So you want to be a Electrician?
Some common questions...
What does an Electrician actually do?
Electricians essentially install, maintain and repair electrical wiring systems. Such systems are useful for telecommunications, light, heat and power.
Using a variety of tools including screwdrivers, computers, power drills and wire-cutters, electricians deal with electrical and electronic installations and repairs. Testing various appliances and circuits, electricians test their safety and integrity.
An Electrician's duties and responsibilities can vary between different positions, including working indoors on domestic or commercial buildings or installing cables and street lighting outdoors.
What are some of the skills I would learn at BIGA?
At BIGA, we will equip you with the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Electrician. Some of the skills you will learn include:
- Fitting, servicing, testing and repairing a whole range of electrical components
- Using of hand and power tools
- Health and safety whilst on the job
- Installing and assembling equipment including electrical conductor enclosures and fittings
- Repair and maintenance of switchgear, transformers and related equipment
- Theoretical and practical skills specifically related to chosen sector of electrical work
- Reading and interpreting electrical drawings and determine layout
What does an apprenticeship as an Electrician involve?
At BIGA, we equip you with on-the-job training, conducted by experienced tradespeople on site and within the classroom. This ensures you develop the technical and practical skills to be effective in your chosen trade. Number of years expected to complete your apprenticeship: 3 - 4 yrs.
What do I need to be a good Electrician?
- Good eyesight and colour vision to identify colour coded wires
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Good manual dexterity and keenness to use tools
- Methodical and accurate approach
- Ability to follow routine procedures safely
- Patience and perseverance to overcome electrical problems
What working conditions can I expect?
- Standard full-time 5 day working week, averaging 40 hours, with some overtime expected on weekends in order to complete certain projects
- Those on call are required to work odd hours, on weekends and public holidays
- Salary ranges between $32,000 - $80,000 plus, particularly for those owning their own business
- Electricians must always be on the lookout for hazards and be safety conscious
- Working conditions differ greatly with both indoor and outdoor work opportunities
- Lifting of equipment and supplies
- Employment opportunities exist in residential housing, commercial properties, and industrial and mining, energy and water supply sectors
- Electricians are in high demand for regional and remote areas, paying very well
- Travel from job to job is necessary
- Work in conditions that might be muddy, dirty, dusty or in a variety of weather conditions (rain, wind, hail and heat etc)
Benefits of BIGA:
- Learn more about the apprenticeship and the job opportunities involved before making your decision on which apprenticeship to apply for
- BIGA takes the time to get to know you, finding out your skill levels, abilities and particularly your interests to determine the best apprenticeship suited to you
- A variety in apprenticeship offerings, means you are free to choose the one that appeals to you the most
- Gain experience in a variety of different learning situations by working with a variety of qualified and licensed trades people
- Our staff can offer guidance and support within the security of a large and well established organisation with significant experience in industry and apprenticeships