The Victorian State Government has committed to introducing a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme to enhance the safety, training and skills base of Victorian electrical workers.
CPD will apply to most licensed electrical workers, and attendance will become a mandatory requirement for licence renewal from 2023.
The program is the responsibility of Energy Safe Victoria, working closely with electrical contractors, trades unions, professional bodies and the community.
A pilot program of the new training, which requires a commitment of eight hours for each electrical licence held, will commence in November 2021.
It can now be announced that CPD materials will be developed by Future Energy Skills, and then delivered by specialist training organisations (yet to be selected).
Future Energy Skills is a not-for-profit organisation led by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and National Electrical Communications Association (NECA) to serve and work in partnership with the electro-technology, renewable, new energy and the electricity generation and supply sectors, collaborating with key stakeholders within industry and the vocational education sector to provide training, assessment, and consultation services.
Future Energy Skills acts as a conduit for industry between Government agencies and other key training stakeholders, identifying and answering the needs of the electrical industry.
Critically, Future Energy Skills seek to futureproof the energy industry by driving skills development with integrity and a focus on safety for the community.
They were chosen based on their proven project delivery and resource development experience, having recently delivered the New Energy Technology Systems (NETS) project.
They are also currently developing the Solar Victoria sponsored Electrical Inspection training project and offer an excellent network and strong working partnerships with industry leaders and subject matter experts.
The new CPD program will ensure that all licence holders are up-to-date on safe working practices on both old and emerging electrical technologies, protecting electrical workers, their colleagues, and the wider community.
Quote from ESV Commission Chairperson Marnie Williams “We are confident that FES are the right choice to create the content for this extremely significant Continuing Professional Development program, offering us both specific knowledge of the industry and a proven track record." "CPD will benefit all licence holders in ensuring both their skills and safety procedures are current, and forms a key component in our efforts to keep the whole Victorian community as safe as possible.” Media contact: Adrian Bernecich 0437 729 194 | adrian.bernecich@energysafe.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 14 December 2022