Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by teamobn

Being an electrician is not just a profession – it’s a career path that offers long-term security, professional development and a high degree of independence. Whether you’re looking for hands-on practical work or technical problem-solving, electrical installation is a field where you’ll always need reliable and well-trained professionals.

The demand for the profession is never diminishing: modernising homes, maintaining industrial equipment and installing energy-efficient systems all require skilled electricians. But how do you get started in this career officially? What steps do you need to take to get the necessary qualifications?

In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to become an officially recognised electrician. We talk about apprenticeships, licences, skills required – and, of course, how to make a strong application if you’re applying for a job. 

If you want to know how to stand out from the crows, a well written electrician cover letter can help you.

The Basics of Being an Electrician

One of the biggest advantages of a career as an electrician is that it offers both stable employment and business opportunities. Well-trained electricians can earn a living not only as employees but also as self-employed professionals, especially when they specialise in specific areas such as installing solar systems or smart home technologies. 

In the US, for example, labour statistics show that average earnings for electricians are above the national average, and the expected growth in the profession is stable.

What Licences are Required for an Electrician?

In most countries and states, you can only work as an electrician with a formal qualification, examination and experience. The first step is usually to complete a vocational school or course that teaches basic electrical concepts, safety rules and practical techniques.

After that, you can work as an apprentice with a licensed master, where you can supplement your theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The length of the apprenticeship varies – usually 3-5 years – but in all cases it is a compulsory stepping stone to the next level.

Once you have achieved the required number of hours and passed the professional exam, you can obtain the status of journeyman or licensed electrician. This now allows you to work independently or start your own business.

Developing Your Skills

When you’re on a course or already working as an apprentice alongside an experienced professional, developing your practical skills is just as important as gaining technical knowledge. Electrical installation is not just about wiring and switches – it’s also about accurate workmanship, problem solving and customer communication.

Precision is essential: a single incorrectly wired wire can cause not only a fault but also a serious hazard. So is knowing the rules and regulations. Because you work with electricity, you must strictly follow health and safety regulations at every stage of the work.

In addition, a good electrician can “read” a situation: he can tell when an old system needs repairing and when it’s time to replace the whole thing with a more modern one. This also requires analytical thinking, patience and an accurate assessment of the customer’s needs.

How to Gain Experience as an Electrician

The electrician profession is clearly a case of ‘learning by doing’: textbook knowledge is only the basics, real progress starts in the field. To become an officially qualified electrician, you need to gain practical experience.

In most countries and states, there is a required period of practical training as an apprentice or assistant electrician. This is typically 3-5 years and depends on the regulations in the region. During this time, a person works under the supervision of a qualified master and learns all the details of the trade in real-life conditions: how to wire a house, how industrial systems work, what standards must be met.

While you are gaining experience, it is important to document the work you have done, as you will need to prove the hours you have worked in the qualification exam later on. It’s also a good idea to maintain good relationships with your masters and companies, as their recommendation can be a big factor in a job interview – especially if you’re applying for a job where a strong electrician cover letter is important.

How You Get Certified

When practical experience is sufficient, the next step is the formal exam. This consists of a written and practical part and tests how well you understand and can apply electrical engineering rules and principles. The exam material includes:

• The operation of electrical circuits and systems
• Electrical systems and circuits
• Safety and electrical wiring

After passing the exam, you are officially considered a qualified electrician. This allows you to work on your own or even start your own business.

Important: Certificates need to be renewed from time to time, and often require further training. This ensures that professionals are always up to date with the latest technologies and standards.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Once you have obtained your certificate, you can start looking for a job. This is where one of your most important tools comes in: your cover letter. A well-written electrician cover letter shows not only that you know your stuff, but that you understand the client’s needs and can communicate professionally.

More tips for your job search:

• Be prepared to be asked for references.
• Keep your portfolio up to date with photos, project descriptions, case studies.
• Use job search platforms, where you can target construction and electrician positions.

Build a Long-Term Career

At first glance, electrical installation may seem like a hands-on, physical profession, but it’s much more than that: it’s a long-term career path with constant opportunities for learning and development. Once you’ve got a basic qualification and a few years’ experience, you can go in several directions – depending on whether you’re more interested in technical depth, education or even business building.

Industrial automation

Automated systems are playing an increasingly important role in modern factories. Installing and maintaining control panels, sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) requires specialised knowledge. If you are interested in industrial processes and technological innovations, this could be the ideal field for you. It typically offers higher salaries and long-term projects.

Smart home systems

Smart home technology is one of the fastest growing areas in the residential market. Automating lighting, heating, alarm systems or even blinds are all tasks that require basic electrician skills, but adding digital skills can take you to a new level. Customers appreciate a complex service, so this could be a marketable specialism.

Installing solar systems

With the rise of energy-conscious thinking, solar panel installation has become a sought-after skill. It is a field that requires technical and legal knowledge (e.g. licensing, operation of inverters), but can pay high returns, especially if you later start your own solar business. Moreover, it is a field that is expected to grow for decades.

Security

Alarm systems, fire alarms, access control, cameras – these are all devices that can be installed by a properly trained electrician. This is an area that requires reliability, precision and a high sense of responsibility, as these systems are designed to protect people and property. Work typically starts with small projects, but larger company orders can come quickly.

Conclusion: Powering Your Future as a Qualified Electrician

Becoming a certified electrician is a rewarding journey that offers long-term career stability and diverse opportunities. As this guide has outlined, the path involves dedicated vocational training, a crucial apprenticeship period for hands-on experience, and rigorous certification exams to ensure competency and safety. Continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest industry standards are paramount for career longevity.

To excel in this competitive field, aspiring electricians should focus on building a strong portfolio, securing positive references, and crafting compelling application materials that highlight both technical skills and professional aptitude.

The electrical trade also presents avenues for specialization in burgeoning sectors like renewable energy, smart home technology, and industrial automation, offering pathways for career advancement and increased earning potential. Ultimately, a career as an electrician provides not just a job, but a dynamic and essential role in building and maintaining Australia’s infrastructure and homes.