Electrical apprenticeship recruitment and support is setting employers up for long term success
Across Australia, electrical businesses continue to face persistent skills shortages with industry projections indicating the number of qualified electricians needs to double by 2030 to meet growing infrastructure demands.
While interest in apprenticeships remains strong, the real challenge for employers is not attracting applicants. It’s identifying the right apprentice for their business and ensuring they are properly supported throughout the journey.
Greg Bloom, Electrical Superintendent at DP World, understands this challenge firsthand:
“Before working with MEGT, recruiting apprentices was time-consuming and uncertain. We were receiving a high volume of applications, but many candidates lacked the right attitude, basic skills, or long-term commitment to the trade. There was also the ongoing risk of hiring someone who wasn’t the right fit, costing us time and productivity.”
Recruitment that reduces risk
In a highly regulated trade like electrotechnology, recruitment decisions are critical. Licensing requirements, strict safety obligations, supervision standards, and compliance expectations mean a poor fit can quickly impact productivity and increase an employer’s exposure to risk.
MEGT’s recruitment process is designed to minimise risk and maximise quality.
Electrical apprentice candidates are thoroughly pre-screened before being presented to host employers. This includes ensuring suitable talent demonstrate a strong commitment and suitability for the trade and have ideally completed a pre-apprenticeship and have obtained their White Card.
“Electrical work requires a high level of safety awareness, problem-solving ability, reliability, and a genuine interest in the trade. MEGT ensures that candidates understand what the role actually involves and are suited to the physical, technical, and regulatory demands of electrical work. This has lead to better retention, fewer issues on site, and a safer, more productive workplace,” says Greg Bloom.
An electrical apprentice’s readiness for the work environment is critical for long term success. MEGT supports apprentices to be ready to hit the ground running from day one.
We help source a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), support the creation of a tailored training plan, supply relevant PPE and work with all parties throughout the training to ensure the apprentice is able to demonstrate relevant competencies. And as their legal employer, MEGT handles all the compliance and payroll, significantly reducing administration and complexity for employers.
Support beyond recruitment
Electrical apprentices must work under licensed supervision, with tasks aligned to their training plan and stage of development. This requires detailed coordination.
As part of our group training service, MEGT conducts regular site visits to provide necessary coaching to the apprentice and their supervisor. Each visit ensures safe work practices are maintained, on-site duties are aligned with training requirements and that apprentices are gaining the right range of experience. Supervisors also receive guidance so they can best pass on their knowledge and support their apprentice’s development.
This structured, ongoing support contributes to stronger retention and above-average apprenticeship completion outcomes.
"Having the right apprentice and support has made a noticeable difference. Our apprentices are contributing positively on site, learning quickly, and are taking responsibility for their work. This has improved job efficiency, boosted morale across the entire team, and has helped us plan for future growth knowing we’re developing skilled tradespeople the right way,” says Greg Bloom.
Find out more on how MEGT can help your business here.