Electrical and electronics courses
Want to work with electrical and electronic systems? You can start with a certificate in automotive electrical or telecommunications work, or train as an engineering technician with a diploma. Here's what each course leads to, how long it takes and what it costs.
- Quickest way to start
- 8 months
- Certificate III, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $1,020
- subsidised Certificate II, TAFE NSW
- What the jobs pay
- $65,000 to $146,000
- median pay across 10 jobs, some estimated
- Demand
- 9 of 10 jobs
- are on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Work as an auto electrician
Find and fix the electrical faults that stop cars, trucks and other vehicles starting, charging or lighting up.
Median pay$146,000
- How long it takes
- About 0.5 to 4 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $2,410 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $17,700 full fee
- How you'll study
- On campus or on the job
Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology
Start training as a data cabler
Install, test and repair the cabling and equipment that carries phone, internet and radio signals.
JobData Cabler
Median pay$80,600 (estimate)
A step towards this job, not the whole route. What else you need
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
Diploma of Electrical Engineering
Work as an electrical engineering technician
Plan and specify electrical systems, write technical reports and commission advanced equipment.
JobElectrical Engineering Technician
Median pay$91,500 (estimate)
- How long it takes
- 1 to 2 years full time at TAFE NSW
- How you'll study
- On campus
Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
Work as an electronics engineering technician
Build, install and test electronic and communications systems, and track down faults when they fail.
JobElectronic Engineering Technician
Median pay$111,400
- How long it takes
- About 2 years full time at TAFE NSW
- How you'll study
- On campus
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) | Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology | Certificate III in Electronics and Communications | Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $1,020 | $6,470 | $2,410 | $17,700 | $3,300 | $16,230 | $3,300 | $25,090 |
| Chisholm Institute | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $6,843 | $22,368 |
| GOTAFE | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $19,988 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $20,298 |
| The Gordon | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $4,218 | $21,101 |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $1,240 | $5,940 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- $1,020 subsidised
- $6,470 full fee
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
- $2,410 subsidised
- $17,700 full fee
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
- $3,300 subsidised
- $16,230 full fee
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- $3,300 subsidised
- $25,090 full fee
Chisholm InstituteVIC
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- $6,843 subsidised
- $22,368 full fee
GOTAFEVIC
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
- Not listed
- $19,988 full fee
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Not listed
- $20,298 full fee
The GordonVIC
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- $4,218 subsidised
- $21,101 full fee
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- $1,240 subsidised
- $5,940 full fee
- Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Not listed
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other university courses
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical Engineering)4 years. An engineering degree covering the systems that generate, move and control electrical power, and an accepted route towards work as an electrical engineer.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours)4 years. Covers electrical and electronic systems from small circuits to power networks, with design projects and a research project in the final year.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic)4 years. Covers electrical power alongside the electronic devices and control systems built on it, with laboratory and project work throughout.
- Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Electrical and Electronics)4 years. Covers electronic devices, computer and telecommunications systems, control and electrical power, starting from general engineering.
Other certificates and diplomas
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)1 year. For school leavers and career changers who want to test the electrical trades before starting an apprenticeship.
Can help with: electrical trades assistant
- Certificate III in Electrical Fitting4 years. Trains you to build, test and repair the electrical equipment used in plants, workshops and factories, usually as an apprenticeship.
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications2.5 to 3 years. For hands-on work setting up, testing and repairing electronic equipment, with a focus on fault finding.
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician4 years. The trade qualification for electrical work in buildings, usually completed as an apprenticeship while you work.
- Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control1 to 2 years. For work on the instruments and control systems that measure and manage industrial processes.
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
Electrical EngineerWhat you needBachelor degree (Honours) or bachelor degreeMedian pay$132,800In demand- Auto ElectricianWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$146,000In demand
Electrical FitterWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$91,000 (estimate)In demand
Electronics TechnicianWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$77,000 (estimate)In demand
Radiocommunications TechnicianMedian pay$91,000 (estimate)
ElectricianWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$113,900In demand
Solar InstallerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$65,000 (estimate)In demand- Data CablerWhat you needCertificate III, then further trainingMedian pay$80,600 (estimate)In demand
- Electrical Engineering TechnicianWhat you needDiplomaMedian pay$91,500 (estimate)In demand
- Electronic Engineering TechnicianWhat you needDiplomaMedian pay$111,400In demand
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.