How to become an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design, develop and supervise the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical systems. They work on systems for the generation, distribution, utilisation and control of electric power. They also work on electronic systems used for computing, communications and other industrial applications.Electrical engineers may specialise as electrical maintenance engineers, electrical power engineers, electrical design engineers, communications engineers or computer engineers. They may also specialise in areas such as the design and operation of power plants, generators, metal refining, rolling mills, motors and transformers, and in researching new applications of technology or production machinery.

Personal requirements for an Electrical Engineer

Able to identify, analyse and solve problems
Good oral and written communication skills
Enjoy computing and technical design
Practical and creative
Able to work independently and accept responsibility

Education & Training for an Electrical Engineer

To become an electrical engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in electrical, electronic, electrical power, telecommunications and network, or communications engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. Visit their website for more details. Depending on your state or territory, you may need to register with authorities specific to your area of work.

Duties & Tasks of an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers:

Plan and design power stations and equipment for generators
Supervise construction plans and specifications and draw up contracts
Supervise operating and maintenance staff
Design and produce drawings of electrical systems using computer-aided design (CAD)
Decide on the type and arrangement of circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers, transmission lines and equipment, based on calculations
Make or improve products such as electric motors, parts, equipment and appliances
Prepare and interpret specifications, drawings and regulations for the use of electric power equipment
Determine delivery and installation schedules for machines, switchgear, cables and fittings
Organise and manage staff and materials in the making of electrical parts, machines, appliances and equipment
Ensure completed works meet specifications and safety standards
Design and install control and signalling devices for road, rail and air traffic
Design telecommunications equipment and networks
Contribute and adhere to safety requirements.

Tasks

Planning and designing power stations and power generation equipment
Developing products such as electric motors, components, equipment and appliances
Determining the type and arrangement of circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers, transmission lines and other equipment
Supervising the operation and maintenance of power stations, transmission and distribution systems and industrial plants
Interpreting specifications, drawings, standards and regulations relating to electric power equipment and use
May specialise in research in areas such as power generation and transmission systems, transformers, switchgear and electric motors, telemetry and control systems
Designing and installing control and signalling equipment for road, rail and air traffic
Establishing delivery and installation schedules for machines, switchgear, cables and fittings
Organising and managing resources used in the supply of electrical components, machines, appliances and equipment

Working conditions for an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work with senior administrators, civil and mechanical engineers, computer scientists and various workers in the business, building and construction industries. They advise employers, associates or clients and consult with scientists, industrial designers and architects.

Employment Opportunities for an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work for state, territory and federal government departments; electricity suppliers; consulting engineers; and firms in the minerals, defence, telecommunications, information technology, steel, manufacturing and service industries. The telecommunications industry is expanding due to factors such as the rapid development of technology, the increased use of mobile phones by the Australian public and new telecommunications companies entering the market.

Specializations

Electrical Engineer

Average age
37
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
12% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
94%
Employment Size
27,000
Employment by state
ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 36.2%
NT: 1.1%
QLD: 19.3%
SA: 5.3%
TAS: 1.6%
VIC: 20.8%
WA: 14.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 4.6%
25-34: 32%
35-44: 26.2%
45-54: 20.6%
55-59: 8.5%
60-64: 5%
65 and Over: 3.1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 11.7%
Bachelor degree: 58.1%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 6.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 20.1%
Year 10 and below: 0.3%
Year 11: 0.1%
Year 12: 3.2%
Years 11 & 10: 0%