Hello,
I'm in my early 20's and currently employed as a rail Sparkie. I have had about 6 years in the construction industry on generally the industrial/ commercial side of an electrician. I have worked on rails, tunnels, hospitals and high end apartments. Made this AMA because I was bored and generally wanted to know what the public think of the trades .Ask me anything and I will do my best to answer.
600 amps at 60kV
36 GW… location checks out1
Actually, would probably have been 66kV, in which case closer to 40GW. Location still checks out!
Do you do any private job as side hustle?
Nice try, ATO
😉
Not really, most cashie jobs I do are generally people I know or people who referred me and I generally do it as a favour rather than an income. If I wanted more money, I would work OT in my main job as I would earn more and its alot easier than working for yourself. Also means I pay the Taxman quite a bit……
Any advice for a student starting year 11 next year?
Current plan is to complete the Cert 2 in Electeotechnology at TAFE and start doing some work experience.
You want to secure an apprenticeship first, most people fail securing an apprenticeship during TAFE and had to drop out.
You dont really need to complete a cert 2, experience is good, but if you are serious, obtain a driver licence asap and a White Card, its like <$150 for the course
What type of Sparkie work do you want to do, domestic, commercial or industrial?
Do you want to start your own business?
Are you willing to work OT (10 to 12 hour days including weekends)
Do you want to specialised in a sparkie field ie High Voltage, Instrumentation or PLC
Or you want to get into a engineering/ management role.
Theres alot of pathways after you obtain your cert 3 and licence
where to obtain this 'white card' ?
are there any reputable schools or just find any online accreditation will suffice?
I did mine with Blue Dog Training, I would highly recommend.
I did mine with these guys, paid 120, although U can get a online Queensland one which will cost around 50 and work interstate
https://www.tcptraining.com/courses/white-card-course-sydney
You don't need white card if you're white already…
@[Deactivated]: oof
but if you don't use the white card for 2-3 years,
i think it lapses and must get another white card
but if you don't use the white card for 2-3 years,
i think it lapses and must get another white card
considering white card use isnt logged/documented, good luck ever getting called out for a lack of activity period
white cards are pretty pointless, and the 'exams' are so easy they may as well have a 101% student pass rate :)
Thanks.
I was asking for my son. He doesnt really know if he wants to specialise yet. He has mentioned he'd like to work in the mines, he thinks thats where the money is!
His scholl will help with the white card & he'll have a drivers licence in year 11.
At what stage should he try and line up an apprenticeship? & then if he was to get an apprenticeship with a bigger company would he get exposure to different areas of electrical work?
Mining Electricians do make alot of money, keep in mind though most mines are either FIFO (fly in fly out) or DIDO (drive in drive out). They usually do rostered shifts like 2:1, 3:1 or even the sucide roster (not that its done anymore). A fellow tradesmen of mine did a Fly in gig in a oil/gas industry in dubai for 2 years. He was raking in half a million each year, and when he finished, got a further redundancy pay afterwards, since he was also in dubai, he somehow managed to set himself as a tax resident there, so paid no taxes. But it is very hard to get into a field like that, training, experience and a contact is all a must.
Line up an apprenticeship asap. You want to line up apprenticeship with an EBA company, substantially more pay and most importantly, it secures contacts and connection. Generally the bigger the company, the less exposure you get, as they will actively get Apprenticces to do brain dead jobs like pulling cables, deliveries, tying in cables and worst of all, a walking bollard/ broom. You need to be able to learn quickly and independently to be successful. Its not a walk in the park, but once you do complete the apprenticeship, your pretty much set for life.
A fellow tradesmen of mine did a Fly in gig in a oil/gas industry in dubai for 2 years.
How do they find these mythical jobs?
I'm in mining and everyone always has similar 'friend of a friend' stories but I can never actually find a source, because if I could I'd be doing it haha
Just lucky, at the right place at the right time. Also big help from contacts
Thoughts on Australia banning all DIY electrical work whilst in other countries like the USA you can do a lot yourself?
To be honest, I dont mind people having a go at electrical work, the problem is how would we make sure work is up to standards. America is a bit different to Australian standards so you cant really compare the both of them
NZ has the same standards as us, and allows some DIY. Its all a bit theoretical though :-)
Australia itself can't ban electrical work as each state has its own legislation regarding use of suitably qualified trades.
Noting that there's a range of domestic electrical work with varying risk.
i.e
-changing a light bulb
-choosing the correct type of cable
-running cables in a house (dead)
-knowing whether the proposed circuit is appropriate
-terminating cables in plug bases
-wiring a light switch / power point
-selecting an appropriate circuit breaker
-pulling a fuse in the street
-tagging out a circuit being worked on
-adding a new circuit breaker to the switchboard
-correctly understanding previous standards of wiring which didn't have the same neutral arrangement
-testing insulation
-testing tripping
-troubleshooting if something's wrong
Perhaps with regard to DIY and electrical work, people are familiar with some tasks (i.e. wiring the correct wires to the correct terminals), they lack experience in some tasks (ensuring that the terminals are tightened, and the correct length of copper is exposed), and they have neither equipment or concept of some tasks (i.e. insulation testing). Do you really want your first test to be, let's turn it on and see if it works (or my RCD / CB works)?
So the risks with electrical work end up with someone running a new powerpoint or light, and maybe damaging the cable as its done, the new fixture works and then at some future point their house burns down (potentially uninsured) or their family member receives a fatal shock.
There might need to be a few things lining up for this to happen (such as failure of an RCD [safety switch]) or circuit breaker, but it can happen and does happen.
Thing is America seems to be doing alright with DIY electrical work.
I always found it bizarre and ridiculous that it's illegal to say, install a new power point, or even something super simple like install dimmer switches.
USA also has a different electrical system 120V versus our 230V. The likelihood of a fatal shock is much higher.
I also think that tenants should not ever have to have their safety put at risk by a landlord's dodgy DIY work, for instance.
Do you save & recycle your offcuts?
Or just throw them into skip bins on-site?
Same here, want to know as well.
Are we talking about copper scraps? If so, usually depends on client, I know for a fact that in the m4-m5 tunnels, we we not allowed to scrap copper, as it was owned by Transurban. We had to throw all the copper in a skip bin. Kind of hurts when your throwing like 30kg coils like pennies in the bin. Reckoned the Removalist had a field day once they were out of site. Wouldn't surprise me if they stopped by home first to scrap the copper.
Easily thrown away hundreds of thousands worth of copper scrap from the sub mains alone.
Wow. Hopefully the removalists we're taking advantage of that!
Do you prefer AC or DC?
Probably not my time but ACDC, their stuff shocks!
Have you ever had an ethical dilemma at work? Like client asked you to do something that you knew would be unsafe?
Not exactly, its usually in a indirect way. Like installing certain suspended tray in ceilings that is not accessible by company/ client safety methods. So you do a dodgy that would definitely get you kicked of site.
HI,
What is most misconception about your profession and any perks being in your trade?
Not so sure about misconception, perks wise, its pretty good admittedly, other trades usually ask you favours like test and tagging their tools or repairing their leads/ equipment. I usually just barter with them, got loads of screws and bolts from the fitters, plumbers gives me cutting blades and drill bits. I can get most materials/ tools just by doing them a couple of favours lol.
Do you see many people entering the professions in their 30s and 40s? How secure are the jobs and market?
Also is the job stressful and very hard?
Had a 40 year old mechanic at TAFE with me. Otherwise I dont really see many mature aged apprentices, especially at that age. Job security isnt really a thing, Most companies end up hiring blokes, finish the project and sack everyone, so you are expected to move companies in the industrial industry, I think I have been through 4 separate employers in the past 6 years. Finding work has always been easy for me, as I had contacts from fellow sparkies who pull me in, and because of my experience and licences in the industrial sector, I usually get the job without a need for a formal interview. Market wise, there is alot of construction going on, metro, tunnel links and gas/ oil fields. Pay is pretty standard as the ETU (Electrical Trades Union) has set a standard EBA for all the big industrial projects.
Do you come across many female electricians in the industrial/commercial side of the industry?
I can count on 1 hand the amount of female sparkies I have so far seen in the industry. It is absolutely low. I reckon there are less than 5% females, and thats an overstatment. It is a male dominated industry for a very good reason, its physically intensive and a dirty job to do, so not many female sparkies, but most of them to the cert 3 to jump into a management or engineering role, kudos to them
Is the job stressful and very hard? Are you under the pump throughout the day?
Some days a cruisy as, others, not so much. Generally has to do with logistics, materials are not here, missing pieces, incorrect sizes, clashing architecture drawings. We are not necessarily pumped in the sense of someone watching us constantly. When dead lines are near, they do pump us though.
Wouldnt say it is stressful, as most of these types of jobs are job n knock, you dont think about work at home. Its physically intensive constantly moving and it does make your brain numb doing the same things over and over again especially in a dark tunnel where everywhere looks the same
A technical question here if you don't mind ☺️.
I have a Siemens Motorised Damper that has failed. It is hooked up independently to all the other ducted vents and is controlled by a wall switch in the study to duct aircon into that particular room only. It is powered by AC 240V, however, I have come across this Siemens damper but this one is rated at 24V (but has the same model number as my faulty one). Could I potentially purchase this and get an electrician to install it on the existing bracket but with 240-24V transformer?
I cant tell if it will work with your old damper, but you can run a 240v to 24v ac transformer if you have a existing 240v ANE there and use that transformer if it is compatible with the old damper
There are backdraft dampers supplied by Reece/Actrol. Comes in 24v or 240v option. Also comes in metal or plastic construction also.
how long do you think non-outdoor data cable will last outdoors?
In direct sunlight? Or buried direct
direct sunlight.
No, as generally the cables are not UV protected and require mechanical protection and appropriate fixings.
Commercial and domestic sparky here.
Did a job for a client as cheap as possible, ran a 20m Cat5e cable from down to upstairs on the house’s exterior facing east.
Was still working for 2 years, until the client wanted an update to Cat6a and protected by conduit.
Saw no discolouration of the blue cable. Reckon I’ve still got it coiled somewhere in my garage.
How physically demanding is your job compared to other trades like fitters, plumbers, etc.?
Do you plan to transition out of this hands on role in the future to a physically less demanding role like a supervisor or planning role? If so, by what age?
Depends on the task, it does require a decent amount of stamina to power through the hours. I wouldnt say its intensive as a rush, but you do need to be able to keep up with the others. At this moment in time, I plan to get on all the big sites and gain experience while making my resume look good. Maybe a mangement role later in life when being on the tools is no longer physically viable.
Are you going to be a sparkie for life or do you think you'll have a career switch at some point?
Probably be on the tools for as long as I can, the OT penalty rates are what make the pay so good. Later on I might consider a managment role/ engineering, desk type of work. I can see myself doing this type of work and hours till Im 40 at least.
What is your salary?
Most trades arnt really on a salary, they get paid per hour basis. Last year as a 4th year apprentice doing night shift 12 hour nights 60 hour weeks. I took home 2100 a week. Now doing 58 hour weeks as a licence sparkie, Im taking home around 3000 a a week
Do you invest to neg gear to reduce tax?
You’re doing better than most of your peers. Many would be tens of thousands in debt on a useless degree. You’ve got usable skills, can be employed everywhere and now have cash to set yourself up going forward.
All in your early 20’s.
Yeah, managed to finish and was earning well above 6 figures before even my Uni mates Graduated, now they are trying to get an internship/ experience.
I'm thinking of doing a mature age apprenticeship, which specialisation do you recommend? Please provide reason, much appreciated.
What do you like to do? High Voltage? Onsite programmer PLC, Instrumentation, optic fibre splicer. Theres alot of career paths after getting your electrical licence, they have all pretty good pay, it just depends on what you like to do. All of them require an additional Cert III/ IV Tafe course. If I had to do my apprenticeship again, I would probably choose a HV background (Level 2) and do a dual trade (CERT 3 EIS). But you cant go wrong with either of them, all of them are high demand
Is there a website to show what exactly is involved in each job?
Unfortunately not, best bet is (yes I know its a longshot) trades from their respective fields on reddit, whirpool, facebook and other forums post for their personal experience as it differs greatly
When I see a sparky drilling through joists or knocking bricks out of walls out I always wondered how much construction training you do in your TAFE courses or on the job?
Also you mentioned that school wasn't really your thing so did you have any troubled with the maths at TAFE, if not was maths one of your better subjects at school?
Pretty much no practical training in tafe (Only wiring in closed enviroments). Job learning is dependent on your task and company, they usually get 1st and 2nd years doing brain dead jobs. TAFE practicals were easy. Theory side involved alot of memorising formulas. I never studied during tafe and just got enough marks to pass. Essentially forgot everything afterwards though.
"I never studied during tafe and just got enough marks to pass. Essentially forgot everything afterwards though."
As a former TAFE teacher I shouldn't have laughed at this;)
I take it you don't need to use these formulas in your current job, what if you wanted a different position that didn't have everything specced out by an EE?
You certainly seem to have landed in a sweet spot, right skills at the right time for excellent pay if you're not afraid of work. Gotta beat crawling around in ceilings on a 40C day!
Yeah Electrical Engineer from overseas (generally Indians) generally do all the planning. Not very consistent, they underspec somethings and go overboard on others (like cable selection and size)
I have been living in my own home for last 7 years and haven't done any electrical safety checks so far. Do you recommend an electrical safety checks ? if so how often need to be done and approximately how much does it cost ? ( Victoria)
Not mandatory to do safety checks, if something were to happen, it should of already happened by now. Only things I could think of is rats chewing on cables and insulation degrading overtime. If your board has rcd, its already up to date.
As a 21 year old who's a bit bored with what they currently do (I'm in telecommunications… sort of) do you like what you do? Would you recommend it?
I'm currently studying computer science and not having a great time. Passing fine, just bored. I guess I just want something different.
I dont "mind" what Im doing, its generally the work culture that makes the work alot more enjoyable/ bearable. It does get tedious and repetitive at times. Its a pretty good time to enter the trade now if you are willing to slog through 4 Years of the apprenticeship
Hey dude, thanks for the reply.
I got locked out of that account so I made another haha
Do you mind if I pick your brain with a few more questions?
I'm thinking of starting a mature age apprenticeship next year down on the gold coast, I've seen a few places that install solar panels. seems interesting to me. It's an opportunity. Plus I doubt solar is going anywhere.
I currently have a cert III (working towards cert IV) in electronics and communications from my current job. I also have a white card, working at heights, EWP license etc. Full license and 4 years of adulting completed too, I suppose.
*1 With those quals, what more can I do to make myself more competitive?
*2 I understand there's four main specilisations of electrician (instrument, plc, HV and industrial). Is this correct? Is there more?
*3 I'm a bit of a computer nerd, in my job I love fault finding complex computer/electrical systems. Because of this I'm leaning towards PLC or instrument electrician specialisations in the future. Am I correct in assuming these would be most similar to what I enjoy doing now? Or should I look elsewhere?
*4 In terms of completing your apprenticeship, does it matter where you work for the first 4 years? Or is it more about getting the qualification and then specialising later. Or should I be looking to get into instrument/PLC straight away?
*5 What sort of tools do you use on a daily basis? I'm a bit clumsy with tools (mainly because I don't use that many often, mainly screwdrivers and power drills). Gonna have to get some practice in!
Thanks for your reply, you've been a big help mate
Realistically, you have more than enough qualifications for a mature aged apprenticeship
There are more sub fields like ESI and HVAC, cable jointers and electrical fitters
Sounds like your into more theory side of electrical work like PLC and automation. Automation seems like up your alley and there's a demand for them and pay is pretty good in the right gig.
Try to secure an apprenticeship on a big project like a rail or tunnel as it looks good on a resume and gives you alot more exposure and experience in industrial jobs. As long as you can obtain a qualification thats all you need.
Depends on what you are doing, if you are doing a specialty (Like DC terms) they usually provide the tools and gear needed for the job, hard to say, you would need to speak to other tradies
@Bargain4Days: Thanks so much mate! If you're ever in gold coast I'll buy you a beer.
In terms of researching the further specialisations, is there a place I can look? Or am I best to just call around and chat to other sparkies.
Thanks again.
@jfletch2: Sorry mate, dont have much experience in automation side of things, best place I would say is to look up on Seek.com for 1st Year automation electrical apprenticeships. Would send you some more info on jobs but Im based in Sydney. All of these apprenticeships get you your electrical licence anyways just try to find some industrial exposure
You any good with GE DC traction or EMD AC traction locos?
I'm looking for a competent locomotive electrician.
Sounds like you after either an automotive electrician or Heavy Vehicle Electrician. Sorry I dont have much experience in motors
Do you guys work on live circuits?
What voltages do you work with, and what kind of currents?
What's your opinion on residential electricians?
In my experience I've found so many dodgy ones, honestly you would think they just use whatever is in the truck, with no regard to rated limits. I've got a couple I work with who I trust, but I had to filter out so many cowboys before I got to them.
You mentioned everything is specified, does that include the brands/supplier's?
Is there a general list of brands that are the go to brands for certain things, your ABB's, Schneider's etc, or brands that would never be seen on-site etc. Or does someone else do the purchasing and you just got to fit whatever, even if it's some cut price brand.
Torque by 'feel' or you actually have to correctly measure it?
Knipex, something else, or "whatever I can get my hands on because someone's going to nick it anyway"?
We only work on live circuits in order to test or cannot be turn off (Eg backup generator in a hospital or essential/ emergency services)
Generally 240/415V, current ranging from as little as 6amps to 800amps depending on the substation
Hard to find any good domestic sparkie because most of the good ones are already doing the big jobs as the money and stress is better. There is a LOT of cowboy sparkies unfortunately, and its hard to tell if they are doing a dodgy if you don't have a electrical background
Client generally supplies all the materials/ equipment. Usually Clipsal/ Schneider is what is used most commonly in switchboard gear. Cable is also supplied by client. We do have a torque wrench for the correct torque on switchboard equipment a lugs.
I like Knipex stuff alot, good thing about an Industrial site is that most tradies are on high wages, so theft isnt really common. Most sites ban you anyways if you get caught stealing tools, not worth getting black listed from all big jobs from builder and client over 500 dollars worth of tools.
Any recommendations for a good sparky to install EV wall chargers in Sydney north shore area?
Sorry mate, dont do alot of domestic and I dont know anyone with an intensive/ willingness background to do domestic.
whould you think it is difficult to get mature-age appreticeship at early 30s? Thinking of switching careers and trade skills are always appealing to me. thank you in advance
No, as long as you're willing to take on a paycut of changing jobs, and know people / cold call.
We have a >40yo mature age apprentice atm.
https://www.etuvic.com.au/ETUV/Your_Union/Contracting/Wage_R…
Does tafe refer apprentice to company or apprentice has to find themselves?
You need an apprenticeship in order to do tafe course. The company will organise tafe for you
We are constantly looking for industrial sparkies that want to work in manufacturing automation & safety of machinery to continue growing our team.
Got any apprenticeships going? Experienced with plc, manufacturing, automation, etc. Just not a sparky haha.
We have many, a mature aged 1st year, one 2nd year, one 3rd year, two 4th years that just recently graduated & one of them was NECA apprentice of the year.
We are located in Hallam.
If you're interested, DM me.
Bugger - I would be, but it's on the other side of the city sorry
Hey so you said you were at around $150k last year, what was the after tax income mate? Or alternatively, do you have more scope for tax deductions working as an industrial sparkie?
150k was pre tax as a 4th year apprentice, taking home around 2100 a week. As a licensed sparkie, I am now taking around 3000 home. Dont really have any extra way of claiming tax until I buy my first invesment property.
Good on you mate, that's awesome. I guess that's the disadvantage in working as an industrial sparkie? We always here stories about how tradies have a lot of scope for tax deductions so was just checking whether that's the same.
Nah, usually domestic sparkies can claim more as they have a ABN, so instant tax deduction and write off. Obviously they have greater running cost therefore they need to claim as much of an investment they can get
Congratulations on OP's achievements, I have relatives in the healthcare sector and that's high compared to alot of healthcare professions even most doctors and nurses (maybe except senior doctors). A relative who is a department head Nurse Consultant makes $140k in her 50s.
Yeah was doing 12 hour nights shifts 5 days a week taking home 2100, definitely good money if you can do the OT and graveyard shifts.
You got any contacts for anyone looking for a fitter coming from heavy industrial & shift work? Haha
Sorry mate, I dont have any contacts for fitters atm, you would have to try seek. See if you can hop on the metro or Rozelle interchange, either John Holland, CPB, UGL and Fredon.
Im assuming your a dual trade Electrician and Fitter?
What's the work culture like? Has there been much racism, bullying, etc.?
Admittedly no, I haven't experienced any sort of bullying and harassment at all (male, Asian background) obviously they give me racial stereotypes and give me names along with the occasional mockery. Doesnt bother me lol, i just join back play along and give them names back. They dont mean anything by it, at the end of the day we are all here to work and go home, the hours are long and hard, if we can poke a little fun in those hours, it makes the work alot more enjoyable and passes time
I was scarred by the experience of doing a small residential development (fixed priced contract, architect administered) and receiving dozens of variations beyond my control. If something was subtracted the cost saving was zero or $10, if something was added the cost would range from $10,000 to $100,000. It felt as if I was in constant tension with the builder and trades. At the same time, there was constant mutual trust given the money involved and potential for each party to screw the other.
So my question is: what are some of the ways your less moral colleagues (not you!) overcharge or "maximise billing" at the expense of a client? What should we lay consumers watch out for?
I generally dont do work in High Voltage as that requires Level 2 and a bunch of other tickets/ cert 3/4 training. I do want to obtain those at a later point in time. 11kv is generally the highest I would work it, submains feeding Distribution boards down in the tunnel. 300mm^2 cable single core running along. Dang load of copper
What the guy above said^