Electrical workers will undergo regular skills training as part of Victoria’s first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, delivered by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and the Victorian Government.
The CPD program has been developed by ESV and education provider Future Energy Skills and supported by a committee including members from ESV, the Electrical Trades Union, the National Electrical and Communications Association, the Institute of Electrical Inspectors and experts in adult education.
More than 7,500 workers from the electrotechn
ology, renewable and new energy sectors are expected to complete the training in 2022-23 as a requirement of their electrical licence renewal. The eight-hour Skills Maintenance course will also be free thanks to $7.2 million in funding from the Victorian Government over the next five years.
Skills Maintenance provides training on safe isolation, mandatory testing, industry changes, and the responsibilities of licensed workers. The training is available at metro and regional locations and is run by carefully-selected educational providers.
Skills Development courses will also be available from mid 2023.
The training will contribute to better trained electrical workers, enhancing skills and preserving high levels of professionalism. It addresses the “Three Cs” that can lead to unsafe work practices – Currency, Competence, and Complacency. Currency refers to keeping up to date with all the latest skills and knowledge and Competency talks about how well we all do our jobs. Safety experts believe that Complacency is one of the most common causes of workplace injury and death. Continued industry consultation will also ensure the relevance of the course training content. ESV ran a successful Continuing Professional Development pilot earlier this year involving 66 electricians across regional and metro areas.
Further information is available on the ESV website at .
Energy Safe Victoria CEO Leanne Hughson
“This is an exciting opportunity for Victorian electrical licence holders, which will not only enhance skills and preserve the industry’s high levels of professionalism, but will also reduce complacency across the sector.” “This program will help to deliver the highest possible standards of electrical work, with workers required to complete eight hours of training every five years." “The training is being delivered by trusted professionals and has been devised and agreed upon by industry experts, and is enthusiastically supported by unions, employers and Government.”
Media contact: Adrian Bernecich 0437 729 194 | adrian.bernecich@energysafe.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 24 January 2023