
electricians are the experts at bringing low emissions energy capabilities to us all.
I have seen this in action firsthand during my career. Electricians were critical for me as I worked in the research and development of new sensor technologies. This required daily interactions where their skills enabled all the critical components to be joined up electrically, safely and sustainably.
We have an electrician skills shortage here in
Dr Cathy Foley Australia’s Chief Scientist
Australia. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia predict that we will need around 32,000 more electricians by 2030. By 2050, this jumps to an additional 85,000 electricians needed for the construction, ongoing operations and maintenance of the new low emissions infrastructure.
This demand for electricians means there will never be a problem finding a well-paid job close to home. And electricians are a critical contributor to our quest to address climate change. I hope this job kit will provide you with the support you need to be part of this action.
Dr Cathy Foley Australia’s Chief Scientist
THE FUTURE IS CLEAN
Become an electrician and help Australia combat
climate change!
One of the big promises the Australian Government has made to help address climate change is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. That means transitioning to clean energy, which will need lots of skilled up people, especially in trades! If you’re keen on combatting climate change and want a job where you’ll be super
On the job
In your day-to-day life as an electrician, you could be…
• Examining blueprints, developing wiring diagrams and specifications to determine sequence and methods of operation
• Measuring and laying out installation reference points
• Selecting, cutting and connecting wire and cable to terminals and connectors
• Using electrical and electronic test instruments to trace and diagnose faults
• Repairing and replacing faulty wiring and defective parts
• Positioning and installing electrical switchboards
• Connecting electrical systems to power supply
• Testing continuity of circuits
employable, you should become an electrician. With Jobs and Skills Australia predicting we will likely need around 32,000 more electricians in the next seven years, there’s never been a better time to become one. Keep reading to find out how and why you should jump on this career path.
How to get there
A Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) under an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement will allow you to work as a licensed and qualified electrician, on successful completion. To enhance your solar energy knowledge, you can choose to do top up units or electives relating to solar energy.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn on the job and get paid while you’re at it! Learn more: bit.ly/electrotechcert Awesome apprenticeship
If you participate in the New Energy Apprenticeships Program while studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology (or another clean energy relevant qualification), you’ll be eligible to receive up to $10,000 during your apprenticeship. You’ll also get to work with an industry mentor.
New energy occupations are identified on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List To learn more, visit apprenticeships.gov.au/ support-and-resources/ support-priority-cohorts
Scan the QR code to find out more!
Who can be electrician?an
Anyone! We need all hands-on deck to achieve net zero by 2050, and the clean energy sector will thrive if it’s diverse. It’s especially crying out for more women and First Nations people, so if this is you and you’re interested in this pathway, go for it! No matter who you are, there is a role for you to play here. Find out more at gov.au/support-and-apprenticeships. resources/support-prioritycohorts
Who you could work for
• Solar panel and battery installation companies
• Renewable energy companies
• Electric vehicle manufacturers
• Wind turbine manufacturers
• Yourself!
You’ll love being an electrician if...
• You’re passionate about tackling climate change
• You’re an expert problem solver
• You love working with others
• You’d like a STEM job working outdoors
• You’re okay with heights!
Learn more at yourcareer.gov.au/occupations
What does an electrician do?
An electrician installs, tests, connects, commissions, maintains and modifies electrical equipment, wiring and systems.control
Jobs list
Did you know there are lots of popular jobs in the existing electrical sector that are also needed in the clean energy space? These include:
• Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians
• Automotive Electricians
• Electricians
• Electrical Distribution Trades Workers
• Electrical Engineers
To find out about other jobs in clean energy, visit: yourcareer.gov.au/ clean-energy
• Installation and maintenance of clean energy technology In-demand gig
What is clean energy?
You might have already heard the terms ‘green’, ‘new’ or ‘renewable’ energy. They all refer to clean energy! Clean energy comes from natural resources that are constantly replaced and never run out. These include solar, wind, hydroelectricity, hydrogen, geothermal and bioenergy.
There are lots of different and important careers in clean energy, all focused on working to generate energy from renewable, zero emission sources. These jobs can include working on the:
• Generation, storage, transmission and distribution of the energy we use
• Design, construction, and operation of clean energy facilities
• Management and efficiency of how energy is used
jennah halley Refrigeration technician
Forget everything you thought you knew about tradies.
As one of the only female fridge techs in Cairns, Jennah spends nine to five smashing stereotypes with her VET-packed pathway. And her uniform of choice? Colourful high-vis, of course!
“Originally I was the new face in an all-male industry up here,” Jennah explains. “But I’ve built many great relationships with my peers and suppliers, and time has helped people see that I can do what they do.”
Recharge
On top of paving the way for the next generation of female electricians, the mum of four is proof that it’s never too late to change careers. Following an eight-year hiatus from the workforce, Jennah fell in love with the idea of getting skilled up in something practical, and trades-based. A casual gig with her refrigeration tech brother sparked an interest in electrics, which led her to enroll in a Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at Queensland TAFE.
Cool career
Refrigeration technician Jennah Halley is breaking barriers in her hands-on electrics role
“When you’re good at something and enjoy doing it, the benefits far outweigh the hardship,” she says of the work/family juggle. “I am keen to jam-pack as much into however long I have.”
Current wins
Excelling in her studies, Jennah has been recognised with a string of awards — TAFE Queensland Female Trade Student of the Year (2018), TAFE Queensland Apprentice of the Year Finalist (2019), Queensland Apprentice of the Year and Australian Apprentice of the Year (2022).
And nope, the talented tradie isn’t stopping there, putting her hand (and tools) up for an electrical apprenticeship to complete her Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician — a move that will allow her to independently install power circuits.
“I like the idea of continued innovation in the way we do things,” she says. “I want to become a bank of knowledge.”
Rewire
Upskilling aside, Jennah is most excited about inspiring young girls to think about widening their career options.
“Hopefully seeing me do this has changed perspectives, so that other women can follow,” she says. “My advice? Find what interests you and just get out and do it!”
hopefully seeing me do this has changed perspectives so other women can follow”
Circuit breaker
After getting skilled up with a VET qualification, Jack Higgins is generating a steady current of electric work in Australia’s top end
Day in the life
6:30am
Pre-start on-site with supervisors to discuss and distribute jobs for the day.
7:00am
When Jack finished school, he was overwhelmed with pathway options.
As a problem-solver with a passion for practical, hands-on work, he knew a trade was the way to go, enrolling in a dual trade taster program that allowed him to sample a bunch of options.
Soon enough though, it was clear that a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician was the right fit, with units like clean energy aligning with his personal, green-led values.
“The world is changing so much,” he says. “It feels good to choose a career that’s in line with the global goal of achieving zero emissions.”
Power-up
Following an apprenticeship that awarded him real-world experience — and a Northern Territory Apprentice of the Year win — Jack is now enjoying a permanent role at Nilsen in Darwin. He’s celebrated in the industry for his natural leadership skills and passion for encouraging others into non-uni opportunities — particularly in the clean energy space.
Test and commission switchboards and any scheduled electrical work. Back to work. Focusing on fault-finding and rectifying any non-compliant
Knock off for the day and head to the gym. Keeping active and healthy when working in trades is super important!
“I’m really focusing on advancing my skills through specialised training opportunities — anything that aligns with my interests and ambitions,” he says. “But I’m also considering the possibility of starting my own electrical company too!”
Yep, when it comes to employability - Jack’s on a winning circuit.
And when he’s not rocking a hard hat on-site? He’s peppering his pathway with further qualifications in fields like process plant operation, IRATA (Industrial Rope Access
it feels good to choose a career that’s in line with achieving zero emissions”
Dual trade apprenticeship taster, Shell
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, Charles Darwin University Electrician, Nilsen
jack higgins Electrician
Get the job!
Electives
checklist ✔ Maths ✔ Physics ✔ Earth and Environmental Science ✔ Engineering Studies ✔ Electrotechnology (VET course)
Watch
Fight For Planet A: Our Climate Challenge (ABC)
Explores how we can all reduce our individual and collective carbon emissions.
Catalyst episode: ‘The Grid: Powering the Future’ (ABC) Meet Australians leading the way in renewable energy technology.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Netflix)
Follows the true story of how a 13-year-old from Malawi built a wind turbine to save his village from famine.
Listen
Careers for Net Zero Podcast
This awesome podcast highlights careers that will help Australia reach net zero. In the episodes, you’ll hear about jobs like blade technician, project manager, insulation installer, engineer and more. It’s a collab between the Clean Energy Council and Energy Efficiency Council, with the support of Ai Group, Australian Power Institute, Boundless Earth and Engineers Australia – so you know it’s good!
ReWired
A podcast from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency featuring experts in energy technology, innovation and business.
Read
Powering Up by Alan Finkel
Alan Finkel is a former chief scientist and he shares why Australia can lead the way in the global transition to clean energy.
The Big Switch by Saul Griffith All about Australia’s electric future and a blueprint to get there, including the creation of millions of new net zero jobs.
Dr Karl’s Book of Climate Change Science by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki Explains the facts about climate change and how we can fix it, and explores how we can move to zero and even negative emissions.
Power Engineering: Helping us make the switch to renewables
Girls in Engineering Club Ambassador Zali Steiner speaks to Lead Electrical Engineer, Lize-Marie Van Wyk from Aurecon who works in power engineering and renewable energy projects.
Head to the home of career information, yourcareer.gov.au, where you can find a career that’s right for you! You can also find out what is happening in your State and Territory by visiting:
ACT
• Skills | ACT Government: bit.ly/ACTskills
NSW
• Careers NSW | NSW Government: bit.ly/careersNSW
NT
• Adult Education and Training | NT Government: bit.ly/adultedutraining
QLD
• Future Energy Jobs Guide: bit.ly/futureenergyjobsguide
• What Are the Jobs in Renewable Energy? | Department of Energy and Climate: bit.ly/jobsinrenewables
SA
• Careers Hub | Energy: bit.ly/careershubenergy
• The Workabout Centre for Aboriginal Students: bit.ly/workaboutcentre
TAS
• Careerify – Career Choices Made Simple: bit.ly/careerifytas
VIC
• Skills and Jobs Centres: bit.ly/skillsjobscentres
• Jobs and Careers | Youth Central: bit.ly/youthcentralvic
WA
• Jobs & Skills WA – Clean Energy: bit.ly/jobsskillsWA