Work experience lights fuse for small business owner

It took a trip to Canada working for a neon light company that lit the fuse for Sheldon-based LA Electrical Installations owner Lee Dodge to become an electrician.

Despite his father working in the construction industry as a steel fixer, 42-year-old Lee didn’t always want to be a tradesperson.

When he was at school, he wanted to become a dentist and after he finished school he started work as a full-time trainee manager at Coles but realised those jobs weren’t for him.

Lee then went to Canada to work for a family friend’s neon light company in British Columbia.

That kick-started a wide, varied and rewarding pathway that has led to him being the owner of LA Electrical Installations, which also employs two apprentices and his wife Andrea.

“Do I still enjoy what I do? Absolutely.  Not many people can say that after nearly 25 years,” Lee said.

“There are so many pathways with a career in the electrical industry. I did my apprenticeship with Kenner Murphy Electrical working on high rises and shopping centres and did that for 10 years.

“I have also worked in the mines and on tunnels like Brisbane’s Legacy Way before I started my own business.

“I was also full-time TAFE teacher at Alexandra Hills for six years where I taught students not just about the electrical trade but also reminded them that there are so many different opportunities in the electrical industry.

“It’s not just houses - there are so many other opportunities like other major infrastructure projects and mining,” he said.

It’s not surprising the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician is the most popular qualification through the Queensland Government’s Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s program with 2,328 enrolments in 2024 and 725 up to May in 2025.

Lee and his company LA Electrical Installations, which provides a range of commercial, domestic and air-conditioning installation services, will continue to train the next generation of workers looking to get into the electrical industry to help meet industry demand.

“Absolutely, apprentices help us grow the business and it’s also great to give them the opportunity to start their career.

“The electrical industry will just keep getting bigger and I will certainly be encouraging my own sons to do a trade because there are just so many opportunities that come from it,” he said.

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Find out about The Right Skills Strategy.