Why Electrical Apprenticeships
CORE electrical apprentices are employed by us and placed with reputable industry partners across metropolitan and regional Victoria. While working on site, apprentices complete a nationally recognised Certificate III electrician qualification through an approved Registered Training Organisation. The combination of paid work and formal training builds the practical skills and the industry-recognised qualification needed to license as an A-grade electrician through Energy Safe Victoria.
Electrical is one of the most in-demand trades in Victoria. With construction, infrastructure, data centres, renewables and commercial fit-out all expanding, qualified electricians have strong long-term earning potential and broad career options. CORE places apprentices where the work is, and stays involved for the full four years to support them through to qualification.
Career Pathways
Once qualified, electricians can work across a wide range of industries and projects, with opportunities to specialise as their career develops. CORE supports apprentices to think long-term from day one. The apprenticeship is the foundation, not the finish line.
- Construction and infrastructure electrical
- Commercial and industrial fit-out
- Data, communications and optical fibre
- Renewable energy and solar installation
- Refrigeration and air conditioning
- Site supervision, foreman and project management
- Specialist licensing such as A-grade electrician, restricted electrical or REC
- Self-employment and small business, running your own crew
Courses & Training
Training is delivered through a combination of real on-site experience and formal study. Apprentices develop both the practical capability and the technical understanding needed to qualify and license safely.
The nationally recognised qualification for employed electrical apprentices in Australia. The qualification builds skills to install, test, fault-find, repair and maintain electrical systems across residential, commercial and industrial settings, and meets the requirements for Energy Safe Victoria licensing.
Delivered in person at approved RTO locations and scheduled alongside paid employment. Most apprentices complete formal training across the first three years, followed by a final year focused on on-the-job experience. Training mode is typically one day per week, or in blocks of four days every four to five weeks.
The Construction Induction (White Card) is required. First Aid Level II and Low Voltage Rescue (CPR / LVR) are strongly recommended. PPE is supplied by CORE and includes safety boots, hi-vis clothing, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection. Project-specific inductions, drug and alcohol testing, and medical assessments may apply depending on the host site.
Job Opportunities for Qualified Electricians
CORE works with industry partners across Melbourne metropolitan and regional Victoria, placing electrical apprentices where there is genuine demand for the trade. That means exposure to a range of working environments, rather than four years on the same residential street. Apprentices learn faster when they see the trade applied across different contexts.
Every industry partner in the CORE network is screened before placement. They commit to providing meaningful trade work, qualified supervision and a safe site. CORE Field Officers visit regularly to check that the placement is supporting progress, and step in if anything is not working as it should.
Victoria-wide. Applications are accepted year-round across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Submit your details and a CORE team member will be in touch about current and upcoming placements.
Take the first step toward a long-term trade career with structured training, real industry experience, and ongoing support from CORE
"*" indicates required fields
Do I need previous electrical experience to apply?
No. Apprenticeships are entry-level by design. The right attitude and a genuine interest in the trade matter more than prior experience. Any pre-apprenticeship training, hands-on projects or relevant experience is a bonus, not a requirement.
Who employs me, CORE or the industry partner?
CORE. We are the legal employer for the full duration of the apprenticeship. CORE pays wages, manages superannuation and looks after all employment obligations. The industry partner provides the day-to-day supervision and on-the-job training.
What qualification do I get and how long does it take?
A nationally recognised Certificate III qualification that meets Energy Safe Victoria’s licensing requirements. The apprenticeship runs full-time over four years, subject to satisfactory progress and competency.
What are the working hours?
Full-time employment is typically 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, around 7:00am to 3:30pm. Overtime or weekend work may be required on some projects. Off-the-job training adds approximately 8 hours per week, usually one day per week or in blocks of four days every four to five weeks.
Who can apply?
Strong applicants are 18 years or older, have completed Year 12 or equivalent with solid literacy and numeracy, are physically fit and comfortable working at heights or in confined spaces, hold or are working toward a driver’s licence with reliable transport, and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
What does it cost me?
Tuition fees are set by the RTO delivering the qualification, and government subsidies or concessions may apply for eligible apprentices. Budget for mandatory tickets and licences (approximately $50 to $200 each), additional PPE and tools (approximately $200 to $500), and any medical or induction costs not covered by the host site (approximately $100 to $300).
What happens if my host placement changes?
Your job and your training contract remain with CORE. If a placement ends or is not the right fit, we work with you to find another suitable host site. Progress toward the qualification is not affected.
What support do I get along the way?
Every CORE apprentice has a dedicated Field Officer who conducts regular site visits, monitors progress and is available when help is needed. Pastoral care and mental health support are also provided. CORE steps in early when something is not working, whether that involves training, the industry partner or anything else affecting the apprenticeship.
