From aspiring electrician to skilled apprentice

Ben’s decision to pursue the field of electrotechnology was originally inspired by his uncle, an electrician.

After high school, Ben tried university and commenced an engineering degree, but it didn’t work out. He took a few years off to figure out his path and gained work experience with his uncle, which solidified his interest in the trade.

“I enjoyed what he did and the different aspects the trade offers. It’s a good mix of being practical and using your head,” Ben shared.

Ben initially applied for an apprenticeship with an electrical contractor, J & P Richardson Industries, in Brisbane, but as the company had a branch in Chinchilla, Ben accepted a role in his hometown.

Now in the second year of his apprenticeship, Ben was grateful for the opportunity to secure an apprenticeship in Chinchilla and gain the skills and experience needed to build a lifelong career while accessing Free apprenticeships for under 25s funding. 

“I still live at home with my parents, so I don’t have to pay too much rent. It makes it easy for my lifestyle,” he said.

Ben is also acquiring diverse electrical experience, especially in industrial environments, through his work with J & P Richardson Industries.

The company specialises in industrial electrical services, including the design and construction of overhead and underground power distribution systems, street lighting, traffic signals and large-scale electrical projects.

On a day-to day basis, Ben’s job sees him involved in maintenance tasks in commercial settings both in town and across the Western Downs.

“We do a lot of work in factories, and everything is pretty spread out, so we’re on the road a lot,” he explained.

One of his recent tasks involved changing a large motor at a water treatment facility, which he found particularly interesting.

“It was pretty cool seeing the size of it. I enjoy the larger scale tasks and the control circuits involved in industrial work,” Ben noted.

While he has sights set on completing his trade qualification in the short term, looking to the future, Ben is excited about opportunities his apprenticeship will bring.

“First off, I’m focussed on becoming a fully qualified electrician — that would be fantastic. But then after that, I'm more interested in specialising in power generation. So power stations and hydrogen. I'm very interested in in the renewable side of things,” Ben explained.

Queensland’s energy industry is experiencing significant job growth, particularly due to the state’s transition towards renewable energy.

The State Government’s $62 billion, 10-year investment into the state’s energy sector comes with an estimated 14,600 new job openings between 2021 and 2026

Local apprentices can undertake the Certificate III in Electrotechnology (UEE30811) or Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician incorporating Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control (UEE30811/UEE31211) at TAFE Queensland’s Chinchilla campus with experienced trade trainers who remain embedded in industry.

High school students can kick start their careers in the electrotechnology industry by enrolling in a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) (UEE22020) TAFE at School course, which provides foundational skills and knowledge essential for future success in this dynamic field

There are more than 130 apprentices currently enrolled in electrotechnology and instrumentation trade courses at the Chinchilla campus, a number expected to continue to grow into the future to meet industry demand in the region.