Sparkys are extremely important professionals in Australia as well as in other countries around the world. Their job is to install and repair systems of wiring and other electrical equipment used for both commercial and residential applications. Electricians work on computer networks, circuits, and other important areas that deliver or use electricity.
Why Become a Sparky?
So why would anyone want to be an electrician? First and foremost, they are in high demand. Think about all the different places and things that you interact with on a daily basis that use electricity. At some point, many of these systems and devices will need repair work so that they keep running smoothly. Electricians are also very important on new construction projects and when companies have to move their operation to a new office.
Statistics also support the high demand for sparkys in Australia. According to numbers from the Australian government, in the past ten years electrician jobs have grown just under 40%, and jobs in the field are expected to be highly available in the future. For someone who likes working with their hands and likes solving problems, becoming an electrician is a great decision.
Steps to Becoming a Sparky
In order to become an electrician in Australia, you will generally need to complete a four-year apprenticeship with an employer that allows you to receive the training and skills you will use throughout your career. During your apprenticeship, you will also take some structured training classes with a certified training provider. These training sessions will take place on a frequent basis, such as once every week. In some cases, however, you may receive what is known as “block release,” which is a type of training that happens a few times each year and involves one or more weeks of electrician training every day. Once you are well-versed in the skills you need, you can then apply to receive your licence.
As you do your research on how to become a licensed electrician, remember that the requirements for getting a sparky licence vary from state to state. In Victoria, for example, in order to even apply for a Electrician’s Licence, if you don’t already have one, you must first have completed a four-year apprenticeship, hold a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and receive a passing score on the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment.
You will find that many universities and educational institutions have created programs designed specifically for those who want to become a sparky. These programs include hands-on training programs as well as classroom-based learning that will help prepare those who are looking to become a sparky for the assessments they need to complete to receive licensure.
Finding an Apprenticeship
When considering how to become a licensed electrician, remember that your apprenticeship is one of the most important elements of the process. The apprenticeship is where you are able to learn skills that are necessary to achieve long-term success as a sparky by working closely with experienced electricians who have already attained success on their own.
There are several ways to seek out an apprenticeship. The first and easiest way to find an apprenticeship is to tap into your current network. Think about anyone that you know who has an electrical company or is currently working with one. They may be able to connect you directly with the people who can help you secure an apprenticeship.
Aside from tapping into your own network, you can also look for apprenticeship opportunities in your local neighbourhood. You might think about visiting electrical companies around you to see if they have any apprenticeships available, or checking in your local newspaper classified section to find out about companies offering apprenticeships. You can also apply at larger organisations that specialise in connecting companies that need apprentices in several different fields with a large pool of apprentices, although these companies may have their own rules and regulations that you need to abide by.
Becoming a sparky can be an extremely rewarding career decision, no matter where you live or what your background is like. The key is to learn all you can about how to become a licensed sparky and how best to obtain the skills needed to obtain success. With a willingness to learn and the environment in which to do so, it will be much easier to fulfill your goal of becoming a licensed sparky who makes a comfortable living by providing valuable service to your community.
If you would like to find out more about how to get certified as an electrician, check out one of Kangan’s wide variety of courses, or drop us a line for some help.
