How To Finish Your Electrical Apprenticeship: Licence and Next Steps

Completing your apprenticeship is a major milestone, but it also raises a common question for many new electricians: “What happens now?”

Once you’re signed off as competent, there are a few important steps you must complete to become fully licensed, and a range of pathways you can choose from as you move into the next stage of your electrical career.

This guide walks you through what to do after you finish your apprenticeship in Western Australia, including licensing, assessments, and post-trade options.

Step 1: Confirm You Are Signed Off

Before anything else, your RTO and employer/host must confirm that:

• You have completed all required units of competency
• You have met workplace requirements
• You are eligible to sit your capstone

Once this is finalised, you are considered apprenticeship-complete.

Step 2: Capstone Assessment

The capstone (also known as the Electrical Trades Licensing Assessment) is the final test to demonstrate that you can safely and competently perform electrical work without supervision.

It typically includes:

• Electrical theory
• Installation practices and testing
• Fault finding
• Safe isolation and compliance
• Understanding of standards and regulations

Passing your capstone is required before licensing.

Step 3: Apply for Your Electrical Licence

After successfully completing your capstone, you can apply for your Electrician’s Licence through Building and Energy (WA).

This licence legally allows you to carry out electrical work without supervision.

You will need:

• Evidence of apprenticeship completion
• Capstone result
• Photo ID
• Required application forms and fees

Until this licence is issued, you must continue to work under supervision.

Step 4: Transition to Industry as a Tradesperson

Once licensed, many new electricians:

• Stay with their current employer
• Move into a new sector for broader experience
• Take on more responsibility on-site
• Begin planning toward a specialisation

This is a great time to think about where you want to build long-term skills; residential, commercial, industrial, or specialist electrical work.

Step 5: Consider Post-Trade Training

After becoming licensed, upskilling can open doors to higher-paid and more technical roles. Some of the most common post-trade specialisations in WA include:

Not Sure Which Direction to Take?

Your apprenticeship gives you broad experience, but post-trade training can help shape your long-term career. Some electricians move into renewables, others into mining or automation, while some stay within commercial or residential work and progress into management or contracting. There’s no need to rush into a specialisation straight away, many newly licensed electricians continue working as a tradesperson for a period before deciding if, or when, they want to upskill.

How CET Supports You After Your Apprenticeship

CET delivers post-trade courses designed for newly licensed electricians and tradespeople ready to level up their skills. Whether you want to work in renewables, communications, or industrial systems, our training pathways help you move from a general electrician to a specialist in your chosen field.

We also provide guidance on:

• Which endorsements are required for certain job roles
• Which licences apply to your work
• Industry trends and in-demand specialisations in WA
• Long-term career pathway planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I automatically become licensed once I finish my apprenticeship?

No. You must still complete your capstone assessment and apply for your electrical licence through Building and Energy. Until your licence is formally issued, you must continue to work under supervision.

How long after finishing my apprenticeship can I apply for my licence?

You can apply as soon as your RTO and employer have signed you off and you have passed your capstone. Processing times vary, so it’s best to apply as soon as you receive confirmation.

Do I need to specialise straight away after getting my licence?

No, many electricians continue working as a general tradesperson before choosing a specialisation. You can take time to explore different work environments before committing to post-trade training.

What can I do after I get my electrical licence?

You can work unsupervised as a licensed electrician, stay with your current employer, move into a different sector, or begin upskilling into areas like solar, high voltage or cabling endorsements.

Final Checklist: Your Roadmap To Finalising Your Apprenticeship 

✅ Apprenticeship signed off

✅ Capstone complete

✅ Licence lodged and approved

⬜ Start considering any specialisations or post-trade training you want to tackle next 

⬜ Start shaping your long-term electrical career

Ready to Take the Next Step?

CET offers post-trade courses for newly licensed electricians looking to specialise and build their career beyond the apprenticeship stage.

View post-trade training options.
Speak with CET about the right next step for you.