Have you ever considered a career as an electrician? The current electrician shortage in Australia makes now the perfect time to make a move. The Electrical Trades Union has warned Australia is currently experiencing an “unprecedented” shortfall of electrical workers.

Unions and employers warn that failing to address the issue could jeopardise the National Electricity Licensing Regime and delay major energy projects.

Australia is expected to need up to 42,000 additional electricians in the coming years to meet growing demand.

Experts warn the shortage will worsen due to stagnant tertiary completion rates and an ageing workforce.
In regional areas, a lack of localised training facilities makes the issue even more pronounced.

So what challenges does a lack of electricians pose and how will this be addressed?

What challenges does the electrician shortage in Australia present?

Electricians will play a key role in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. But without a major increase in their numbers, experts warn the target may not be achievable.

In its 2024 Workforce Planning report, the Powering Skills Organisation warned:

“There needs to be a significant uplift in both the capacity and capability of our energy workforce to meet the [energy] transformation deadlines” .

It is estimated Australia will need an additional 53,000 to 84,000 electricians by 2050 to prepare our energy grid and industrial base for net zero.

At present, Australia’s clean energy sector is competing with other industries for access to electrical workers.

Australia has also pledged to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029, a target we will struggle to meet without more electricians.

How can this issue be addressed?

More vocational training

The Powering Skills organisation has identified vocational training as a key area of focus for growing the electrical workforce.

Experts say the country needs more electrical apprentices. Master Builders Australia says smaller businesses should be better supported to take on apprentices. It argues that at present, they are forced to take on the bulk of the burden in training apprentices.

The Electrotechnology Training Institute says more capacity for vocational training is required.

“I can’t see how the current system, without some serious funding, is going to meet the capacity of the number of students we need moving forward”, Chief Executive Carl Copeland told the ABC.

Mr Copeland also emphasised the need for upskilling programs for qualified electricians.

National Licensing System

According to the Electrical Trades Union, a national licensing system for electricians should be introduced. This would make it easier for electricians to take up work interstate, helping to reduce workforce shortages.

“For us, this is much less about consensus than it is around co-ordination, and national electrical licensing. It is the perfect opportunity to cut unnecessary red tape for sparkies, making it easier to work across borders” National secretary Michael Wright told The Australian.

Is it all bad news?

Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. The number of electricians in training is up three per cent, and apprentice completion rates are at their highest in a decade. An apprentice incentive program for new energy apprentices, including electrical, has seen 9,000 workers receive a $10,000 incentive.

Despite this, more work needs to be done if Australia is to have the workforce it requires.

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Article References

Hannan, E (23 June 2025) ‘Unions, bosses unite to demand action on sparkie shortage’, The Australian, accessed 24 June 2025.

Monaghan, T (25 July 2024) ‘Australia’s workforce shortage: A potential obstacle on the road to net zero’, Australian Energy Council, accessed 24 June 2025.

Smith, H (5 March 2025) ‘Electrician shortage threatens housing and energy targets, sector warns’, ABC News, accessed 24 June 2025.