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Careers in the Industry
Apprenticeships
The best way to begin a career in electrical contracting is to complete an apprenticeship.
New Apprenticeships were introduced in 1998 to establish a single, national, integrated system of training and employment incorporating the previously separate apprenticeship and traineeship systems. New Apprenticeships are the best way to combine training and employment. They offer new opportunities in more industries than ever before, as well as new support service arrangements and flexible training.
Visit http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/ for more information or call 13 38 73.
NECA NSW is affiliated with NECA Group Training which selects and employs apprentices to work with NECA member firms. For more information click on the 'NECA Group Training' menu item
Education Requirements
What kind of education do I need to work in the electrical or communications trade?
Minimum requirements
In order to begin an apprenticeship in the electrical or communications industry you must have completed Year 10 with good passes in intermediate mathematics and English. If you are a mature age student you will be assessed on any relevant experience on a case-by-case basis.
How to get an edge on the competition
If you are considering completing your HSC before starting an apprenticeship, or you have already completed your HSC, Physics and 2 Unit Mathematics will give you a distinct advantage in the course.
Pre-Apprenticeship courses
If you wish to undertake training in the trade before obtaining an apprenticeship the best way to do this is through a pre-apprenticeship course. These courses can count towards your apprenticeship, thereby reducing the length of your apprenticeship.
Canberra Institute of TAFE (CIT)
The best way to qualify to work in the electrical and communications industry is to complete an apprentice qualification through CIT. CIT will give preference to students who have already secured an apprenticeship with a contractor/company.
Group Training Schemes
NECA is affiliated with NECA Group Training who employ apprentices at all levels - straight out of school, after a pre-apprenticeship course and apprentices who are out of work.
Click here for further information on NECA Group Training.
Grants and Assistance
Apprenticeship grants are available through The New Apprenticeship Centre. Go to http://www.natinfo.com.au/ for more information.
Group Training Schemes
Group Training Companies provide a liaison point between apprentices and employers. They work to create career pathways for new entrants to the industry while assisting employers through the development of quality skills and experiences for young workers in the electrotechnology sector.
These companies work to ensure there is a pool of apprentices and/or trainees available to employers with a high level of skill and wide ranging experiences, while easing the worries of long term employment contracts for employers.
NECA Group Training Companies currently select and employ approximately 2,000 quality apprentices in electrotechnology. These apprentices are then employed by contractors for an agreed period, in accordance with workloads, as and when required.
Using Group Training services enables businesses to better manage the human resource requirements to cope with the peaks and troughs of the work.
The apprentice or trainee is assured of continuous work and at the successful conclusion of the course a national qualification is awarded.
For more information on NECA Group Training click here or contact:
NECA Group Training
Level 3, 28 Burwood RoadBurwood NSW 2134
Ph: (02) 9744 2754 Fax: (02) 9715 1009 Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Links
National Australian Capital Territory New South Wales Victoria South Australia Tasmania Western Australia Queensland Northern Territory Business Women's Network
Useful Links
ACT Department of Education and Training
The Department of Education and Training delivers high quality education services through government schools, registers non-government schools and administers vocational education and training in the ACT.
The Board administers a long service leave scheme to provide benefits to employees and contractors working in the ACT building and construction industry.
ACT Planning and Land Authority
Here you will find information and advice on industry regulation, licensing and registration in the ACT.
ACT WorkCover is a government agency working primarily to eliminate death, disease and injury in the workplace.
NESS is designed specifically to meet the superannuation needs of people in the electrical, communications and related industries. NESS is a non-profit 'accumulation' style superannuation fund that exists solely to provide members and their dependents with retirement and related benefits.
