In Australia, being an electrician might not have the glamor of a TV career, but for Jordan Dowsett, it has been a lucrative choice. After appearing on “Love Island Australia,” he decided to work as an electrician in the remote outback, where there is a high demand for skilled workers.
Currently, the need for electricians is growing, with some able to earn as much as A$200,000 (US$124,000) per year—almost double the national average salary. Dowsett describes his job as having both benefits and challenges. He works 12-hour shifts and lives in temporary quarters, but appreciates the good pay and time off that come with the job.
The shortage of electricians in Australia is significant for the country’s future, especially with plans to transition to renewable energy. According to the Clean Energy Council, Australia will need 32,000 more electricians by 2030. However, union leader Michael Wright believes this number is an underestimate, suggesting that the real need could be as high as 100,000 by 2050.
This shortage began in the 1980s as more young Australians opted for university instead of trade work. Today, many electricians come from migrant backgrounds, but relying on this labor pool is becoming increasingly difficult. In 2024, nearly 400 electricians were granted temporary visas, the highest figure in eight years, but the competition for these positions continues to grow.
Companies like AirTrunk are looking for ways to address the shortfall. They recently launched a program to train 30 electrical and mechanical apprentices across Australia. Despite efforts to improve vocational training, challenges remain, such as a lack of instructors and high dropout rates among apprentices.
Warren Bain, an electrician in Melbourne, points out that some large firms view apprentices as cheap labor, discouraging them from staying long-term. The demanding work and uncertain pay can make alternative, less strenuous jobs seem more appealing to younger workers.
Ultimately, while the fly-in, fly-out lifestyle can be rewarding, many young Australians prefer more stable and less demanding careers, leaving the future of the electrician trade in a precarious state.