Key Points
- Ken Guinayen shared how he transitioned from factory work to completing an apprenticeship and studying at TAFE to become a licensed electrician.
- With 186,400 electricians in Australia according to Jobs and Skills Australia, Ken highlights the demand and the rewarding nature of the profession.
- Ken emphasises safety in the trade and shares his journey to starting his own electrical services business with encouragement from his fiancée.
In an interview with SBS Filipino, Melbourne-based electrician Ken Guinayen shared his journey to becoming a licensed electrician in Australia.
Ken arrived in Australia at the age of 22 when his father petitioned for him as a permanent resident. A recent Information Technology graduate in the Philippines, Ken initially took on various jobs, including factory work, cleaning, and kitchen hand roles.
Ken Guinayen shared how he transitioned from factory work to completing an apprenticeship and studying at TAFE to become a licensed electrician. Credit: Supplied
Determined to pursue a career in the trade, Ken searched for an employer willing to sponsor his apprenticeship and enrolled at TAFE to formalise his training.
In my experience, I first looked for an employer, but it was challenging, especially in the Shepparton area. I wasn’t really ‘Aussie,’ so it was harder for me.Electrician Ken Guinayen
"Fortunately, someone hired me as a trade assistant—not yet as an apprentice. But as time went by and my boss saw my potential, I asked if I could go through an apprenticeship. He eventually agreed and signed me up through TAFE,” Ken explained.
Ken was already an Australian permanent resident when he applied as an apprentice. However, the process of becoming an electrician varies if you are from the Philippines or any other country. It is typically assessed on a case-by-case basis.
According to making it a high-demand profession.
Ken Guinayen highlighted the risks involved in the trade. Credit: Supplied
However, he also highlighted the risks involved in the trade. “There are hazards at work, and one mistake could cost your life,” Ken warned. He admitted that adjusting to the language and cultural barriers was challenging initially, but over time, he learned to work well with co-tradesmen and clients.
Encouraged by his fiancée, Hannah, Ken eventually ventured into entrepreneurship and launched his own electrical services business while still juggling his full-time job.
“We posted the electrical service in the Facebook group Pinoys in Melbourne, but I didn’t expect to be flooded with job requests. I couldn’t accommodate everyone, but I’m very thankful to the community.”
Ken Guinayen's family Credit: Supplied
The information in this story is general in nature. For advice on individual situations, please contact a career or migration expert.
