Hundreds of residents take up apprenticeships in Queensland each year, with upskilling as an electrician one of the many trades pursued.
A survey conducted by Energy Skills Queensland in coordination with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) gave insight into the careers of current electricians, and aims to better understand the future needs of the industry.
More than 550 ETU members participated in this year’s survey, which identified high voltage (10 per cent), instrumentation and control (9.5 per cent), and vocational education teachers (9.5 per cent) as the top three current skill shortages.
The survey also found that the top advantage for working as an electrician was the benefits and conditions, where the electricity supply sector also showed the highest employer loyalty across sectors. Around 87 per cent of ESI workers stayed with the same employer since starting work as electricians, compared to the results garnered by construction (28 per cent) and industrial/engineering sectors (39 per cent).
Energy Skills Queensland Workforce Planning Manager Anthea Middleton said that the “longstanding collaboration” between Energy Skills Queensland, ETU and industry ensures the right skilling solutions are delivered for ETU members.
