Apprenticeships are an integral part of any vocational training at TAFE. Gaining hands on experience in a real work environment not only provides an unparalleled taste of what it’s really like to be working in your chosen field, it also the essential puzzle piece that allows students to synchronise their theoretical learning from TAFE with practical application.
James Worrell is a third year electrical apprentice with Hills based company Platinum Electrical. Dave Drayton asked James some questions about his electrical apprenticeship and his personal experience.
Dave: Australian apprenticeships seem pretty competitive, especially as an electrician, how did you organise yours?
James: I originally planned to be a plumber but I worked for a family friend over the Christmas break as an electrician trade's assistant which gave me a feel for the job and some good experience to put on my resume. I called ten or so companies, they then asked for my resume. After a couple of days I received a few phone calls asking for interviews, and had meetings with two different companies. Platinum Electrical called me that afternoon and I took the job.
Dave: What advice would you give to other people looking to get an electrician apprenticeship?
James: Pre-apprenticeship courses organised through TAFE NSW are very valuable as it gives you some knowledge of the specific trade you are looking into as well as some kind of idea of what you are going to encounter in your job.
Dave: What are the apprentice wages like as an electrician?
James: Horrible. When I was starting First Year Apprentice Award wages started at $6.51, Second Year $9.01 and last year Third Year started at $12.97. Most apprentices I know have second jobs or do cash jobs to supplement their income.
Dave: How does doing an apprenticeship as an electrician compliment what you are studying at TAFE?
James: A lot of the mathematical side of TAFE isn't replicated at all during your work, but when it comes to the practical projects in TAFE it is very helpful. Also it helps to see that some of the theoretical side of TAFE is used in the real world and can make it easier to understand when applied every day at work.
Dave: Once completing your apprenticeship, what sort of electrician jobs will you be qualified for?
James: Platinum has trained me well, and once fully qualified the pat is much better, so I plan on staying on with them. Though I will be qualified to work for anyone else, and if I wanted I could work for myself.