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The High Earnings of an Apprentice Electrician in Queensland
A Brisbane-based apprentice electrician has gained attention after revealing her impressive earnings of $100,000 a year, just two years into her apprenticeship with Queensland Rail. While apprentices typically endure modest wages as they hone their skills, this particular story sheds light on how certain strategies can significantly boost earning potential.
Factors Contributing to High Earnings
Interviewed while on the streets of Brisbane, the apprentice explained that several factors contribute to her lucrative salary. A significant portion of her income comes from working night shifts, which are known to provide higher pay rates compared to standard day shifts. "We operate on a rotational roster that includes two weeks of day shifts followed by a week of night shifts. It’s during the night shift that you can earn substantially," she told the job application platform, Getahead.
In addition to her shift patterns, the apprentice engages in high-voltage work, which commands extra remuneration due to the inherent risks involved. "I’m stationed in substations, where the work is higher risk, which translates to higher pay," she shared.
Enjoyable Work Environment
The apprentice appreciates her role in the government sector, highlighting the benefits of a more balanced work environment compared to many private companies. "It’s not overwhelmingly busy; you aren’t pushed like you might be in some domestic jobs," she noted, indicating the more flexible nature of her current role.
Currently, she is the sole female in her workplace—a position she occupies after another woman left due to injury and a previous female apprentice did not secure a job following her training. Despite this, she stated that balancing her TAFE coursework with practical experience requires dedication, and she often puts in extra study to keep up.
Job Security and Career Prospects
While securing a position post-apprenticeship isn’t guaranteed, she believes that demonstrating commitment and capability during the apprenticeship can lead to job offers. "Think of your apprenticeship as a four-year interview. Show your eagerness, and the company will often create a position for you," she advised.
Earnings Compared to Peers
Her salary significantly outstrips the average for other apprentices, with many shocked by her figures. While she earns $100,000, other apprentices voiced their earnings in comparison—one mentioned making $39,000 as a second-year apprentice, while another cited an income of $48,000 in their third year. Discussions highlighted that much of her pay advantage stems from her unique shift patterns and the high-risk nature of her work.
As per the Electrical Trades Union, junior second-year electricians typically earn around $18.84 an hour, translating to $715.77 weekly or $32,220 annually. Overtime and weekend rates offer further climbing potential, with overtime set at $28.26 for the first two hours and increasing thereafter.
Support for Apprentices
It’s noteworthy that the Electrical Trades Union has highlighted these figures as the legal minimum, and many workers enrolled under Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) may enjoy substantially higher wages than those specified by the modern awards.
In a bid to bolster the workforce, the Government has pledged a $10,000 incentive for apprentices, aimed at motivating them to continue their training. This support will extend to trades including electricians, bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters, and joiners, all registrants after July 1 eligible for the bonus.
Additionally, with a focus on enhancing female participation in the trades, $45 million has been allocated for advocacy, recruitment, and training initiatives aimed at encouraging more women to enter these traditionally male-dominated roles.
Conclusion
The experience of this Queensland apprentice electrician exemplifies how strategic work choices, such as embracing shift work and focusing on specialised tasks, can lead to exceptional earning potential in the electrical trade. With promising avenues for support and increased pay for apprentices, aspiring tradies may find a multitude of opportunities within the sector, paving the way for a rewarding career in the years to come.
