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Electrician - How to get into this job

Kaimahi Hiko

Entry Requirements

To become an electrician you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply.

Switched on Careers website - ETITO's apprenticeship zone
Electricity Supply Industry Training Organisation (ESITO) website - industry training information

Electrician apprenticeships are part of the Modern Apprenticeships scheme, which is for people aged 16 to 21.

Modern Apprenticeships website - find out about electrician apprenticeships

Secondary Education

School Certificate or NCEA Level 1 English, maths and science is needed. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA Level 2 in these subjects and physics is an advantage.

Get help with choosing school subjects

Relevant courses

Training on the job

During your apprenticeship training you are supervised by a registered electrician and your skills are assessed.

Electricians may attend workshops, seminars or training courses to keep up to date with the latest electrical cabling, equipment and fittings.

Leanne Ridder talks about being an apprentice industrial electrician (Flash video - 33 seconds - 135KB)

"I have my National Certificate in Electrical Supply Level 2 and just sat my electrical theory and regulations for Level 3. All going well I will be a registered electrician within a year."

Nicholas Reardon - Electrician

Registration

Electricians need to be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. To apply for registration you need to have a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply and pass an electrical regulations exam.

Useful Experience

A pre-apprenticeship National Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 2 or a National Certificate in Electricity Supply Level 2 can be helpful to gain background knowledge of electrical theory and safety.

Useful experience for electricians includes electrical appliance repair work, or work as an electrical engineering technician or electrical labourer.

"ESITO provides taster courses for people who are interested in the electricity supply industry in general. The courses cover everything from electrician to line mechanic work so you get an idea of the different directions you can go in."

Erin Edinborough - Electrician

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Updated September 2009

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