Wired For Success

Amrit’s Apprenticeship Journey

When a family friend introduced Amrit to ETCO, he had no idea it would spark a full-blown career. Drawn to hands-on work and problem-solving on the fly, he dove into an Electrical Apprenticeship — and never looked back!

“I love working with tools and tackling new challenges every day. Finding solutions to problems on the job keeps things exciting.” 

Now, three years later, Amrit is on the verge of becoming a fully qualified electrician, ready to take the next step in his career.

FutureForce® caught up with Amrit to hear about his journey and get his top tips for anyone considering an electrical apprenticeship. Check out the full story below!

Amrit Singh

Electrical Apprentice (Level 4)

Amrit’s Career Advice

“My biggest tip would be look at getting work experience under your belt. Having the opportunity to give it a try means you know what you are getting yourself into and can prepare.”

A chat with Amrit about his role

What is an electrician?

Being an electrician involves working on electrical systems to make sure they are safe, functional and efficient.

What does an electrical apprenticeship involve ?

As an Electrical Apprentice you get to learn on the job over a 3–4-year time frame. In this time you do a variety of daily tasks and learn all the required skills from qualified tradesman. In the beginning I was doing a lot of cable ties, conduit work, and installing power points. Now that I am nearly qualified I am given more independence to do things like building control panels and switch boards.

What has been the best part of your electrical apprenticeship?

I enjoy being on the tools where every day is a different challenge to overcome and being able to find solutions to these problems. We also get to work alongside of other trades people and get insights into what this involves. As an electrician there is a lot more mechanical work involved then I originally thought and I like this side of it.

What interested you in an electrical apprenticeship?

I liked the idea of doing hands on technical work and knew these skills were transferable world-wide. I had experience with other trades which allowed me to see I liked this sort of work. An electrical apprenticeship opens the door to lots of other opportunities so I felt this was a good foundation. I heard about ETCO through a family friend. They knew I was looking at electrical apprenticeship at the time so suggested I go through ETCO.

Are there any memorable projects you worked on?

We have been involved with installing a new production line with a Waikato manufacturer which has been cool to see progress. We started back in September and are now coming to the end of the process. Seeing how the planning took place from the beginning and came together to make the process smooth was something I hadn’t before seen.

We have done a bit of work behind the scenes at new fast-food chains. What goes on in the background of these businesses isnt something you usually get to see.

When was a time you felt accomplished in your role?

Throughout my apprenticeship I have picked up a range of skills and being able to work on a larger scale project at the end was great timing. I was given a lot more independence throughout this job which was a good experience.

Amrit Singh

Electrical Apprentice

If you don’t have enough NCEA Credits you can still become an ETCO Apprentice!

ETCO’s electrical pre-trade programme gives you the skills for both an apprenticeship and a diverse range of electrical careers!

Find out more about the NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) by clicking here.

Everything You Should Know About an Electrical Apprenticeship

Did you need any further study before completing an apprenticeship?

I couldn’t go straight into an apprenticeship as I completed high school overseas. So, prior to starting my apprenticeship I did a nine-month foundation course through ETCO.

What skills do you learn in an electrical apprenticeship?

I have learnt both technical and interpersonal skills during my apprenticeship. I have learnt how to read electrical drawings, work on switch boards, control panels and programming. I also had the opportunity to learn a bit about robotics, which isn’t usually a part of an electrical apprenticeship, so this was a great experience.

I have also learnt how to deal with clients, handle pressure, work efficiently, and function in a team.

What sort of person makes a good electrical apprentice?

You need to be willing to learn, get stuck in, work with your hands, and have a positive attitude towards work. Asking questions is key as well everyone will take the time to help you so just ask.

What school subjects should you take for an apprenticeship?

All the technical subjects like physics, electronics, and maths. Also surprisingly we work with a grinder a lot so metal work is a good additional subject.  

What opportunities lead on from an electrical apprenticeship?

There is a range of work you can do after an electrical apprenticeship. Becoming a qualified electrician is the first step from here you can do industrial, commercial or domestic work. There are also opportunities to branch out into security and alarm systems, data network technician, marine electrician, auto electrician, programmer, and robotics. There is even potential for entrepreneurship and business ownership.

Amrit’s Apprenticeship Advice 

What advice would you give your past self?

I would say to pay more attention in physics as this is something that comes in handy later on. I have been good at maths but never took physics and having this experience would have been a good foundation.

What would you tell a new apprentice on their first day?

Show up on time and show respect to those around you. Don’t talk back to your trainer, they are wanting you to learn they aren’t just growling you. Asking questions is very important, if you are asked to do something but aren’t sure how, just ask. It is always much easier to stop and ask first rather than having to fix the mistake.   

What advice would you give to the new guy?

Just be yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions, you have to try learn as much as you can in this fast paced environment. Make the effort to get along with the people you are working with is another big tip.

How do you maintain work-life balance?

Taking the time to do what you love. Having hobbies in your own time and making an effort to do these things.

About ETCO

Etco is New Zealand’s leading provider of electrical training and apprentices. Etco (the Electrical Training Company) employs apprentices and places them with host companies via their group apprenticeship scheme.

They provide training courses for apprentices and qualified electricians to ensure they are qualified to work in new and emerging fields.

Apprentice training is a combination of on-the-job training through placements with electrical companies and contractors, and off-the-job training. This involves study at home, attending night classes and block courses at one of eight training centres.

Apprentices receive extensive instruction, supervision and support throughout all stages of their training which involves a series of assignments, assessments and examinations. 

Check out past ETCO Profiles