Category: Apprenticeships

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So, you want to be an electrician. Here are some suggested pathways into electrical trades

This post contains detailed information about pathways into electrical trades in Western Australia.

Being offered an electrical apprenticeship is getting as hard as getting into medicine. At the end of 2025 hundreds of West Australian high school students missed out on electrical pre apprenticeships.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know

It seems that the best way to get an apprenticeship as an electrician is to have a family member who is willing to employ you. 

Shortage of Trainers

The resource industry is scooping up qualified electricians and paying them a bucket load to go onto the mines. It is difficult to attract qualified electricians from industry to deliver training to the 6000 apprentice electricians in WA.

Matt Shaw from Clean Energy Skills Recommendations 

Matt Shaw spoke at the Career Development Conference at Curtin late last year. He told us that there is doing to be a 4% increase in demand for electricians every year to 2050. 

He suggested that teachers go to the Clean Energy site for case studies and information about future careers.

 

 

 

From Robert Palmer at South Metro TAFE 

Rob Palmer is a senior career advisor at South Metro TAFE. I contacted him for advice on how to get into a trade as an electrician from school.

He sent this information:

A post school Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship) is being offered at Armadale in Semester 1 2026 and is expected to be offered again for Semester 2.
  • Semester 2 applications via TAFE Admissions typically open in late April/early May. 
The pre-apprenticeship course is also offered at Armadale as a VETDSS course for school students completing Year 11 and 12.   
(These new opportunities were snapped up as soon as they became available. It may be easier to get a place in Semester 2. Bev) 
Rob is an advocate for people enrolling in a skills set in a related trade first. He said that working as a trades assistant or builders’ labourer for a while would make applicants more attractive to potential employers. 
The Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) has been offered to senior school VETDSS students over the past year and expressions of interest are now being taken again for post-school/adult courses for 2026. We (SM TAFE) haven’t been given specific course start dates as yet. Careers in defence | South Metropolitan TAFE
See the video HERE.
The DIPP is a 12-month paid traineeship which gives trainees exposure to various sectors of the defence industry (e.g. manufacturing and engineering, computing and logistics)  and includes 3 X 12-week work placements with defence industry employers. 
It does not provide a direct entry into the electrical trade. However, the opportunity for DIPP participants to complete work-placements and demonstrate their work-ethic and aptitude can put them in a good position when Defence Industry employers advertise electrical apprenticeships. 

South Metro TAFE Defence Industry Electricians

You DO NOT have to enlist in the defence forces to work in the defence industry.

The defence industry is made up of businesses that supply goods and services to the army, navy and air force. 

Check out the South Metro TAFE Defence Industry Centre of Excellence for potential electrical pre apprenticeship and apprenticeships in the defence industry. You can find different, similar apprenticeships HERE.

To explore options go to your local Jobs and Skills Centre

Defence Force

If you really want the best possible training in anything to do with electrical trades, consider defence force trades. There is a range, like Electronic Systems Technician and Electronics Technician Submariner

The Defence Force has a recruiting office is down near the Convention Centre. Contact them for an careers appointment.

Checking out what is possible does not mean you are signing up!!

Linda Terrell at North Metro TAFE has these suggestions

Linda offered some creative ideas on how to get an electrical apprenticeship.

Linda suggested:

Linda also sent through these maths tests that she has had for some time from electrical trade lecturers :

They are old but the tradespeople seem to still like them. 

If you can’t get it to download email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au 

Applying for something in the engineering and mining may be an easier alternative, but it’s not a guaranteed pathway.

 Private training provider

The College of Electrical Training is now the biggest trainer of apprentice electricians in WA. They have a maths quiz as part of the application, and the CET course and will also be highly competitive.

University

I have requested information from ECU about courses that lead to electrical careers. These might be easier to get into than apprenticeships.

I will publish that information in the In Focus Careers Newsletter. 

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If you need to know about emerging career opportunities in WA, you need In Focus Careers News. At $35 per issue, your organisation will have all the West Australian career information it needs to share with your school community. 

 

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Don’t get stuck at school if you hate it. There’s a better path for you.

WRONG WAY: Just stop going to school.

  • People from the Department of Education will chase you up to find what’s going on.

  • You will cut ties with your friends and your support network of teachers, student services, VET coordinators, career advisors at school. 

  • You could end up alone and feeling lost. 

BETTER WAY: Do this preparation.

Leave School Early

Step 1: Talk with family and friends

Don’t shock your family and friends by just dropping out of school. They will get upset and add to your stress. 

Talk with them, flag the idea of leaving school early. Ask what they think. Get their ideas and support. 

Step 2: Get expert information

Your Mum’s best friend or your maths teacher is not the expert that you need right now. There’s a lot to know about leaving school. Talk to an expert whose full time job it is to know about career pathways.  

This mind map provides links to expert information about leaving school in WA.  Play with different links to see what’s available. Write down questions to ask your career advisor. 

Meet with your school career advisor

Take a list of questions. 

  • If you don’t know what you want to do, they will explore different opportunities with you. 

  • They can help you to get a job application ready. 

  • They can link you with an apprenticeship/traineeship company that employs lots of apprentices. 

Jobs and Skills Center free information and advice

Jobs and Skills Centres are co-located at TAFE colleges. There are 19 across WA and they provide free information, advice and support. 

Private Career Practitioners

Look up “career practitioners” in your “suburb”. There will be career practitioners who can be employed to guide you through the process from school into a job or further study. 

Step 3: How to leave school

  • Get your career advisor and family to help you to arrange a full-time job, enrol in a full-time course or a combination of both. 

  • Get your parents to fill out an Exemption from full time schooling and submit it to your school.

It needs to go to the Minister for Education. They won’t come back with a flat “no” but you may be asked to add some more information to your application. 

Once you have permission you can leave:

  • Get a copy of your latest report.

  • Get references from supportive teachers.

  • Check with the front office to see if you have forgotten anything. 

Say goodbye to your life as a school student 

MORE INFORMATION

Common pathways from school

1. Nursing

2. Computing pathway – leave the pretty stuff for later

There are so many computing jobs. Learn the hard, foundation, boring stuff. It will put you way ahead of others who focus on pretty, creative computing. 

Subscribe to In Focus Careers News 

In Focus Careers News is the ultimate solution for high school career news and advice. Over 150 West Australian high schools already subscribing, our newsletter provides unbiased and up-to-date information on a wide range of career options.  Don’t miss out on this valuable resource – subscribe now and give your students the career guidance they need to take action.

Bev doing research for 2025
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Building apprentices’ road to riches – What support is available for WA construction apprentices?

Apprentice plumbers, electricians and carpenters are to receive $10,000 payment from the Commonwealth government, spread over their 4 year apprenticeship.

Apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.

2024 WorldSkills representatives Nick and Lewis

The funding aims to:

  • attract more people into construction apprenticeships by lifting their wages which are often below minimum wage.

  • take pressure off employers who are being asked to pay apprentices more. 

  • encourage people to train for jobs in residential housing construction.

What money is already available?

The Construction Training Fund provides information on:

  • The $1000 Apprentice Support Bonus

  • The $1000 Apprentice Tool Allowance

  • The Apprentice Travel and Accommodation Allowance

  • The $500 Pre-Apprenticeship Award Payment 

It will also provide information about this new $10,000 funding for apprentices. 

It also provides information about grants to employers of apprentices. 

Construction Futures Centre

The Construction Training Fund has established the Construction Futures Centre in Belmont. 

Students can explore a range of construction jobs available through hands on experience at the Centre. Schools can book in for an excursion HERE. 

Construction Futures Centre | Digital Services Case Studies OKMG

Try-a-Trade Program

Students can gain construction experience with CTF’s fully funded Try-A-Trade program. Participants get a taste of careers in the building industry and learn what to expect in various trades.

The Try-A-Trade program gives students in Year 9 and above, school leavers and mature-age job seekers, a chance to try various construction trades. Selected Registered Training Organisations deliver the courses on behalf of CTF at locations throughout Western Australia. Find details HERE.

Women in the Construction Industry

Although there are lots of incentives for females to go into construction industry jobs, most women in the industry tend to work in the office, in logistics, design and management roles. 

The industry knows about discrimination against women and sexual harassment in workplaces and there are moves by many companies to create an environment where women and supported. 

There are Apprentice Connect organisations that have been funded to work to reduce barriers for women.

Perth & Surrounds

Outback 

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to women going into non traditional trades from:

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Bev doing research for 2025

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Skillaroos – West Australia’s WorldSkills Champions at the Skills and Employment Expo. Good Luck in Lyon!

Proud. Excited and VERY good  at what they do.

There are six West Australian competitors heading off to France in early September where they will represent Australia to win recognition as best in the world in their chosen fields. 

All six of them are showing off their skills at the Skills and Employment Expo. 

They have just come back from a training competition in China where the Chinese competitors were trained at an organization that JUST trains competitors for WorldSkills type competitions. 

I ran into Lewis Italiano from Bunbury who did his cabinetmaking apprenticeship in at South Regional TAFE in Bunbury. His family is going over to WorldSkills to watch him compete. 

His expert lecturer from South Regional TAFE is Nick Johnston. Nick is going too.

Next to Lewis and Nick were Lachlan Gelavis and Kai Baharthah-King who are representing Australia in a Cyber Security Team Event. They had also been to the trials in China.

You can see from the screens behind them, they were busy “playing” with code.

These are our Champion Geeks. They are already working in industry. 

Congratulations to these six West Australians who are going to WorldSkills

  • Lewis Italiano – South Regional TAFE – Cabinet Making;

  • Jacob Dixon – North Metropolitan TAFE – Wall and Floor Tiling;

  • Antoinette Jackson – MPA Skills – Painting and Decorating;

  • Mitchell Rigney – North Metropolitan TAFE – Jewellery; and

  • Kai Baharthah-King and Lachlan Gelavis – North Metropolitan TAFE – Cyber Security (Team Event).

Who are the Experts?

WorldSkills Australia has also selected five Western Australians as Experts to coach the Skillaroos in the lead up to, and during, Lyon 2024.

WA Experts:

  • Nick Johnston – South Regional TAFE – Cabinet Making;

  • Liam Cochran – North Metropolitan TAFE – Wall and Floor Tiling;

  • Brendan Hibbert – North Metropolitan TAFE – Graphic Design Technology;

  • Ryan Goggin – North Metropolitan TAFE – 3D Digital Game Art; and

  • Todd Bell – Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Electrical Installation.

Good Luck to you all.

To learn more about the Skillaroos and their journey to Lyon 2024 visit www.worldskills.org.au/competitions/lyon-france

For the latest career information for West Australian High School Students Subscribe to In Focus Careers News.

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VET and Uni Pathways to Careers in the Resources Industry

Boys in Western Australian know that they can earn big money without a degree by taking on an apprenticeship that will lead to work in the resources industry.

Female school leavers who want to work in the resources industry tend to go to university. There ARE opportunities for girls in trades but it is hard. Sexual harassment has been an ongoing problem that has caused young females to stay away.

Girls who want to go into the resources industry can find great role models who have done VET and uni pathways HERE.

Training Pathways to the Resources Industry

By getting a job in the resources industry, West Australian school leavers can earn great money without a degree.

Here are VET jobs in:

  • Exploration
  • Commissioning and Construction
  • Operations and Mainenance
Exploration Occupations include:
DrillerField Technician
SurveyorDrone Operator
Finance ProfessionalsHydrologist
Community Engagement ProfessionalsLaboratory Scientist
Land Access Professionals 

 

Commissioning and Construction Occupations include
Excavator OperatorCrane Operator
RiggerScaffolder
ElectricianWelder
Builder and CarpenterContract Administrators
Construction Materials TestersProject Manager  

 

Operations and Maintenance Occupations include
DrillerShot Firer
Haul Truck OperatorMechanical Fitter
Motor MechanicAutomotive Electrician
Procurement ProfessionalsLogistics Operators (warehousing, rail, and marine)
Telecommunications and Networking OperatorsMaintenance Planner

For more information about jobs in the resources industry go HERE.

Go to your local Jobs and Skills Centre for information about apprenticeships, traineeships and pathways to these jobs.

Resources Industry Jobs that require a degree

Exploration, commissioning, and constructionOperations and Maintenance
GeologistCommunity Engagement Professionals
Environmental ScientistEngineering Professionals (IT, mining, petroleum, rail and civil)
Engineering Professionals (mining, petroleum, rail and civil)  Data Scientist
Project Manager  
Site Restoration
Earth ScientistsEnvironmental Scientists
Environmental EngineersLaboratory Scientists
Water Management SpecialistsField Officers
Planning OfficersCommunity Engagement Professionals
Contract and Compliance Professionals 

For more information about jobs in the resources industry go HERE.

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What is a Skills Passport and why do you need one?

A Skills Passport is an online record of all your qualifications and skills.

The government is about to initiate consultations with employer groups, unions and educators aimed at identifying the advantages of creating a National Skills Passport. This initiative would consolidate all your qualifications and skills into a single, user-friendly database.

You need one because..

  • It might significantly ease your transition from one employer to another.
  • Many people may not realize that completing certain courses, such as a White Card or a barista course during school, actually grants them formal qualifications.
  • It’s possible to inadvertently overlook a job opportunity if you forget about a customer service qualification earned during your initial employment at McDonald’s or Bunnings.
  • As you progress through life, continuous learning is inevitable. Without a comprehensive database to store your course history, it’s easy to forget what courses you completed a decade ago.

What does it do?

  • It consolidates all your qualifications into a single database.
  • It will be integrated with standardized criteria, ensuring that certifications from”Dodgy Brothers Training” are not seen as the same as those from TAFE colleges or universities.
  • The system will adhere to interoperability standards, guaranteeing that all qualifications are recorded using a uniform format, which will allow seamless sharing and compatibility.

Why I won’t use it…

  • I used to work with IT security specialists and I am cautious about sharing personal information.
  • Identify theft is easier when everything is in one place.
  • I don’t trust that the information would not be used for different purposes.
  • I can keep my own records of my qualifications.
  • If they let me know what standards and format they want in a database, I will create my own sharable database that I will manage.

Make up your own mind

If you are a teacher or career advisor, you may want to use it to make sure school leavers have a record of all qualifications they have achieved. In that case a Skills Passport may be a convenient solution.

There will probably be an opt out clause that will allow users to stop using the service.

I think a Skills Passport could be a cool solution to people not taking responsibility for keeping their own records.

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Can you wash up your coffee cup? The Generation Gap in the workplace

Have you asked a new graduate to wash their coffee cup?

Have you asked them to leave their classroom neat and ready for the next teacher?

According to some experienced teachers, asking this could risk complaints about bullying.

Work Readiness courses

There are currently 6% of Gen Zers in the paid employment and that per centage is growing, while baby boomers remain at around 20%. The generation gap between 20 year olds and 60 year olds is causing both young and old workers to resign.

Ten years ago “work preparation” courses taught uni graduates that they were not the bosses and to do the work as they were asked, without being “creative”.

Perhaps that would help, but it is not enough.

What can older workers do?

Older workers often think we know it all.

We don’t.

Dave Turner, career guru, from South Australia, says saying “hello” and asking about their weekend will make young workers feel more accepted.

He encourages employers to engage more with their local schools to:

  • gain a realistic idea of school students
  • prepare students for the workplace

Zoomers, our youngest employees

Danielle Kabilio, is building a reputation as an expert in this field.

She recently spoke on the topic to a Food Fibre and Timber Industry Training Council seminar for employees who are struggling to retain younger workers.

She is speaking on the topic at the CDAA Good Theory, Good Practice conference on 23 September. Teachers , private practitioners and HR experts are all interested in how to address the issue.

The stereotype is not the norm

The stereotype of the young kid playing on a mobile phone with poor communication skills is simply not the norm.

Kids may not be joining Lions of scouts any more but they are volunteering on environmental projects and coaching junior sports teams. There has never been more participation in competitions like It Takes a Spark and the Gamechanger Awards.

Stereotypes are not the whole answer. There are many steps that we need to take.

I’ll follow up

I will let you know what tips Danielle has to offer at the Good Theory Good Practice conference and I will put any research that I find into my In Focus Careers Newsletter.

In the meantime, say “Hi” to your colleagues and put your mobile phone away.

To keep up to speed with career opportunities in WA. Subscribe to In Focus Careers News.

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What was new at the Expo this year?

The SkillsWest Expo was great. There was more to see and many exhibitions had activities to play with.

The big give away this year was bucket hats. Fourteen year old boys were seen with a dozen hats teetering on their heads.

Strangest Stand – Queensland Police

Maybe they don’t get West Australian news in Queensland. WA Police are seriously working to recruit new police officers, and here were the Queensland police recruiting at OUR Expo.

For information about jobs in the WA police service go HERE.

Metal Fabrication Goes High Tech

I thought metal fabrication was a hammer and a sheet of metal, not computer driven.

Metal Fabrication at North Metro TAFE

Metal Fabrication at South Metro TAFE

WorlsSkills Competition

This year it seemed easier to see the students competing in WorldSkills.

Mervyn has won GOLD at the national WorldSkills Competition. Congratulations!!

Women in Building Support

Women represent under 5% of those working in building trades.

Women Building Australia supports women trying to break into well paid jobs in building trades.

McDonalds Traineeships

McDonalds were there again promoting their traineeships and jobs for young workers. McDonalds gives great training to young staff so they are worth considering when going for part time jobs.

Jobs and Skills Career Services

North and South Metro Jobs and Skills Centres were there with a prime spot just inside the entrance. They were introducing the career advisory services to students and helping those who had time to ask for advice.

Specialist Employment Services

There were several providers of career advice and job finding services to school leavers, like impact services.

Great Work

There was almost too much to see at the Expo. With such a significant event, visitors might need to do more preparation so that they don’t miss information that meets their needs.

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In Focus Careers News for West Australian schools provides educators and familieis with news about emerging career opportunities in Western australia.

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Climate change sees growth in glass and glazier apprenticeship opportunities

Hi

My name is Justin Wakeling and I’m a Master Glazier in Western Australia. 

Justin Wakeling Master Glazier at GlassCo Metro

 

I’m Operations Manager  at Glass.Co Metro which is based in Canning Vale.

Glass Co Metro Canning Vale

How I got into being a glazier

I got my first job in the glazing industry in 2004 through a friend who was a factory foreman for a large glass and aluminium company. After working on the factory floor for a couple of months I was offered an apprenticeship. It has been a great industry to work in. 

The trend to light and airy houses in a time of climate change has seen the growth in double glazing to make sure homes are energy efficient. 

Trend to more glass with thermal properties

My industry has grown and changed as we deliver new solutions that help architects and builders to be more creative and deliver better thermal efficiency.

Photo from toughglass.com.au 

We learn how to use new tools and equipment to manufacture these solutions.

Design solutions in toughened glass

We also upgrade homes with new windows, shower screens and wardrobes. 

Your world opens up

Once you finish your apprenticeship your world really opens up. You can set up your own business as a manufacturer or installer. You can train the next generation of apprentices or get into sales, or estimates or project management. You could even get into research and development of future products.  

After three years of working as a qualified glazier you can apply to become a Certified Glazier and you can become a Master Glazier when you’re qualified and work in the industry for ten years. 

My Workplace

As a Master Glazier and Operations Manager at Glass Co Metro I work to assure that we do a great job, according to Australian Standards. I also need to look after the wellbeing and safety of my team while supporting the growth and great reputation of our company. 

Apprenticeships at Glass Co Metro

There are currently 6 apprentices at Glass Co Metro, and our apprentices have won multiple awards at State and National level.

We like to take on 2 new apprentices at each year level. Two apprentices are about to finish their training and qualify, so we will be looking to put on two new apprenticeships in the near future. 

Glass Co Metro Apprentice

Careers in Glass and Glazing 

Get in touch with me if you are interested in getting an apprenticeship at Glass Co Metro. I would be happy to chat. Contact me at: Justin Wakeling (08) 9473 9499

justin@glasscometro.com.au 

Find out about glazing apprenticeships and training:

Mike Hidderley, Glazing Lecturer North Metropolitan TAFE – Balga Campus michael.hidderley@nmtafe.wa.edu.au

Find out about industry engagement:

Janine Blake, Industry Consultant, Food Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council 0427 351 027 janine@fftitc.com.au

To connect with trends, people and ideas for the future, subscribe to In Focus Careers News

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Furniture Trade Taster for West Australian Year 9 Students

The first Furnishings Trade Taster program is complete!

13 Balcatta Senior High School year 9 students attended four days of a new Furnishings Trade Taster.

This program aims to increase awareness of careers in the furnishing sector and to promote apprenticeships and training.

It was coordinated by the Food Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council in partnership with:

 

The project included two days at TAFE learning the cabinet making, and furniture finishing trades. Students also spent one day earning their White Card.

On the fourth day, the students met with employers including:

Lounge Innovation

Lounge Innovation – West Australian furniture makers

 

Jamel Industries

Jamel Industries West Australian Cabinetry

 

Artifex Australia

Artifex Australia Sustainable Furniture

Styleside Cabinets

Styleside Cabinets Domestic and Commercial

Construction Training Fund

No photo description available.
Construction Futures Centre – Belmont

Students were also taken through self awareness activities and spoke about how their school performance relates to career opportunities. All 13 students completed the project.

No alternative text description for this image
Balcatta High School Students

If you would like to find out more about Furnishings Trade Taster programs contact Janine@fftitc.com.au at the Food Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council.

For clear, trusted career advice for West Australians, subscribe to Infocus Careers News for West Australian students

Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

Evangelist for insanely great careers education in Western Australia

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