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Study Electrotechnology

Career Outcomes

Electrician (341111): currently on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Industry Overview

The construction industry is a significant driver of economic activity in Australia and is projected to grow by 2.4% in the next 5 years. It employs close to 1.2 million people and has the largest number of small businesses in Australia. Construction workers are employed in both residential and commercial sectors, and are involved in site preparation, building installation and structure services. The majority of workers in the sector are employed as carpenters and joiners, followed by construction managers and plumbers (Source: IBISWorld).

Insights 

Average weekly earnings:  $1,823 per week

Mode of work: Most work full-time (90%)

Hours per week: full-time workers spend around 45 hours/ week at work.

Age: the average age is 34 years.

Gender: 2% workers are female

(Source: Job Outlook, historical figures)

Qualification Needed

Workers usually need a certificate III in electrotechnology (electrician or systems electrician) to work as an Electrician. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Course Overview

Electricians specialize in the electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines and equipment. They are employed in both installation and repair roles and can specialize in particular industries. Studies in electrotechnology will teach you how to install wiring systems, accessories and appliances, connect electrical circuits and solve problems related to electrical equipment.

Course Requirements

Most institutions require completion of Australian Year 11 or 12 (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.

Costs

A 2-year packaged trade course costs between $12,000 and $20,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Career Outcomes

Electrician

Studying Electrotechnology in Australia: What the Course Covers

Electrotechnology courses train you to install, test, maintain and repair electrical systems and equipment in homes, commercial buildings and industry. You learn electrical principles and calculations, the Australian wiring rules, installing wiring, switchboards, lighting and power circuits, motors and control systems, testing and fault finding, safe isolation and working on or near live equipment, and increasingly solar, battery and electric vehicle charging systems. Training combines theory with extensive practical work in electrical workshops.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (pre apprenticeship) AQF 2 Entry level electrical assistant roles and a pathway into an apprenticeship
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician AQF 3 Licensed electrician after meeting state licensing requirements; the core trade qualification
Certificate IV in Electrical or Renewable Energy specialisations AQF 4 Advanced installation, solar and battery design and supervision roles
Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering AQF 5 Electrical engineering associate and technician roles

Study Pathways

Electrician is a licensed occupation in every state and territory. To obtain an electrical licence you usually need the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, which includes a required period of supervised work and a final practical assessment, typically completed through an apprenticeship. Check carefully how an international student course provides this practical component, because without it you may not be able to obtain a licence or a positive skills assessment.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
Electrician (General) 341111 Yes MLTSSL
Electrical Linesworker 342211 Yes ROL
Electrical Engineering Technician 312312 Yes MLTSSL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for electricians.

Career Outlook

Electricians are in demand across residential, commercial and industrial construction, mining and resources, infrastructure and maintenance. The shift to renewable energy, home batteries and electric vehicles is creating additional work, and qualified electricians are needed in both cities and regional areas.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Electrotechnology

Because electrical work is licensed, show that you understand how your course leads to supervised work and a licence, and explain any electrical experience you already have. The current English, money and work conditions are on our Student visa (subclass 500) page.

Electrotechnology Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Electrician (General) (341111) is on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL. Licensing is the main extra hurdle for electricians, because you cannot do electrical work in Australia without a state or territory licence, whatever visa you hold.

Possibly. Electrician (General) is on the MLTSSL, so a closely related Certificate III can support the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream if you hold a suitable skills assessment and meet the age and English rules. Electricians follow a different TRA assessment pathway from most other trades because of licensing, so get advice on the right pathway before you choose a course.

Yes. Electrical work is licensed in every state and territory, and licensing generally requires the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician including supervised practical experience. Overseas qualified electricians usually need an Offshore Technical Skills Record and then a provisional or full licence after arrival.

Some providers offer electrotechnology courses for international students, but the full licensing pathway normally involves an apprenticeship and supervised work. Ask the provider exactly how the course leads to a licence before you enrol.

Am I eligible for a Student visa? Student Visa Funds Calculator Study a Trade Course Assessment Study a Uni Course Assessment

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