April 16, 2025

How Long is an Electrician Apprenticeship & When You Can Start Working

If you're thinking about becoming an electrician, you may have plenty of questions on how it works. How long does an electrician apprenticeship take? Do you start working straight away? Can you study part-time? These are some of the most common questions we get from future sparkies across Western Australia.

At EGT, the largest employer of electrical apprentices in WA, we're here to break it down for you—from your first step into the trade to the moment you become a licensed electrician.

How to Become an Electrician in WA: The Step-by-Step Pathway

Before we dive into the timeframes, here’s a quick look at the typical pathway to becoming a licensed electrician in Western Australia:

Complete Year 10 or equivalent
(Optional) Complete a pre-apprenticeship, like a Certificate II in Electrotechnology at CET
Sign up for an apprenticeship (Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – UEE30820) with an employer like EGT
Work and study over approximately 4 years, combining on-the-job learning and formal training at CET
Pass the Capstone Assessment (LEA) and apply for your electrical licence

So, How Long is an Electrician Apprenticeship?

An electrical apprenticeship in Australia typically takes four years to complete if you're training full-time. This includes:

Around 38 hours of work per week, earning while you learn
Structured off-the-job training with a registered training organisation like CET
Gaining a wide variety of practical experience through real job placements

This is the standard timeframe, but some factors can affect how long your apprenticeship takes, such as whether you want to do a pre-apprenticeship or if you choose a part-time route.

What About Part-Time Electrician Apprenticeships?

If you’re considering a part-time electrician apprenticeship, it’s definitely possible—but less common. These are usually more suitable for:

Mature-age apprentices
Career changers balancing other responsibilities
People with family or financial commitments

A part-time apprenticeship will usually take longer than four years to complete, depending on how many hours you work and how frequently you attend training. While it offers flexibility, it may be more difficult to find a host employer willing to accommodate part-time arrangements—this is where a group training organisation like EGT can help match you with the right opportunity.

Pre-Apprenticeship: Is It Worth It?

A pre-apprenticeship, like the Certificate II in Electrotechnology offered at CET, is a fantastic way to get a head start on your electrical career. It’s not a required step, but it does offer a big advantage:

Helps you develop foundational skills and knowledge
Increases your confidence and job readiness
Makes you more employable to apprenticeship employers like EGT

The CET Pre-apprenticeship can be completed in 16 weeks full-time, or if you are still in high school, you can complete it over your final two years of school.

Note: A pre-apprenticeship won’t shorten the official four-year apprenticeship duration, but it can help you hit the ground running.

What to Expect in Your First Year as an Apprentice

Many people ask what it’s like to be a first year electrical apprentice—and the answer is: you’ll be learning a lot, fast.

In your first year, you’ll likely:

Begin your hands-on work almost immediately, under close supervision
Learn about workplace safety, basic electrical tasks, and the use of tools
Attend structured training sessions at CET to cover the theory component

As an electrical first year apprentice, your role is to build the foundations of your trade. It’s a year of massive growth and development—and yes, you’ll be earning a wage while you do it.

Do Apprentices Start Working on Day One?

Yes—you’ll typically start working on-site very early in your apprenticeship, often within the first week. However, all apprentices must be supervised by a licensed electrician at all times.

There’s no waiting period or requirement to complete a certain amount of theory before you begin practical work. The learning model is blended, meaning you’re combining classroom and workplace learning right from the start.

When Will You Be Able to Work Independently?

One of the most important legal and safety considerations is whether apprentices can work alone. The answer is no—at least, not in the way a licensed electrician can.

Here’s what you need to know:

Apprentices must always be supervised by a qualified electrician
The level of supervision may vary as you gain skills, but full independence is only allowed once you're fully licensed
Working unsupervised on live electrical installations before you're licensed is both unsafe and illegal

The goal of your apprenticeship is to build up your skills and confidence over time, so that by the end of the program, you’re ready to pass your final assessments and earn your licence.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Electrician?

To become a licensed electrician in WA, you’ll typically spend:

Up to 6 months in a pre-apprenticeship (optional)
4 years in a full-time apprenticeship
Then pass your LEA (Licensing Electrical Assessment)

So, the total time to become a fully licensed electrician is about 4 to 4.5 years—or longer if you go part-time.

Kickstart Your Career with EGT and CET

At EGT, we place you with real employers and support you through every stage of your apprenticeship. As WA’s largest employer of electrical apprentices, we have the scale and experience to match you with the right opportunities.

And with CET—Western Australia’s leading provider of pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships—you’ll receive industry-recognised training that sets you up for success.