It’s the question maths teachers hear almost every day.
“When am I ever going to use algebra?”
“Why do I need trigonometry?”
If you’re planning to become an electrician, you’ll be using algebra and trigonometry on the job.
A recent report, Foundation for Energy: Literacy and Numeracy for Energy Jobs, found that many aspiring electricians are getting caught out by the maths requirements of the trade.
In fact, 85% of electrotechnology apprenticeship cancellations happen within the first two years, right when the numeracy demands start to ramp up.
The report highlighted a gap between the maths many students learn at school and the maths needed to succeed in an electrotechnology apprenticeship.
While many high school pathways build numeracy skills to Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Level 3, the Certificate III in Electrotechnology requires Level 4 skills, including algebra and trigonometry.
In other words, the maths students are learning in the classroom today becomes practical, everyday problem-solving on the job tomorrow.
That’s why Major Training starts the conversation early.
Through career expos, Try a Trade Days and school-based activities, we work with Year 9 and Year 10 students to help them understand what an electrotechnology career involves and why maths plays such an important role.
By identifying skill gaps while students are still at school, there’s more time to build confidence and improve the fundamentals before starting formal training.
Before entering the UEE22025 Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), students complete a 14-question maths assessment designed to benchmark their current skills.
Students who meet the required standard can progress into the program. Those who don’t aren’t simply turned away.
Instead, they’re given guidance on the key mathematical areas to work on over the next six to 12 months and can reapply for a future intake once they’re ready.
The assessment also gives students an opportunity to discuss why they’re interested in the trade, helping ensure they’re choosing a pathway that’s the right fit for their goals and interests.
The report found that students who understand the demands of the trade before they start are more likely to complete their apprenticeship.
With more than 193,000 electricians currently employed across Australia and demand continuing to grow, there has never been a better time to prepare for a career in electrotechnology.
Next time a student asks, “when am I ever going to use this maths?”
The answer is on your first day as an apprentice electrician.
For more information about UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician visit https://major.edu.au/courses/apprenticeships-traineeships/electrical-apprenticeship-electrotechnology/.
