From Novice to Navigator: Jack's Apprenticeship Journey to Certified Electrician

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Electrical apprenticeships offer a crucial pathway to start a career in this dynamic field.

In a time where technology and innovation drive every aspect of our lives, the electrical industry stands as a cornerstone of modern infrastructure and development and for many young individuals, apprenticeships offer a crucial pathway to start a career in this dynamic field.

We spoke to Jack Doley from Borgies Property Services, who graduated from his apprenticeship this year and has been working in the field since. Jack shares his own experiences as an apprentice and offers insights on how the industry can better support those starting their careers.


Middy's: Tell us a little about yourself.

Jack: I’m Jack Doley, I’m 21, and am currently working at Borgies Property Services. I started my apprenticeship straight out of high school. My neighbour knew a great electrician, and I ended up signing with him. Adrian has been a great boss, and I completed my four years with him. We mainly do domestic jobs, primarily in Taylors Lakes, but we also work all over Melbourne. Sometimes, we even travel to Western Australia to do jobs for Aboriginal communities.

M: What motivated you to become an electrician?

J: My Dad was a motivator for me. He always said that being an electrician is a great, clean job. Inspired by his words, I decided to embark on my apprenticeship right after finishing school.

M: What do you find most exciting now that you’ve become an electrician?

J: Finishing a job that I’ve been working on for a while is always rewarding, especially when the customers are satisfied. You’re always learning something new on the job. When I finished my apprenticeship, I thought I knew everything about being an electrician, but every day I learn more skills, and it's really exciting.

M: How do you think the electrical industry can evolve to attract younger generations?

J: I think peers are a great influence, almost like a recommendation or referral. Many of my friends started their apprenticeships because of me, and I was inspired by people I knew who were enjoying it. Providing a great learning journey with practical work is a fantastic way to get people talking about apprenticeships and more young people signing up.

M: What skills or knowledge from your apprenticeship do you use the most?

J: My hands-on skills with tools are invaluable. I have friends who aren’t tradies, so my skills as an electrician allow me to help them out.

M: What would you say is the most valuable skill you have learned through your experience?

J: Always be willing to learn from others. After four years of an apprenticeship, I thought I knew everything, but my boss has a wealth of knowledge and teaches me new things every day. He’s also open to suggestions, so sometimes I teach him new things. My biggest takeaway is that you’re never too young or old to learn new skills or information.

M: Are there any resources or support you think would be helpful to apprentices or those new to the industry?

J: This might sound funny, but I found TikTok really helpful. There are many great electricians and tradespeople on TikTok who post informative and engaging content. It’s really helpful for learning new skills and seeing how other electricians do things differently compared to our business. We can leverage their recommendations and tips to make our operations smoother.

M: What advice would you give to other young people considering undertaking an apprenticeship?

J: If you’re contemplating it, just do it. Really stick with it and finish your four years. Even if you decide to change your career path, you’ll have a qualification and a life skill that you can always fall back on if you decide to revisit a career in the trades industry.