One in eight electrical apprentices are being exposed to potentially deadly shocks at work, as the industry struggles with worker shortages, lack of mentoring support and training delays.

That figure is even higher among apprentices who do not start their classroom training until after their first year — with one in four of them experiencing shocks, according to a survey of more than 400 apprentices by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU).

"We feel the real rate is much higher. There is no safe level of electrical shock," ETU National Secretary Michael Wright said.

The union said 447 apprentices took the online survey in April and May this year, representing approximately 10 per cent of all apprentice members across the country.

The ETU said because some apprentices were not undertaking c

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