The best way apprentices can get employers to hire them into an electrical apprenticeship

Would-be electrical apprentices need to show potential employers they are a good worker to take a chance on – and there is a foolproof way to do it.

Pre-vocational qualifications are now all but compulsory for those seeking an electrical apprenticeship, with employers rejecting anyone who cannot demonstrate a commitment to the trade.

Trainers say a certificate II in electrotechnology shows that would-be apprentices have the maths and science knowledge to succeed.

National Electrical Communications Association SA/NT executive director Larry Moore says it also shows an understanding of the sector they wish to work in.

“The cert II is not just encouraged, it’s almost a prerequisite,’’ he says.

“It’s not that difficult to complete, so long as an applicant has a reasonable mathematics and reasonable science background – and if they can do the cert II then they’re fine, they will be able to do the apprenticeship.’’

Cameron Veal secured an apprenticeship after completing a certificate II first.

The electrotechnology qualification can be completed in 10 weeks of full-time study, or about six months part time.

It provides 260 hours of off-the-job training, which counts toward the 1060 hours of trade school needed as part of an electrical apprenticeship, Moore says.

Pre-vocational study also gives would-be apprentices an insight into the trade, including the requirement to work at heights and start early on work sites.

Moore says factors like these have contributed to many apprentices dropping out of training in the past.

He says electrical apprenticeship completions at NECA have risen to more than 90 per cent since apprentices were required to first obtain the certificate II qualification.

The national apprentice completion rate, across all occupations, is about 56 per cent.

With more people applying for electrical apprenticeships than there are places available, Ai Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre consultant Gary Simpson says electrotechnology qualifications are a useful selection criteria tool.

“I can’t remember the last time we employed somebody as an (electrical) apprentice that didn’t have the cert II in electrotechnology,’’ Simpson says.

“For us, it’s the safety aspect that’s important.

“When you go through the cert II you get taught the basics of electrical and that includes the safety training you need.’’

Without the certificate II qualification, Cameron Veal, 20, was overlooked for several electrical apprentice positions.

But after enrolling in the pre-vocational program, he received multiple apprenticeship job offers.

“It was the connections I made through doing the cert II, as much as anything,’’ says Veal, who is now in the third year of his apprenticeship, hosted by commercial electrical contractor Niramar.

“(Potential employers) saw me as being switched on and that I knew what I was talking about and thought, ‘Let’s give him an opportunity’.’’