Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions relating to apprenticeships.

What is an apprenticeship?
What are an apprentice's obligations?
Is the probation period included in the term of apprenticeship?
What school results do I need to have?
Who pays the training fees - The employer or the apprentice?
What rates of pay apply to apprenticeships?
How are apprentices recruited?
Why become an EGT apprentice?
What is the anniversary date of an apprenticeship?
Tips on becomming an EGT Apprentice

What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a period of time during which an apprentice is contracted to an employer to learn all about and become qualified in a particular trade. It combines practical experience in a workplace with structured off-the-job-training at a contracted training provider.

The term of an apprenticeship in the electrical industry is four years and includes off-the-job training.
In Western Australia apprenticeships are delivered under a competency based, flexible training system. Workplace and off-the-job training and assessment procedures have been introduced based on the skills the apprentice should acquire over the term of the apprenticeship. Off-the-job training is normally one day per week at a training college and the rest of the time is spent in paid employment – on the job.

What are an apprentice’s obligations?
An apprentice is obliged to:

• apply themselves to their on-the-job training and make every effort to learn the trade and attain the skills of a qualified tradesperson;
• apply themselves to the off-the-job training, remembering that attendance is compulsory and satisfactory completion is required prior to issuing qualifications; and
• cooperate with the employer in order to achieve the desired training outcomes.

Is the probation period included in the term of apprenticeship?
Yes - the three month probationary period is included in the term of the apprenticeship.

What school results do I need to have?
Under the Government’s new legislation, applicants turning 16 in 2006, or 17 in 2007 cannot commence an apprenticeship without their school giving authority for them to be released.

Generally to become an electrical apprentice you will need to have completed year 10 and have basic numeracy and literacy skills.

Due to the technical and mathematical nature of the electrical trades trade, applicants will benefit from passes at Year 11 Foundation Maths level and have good English and general numeracy skills

To discuss the selection requirements for an apprenticeship please feel free to contact EGT or use our sample test as a guide.

Who pays the training fees - The employer or the apprentice?
The apprentice is responsible for paying fees to Registered Training Organisations (RTO).

Fees are set by the WA Department of Education and Training and are a capped to a maximum amount each year.

What rates of pay apply to apprenticeships?
Apprentices receive wages according to Electrical Contracting Industry Award R22 of 1978 and according to the year of the apprenticeship.

• Some work sites also attract specific allowances for travel, site or enterprise bargaining agreements.
• With the introduction of the Federal Government’s Work choices legislation, apprentice pay rates may change from the award structure to employment agreements.
• Link to DOCEP - www.docep.wa.gov.au/lr/LabourRelations/Media/ElecCon.05Oct2005.pdf
• Link to WAIRC - www.wairc.wa.gov.au

How are apprentices recruited?
EGT recruits apprentices through a range of avenues including:

1. High schools;
2. Word of Mouth;
3. Pre-apprenticeship courses;
4. Through specific employment programs such as traineeships;
5. The direct approach, where a prospective apprentice or trainee contacts us directly.

Why become an EGT Apprentice?

• Start of a great Career: An Electrical Apprenticeship is just the start to a great career in the electro-technology industry.
• Earn While You Learn: An apprentice or trainee makes real money while they learn and unlike UNI, does not finish with a Hex debt once qualified in their trade.
• Do Interesting and Varied Work: You will have the opportunity to work with a range of different employers and experience all aspects of the electrical industry.
• Learn On-And-Off-The-Job: Learn new skills by working and training with EGT and a registered training organisation.
• Gain Qualifications: You will recieve a nationally recognized qualification and will be licensed as an electrician giving you an edge in the employment market.

What is the anniversary date of an apprenticeship?
The anniversary date is the date the apprenticeship commenced, as noted on the Probationary Employment Application. If you have completed all the requirements for your year, on the anniversary date, you will progress to the next year of your apprenticeship.

Tips on becoming an EGT Apprentice
You can do a number of things including:

• Make sure you complete all sections of your application form in full and provide as much relevant detail as possible.
• Make sure you attach all the documents required for your application such as police certificates and colour vision certificates.
• If you have completed a course or qualification, show a copy of your academic record as evidence you have done the course.
• Print neatly and remember a job application is the first impression an employer has of you.
• Attach a resume, and make sure it is up to date.