UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

At the successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

• Plan, organise and complete electrical work to required standards, timelines and workplace expectations.
• Install, set up, test and maintain low-voltage electrical wiring systems, accessories and equipment in buildings and premises.
• Select, assemble and connect electrical circuits and components in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Read, interpret and apply electrical drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and manufacturer specifications.
• Apply correct procedures for testing, verifying and commissioning electrical installations.
• Implement safe work practices, risk controls and regulatory procedures to protect self, others and property.
• Apply environmentally sustainable work practices in the planning and completion of electrotechnology tasks.

• Use tools, instruments and testing devices safely and effectively for installation, maintenance and fault-finding tasks.
• Diagnose and rectify faults in electrical systems, equipment and associated components.
• Use logical troubleshooting techniques to ensure installations are safe, compliant and functioning correctly.

Alongside the more traditional electrical trade pathways, demand is increasing for electricians with broader skills in clean energy technologies, including small-scale solar and battery systems, large-scale battery operations, wind energy, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, solar grid connections, remote system management, hydrogen systems and Virtual Power Plants.

The skills and knowledge in this qualification require a licence to practice in Australia, where work is carried out on electrical installations that are designed to operate at voltages greater than 50 volt (V) alternating current (a.c.) or 120 V direct current (d.c.).

Competency development activities in this qualification are also subject to regulations directly related to licensing. Where a licence or permit to practice is not held, a relevant contract of training through an Australian Apprenticeship, may be required. 

To obtain an Unrestricted Electrical Licence in most jurisdictions this qualification must be completed as an apprenticeship or via the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway.

The following websites outline licensing requirements in each state and territory:

• ACT – Access Canberra
• NSW – Service NSW
• NT – NT WorkSafe
• QLD – WorkSafe Qld
• SA – Consumer and Business Services
• TAS – Service Tasmania
• VIC – Energy Safe Victoria
• WA – Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

This qualification may be right for you if:

• You’re interested in technology, from traditional electrical systems to smart homes, IoT, automation, renewable energy, solar, batteries and/or clean-energy solutions.
• You enjoy practical, problem-solving work, using a logical approach to install, maintain, diagnose and repair systems.
• You learn best through hands-on experience and work well with others.
• You can distinguish between colours, are comfortable working at heights, and can handle tasks that require both physical capability and precision.
• You’re seeking a long-term career pathway, including electrical contracting, communications, renewable energy, instrumentation, data, and/or specialist technical roles.

Frequency & Expected duration

This qualification nominally takes 4 years to complete, which typically includes around three years of combined off-and-on-the-job training, and around one year of dedicated on-the-job training.

During the first 3 years you will be required to attend 40 days of training, at one of our industry-leading facilities for in-person training.

NECA Training delivers off-the-job training via the traditional 1 day/week for 40 weeks with ‘term breaks’ at regular intervals, or through Block Release, involving 10 days full time training four times/year.  

The traditional delivery model is followed in all three of our Centres.  The Block release model is offered through our Fyshwick (ACT) Centre.

Your employer will have a preferred off-the-job training model.

Location

We currently deliver this qualification from our Centres of Excellence in Chullora (Sydney), Fyshwick (ACT) and Moruya (NSW South Coast), which are purpose-built technical trade colleges, owned by the Industry. 

Entry Requirements

To start the UEE30820 Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician, you must be employed, have a Unique Student Identifier, meet basic Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy requirements, and meet any specified Australian Government and State/Territory eligibility criteria.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) must be provided at the time of enrolment for this qualification. 

Your USI is your personal education number and it is required for all nationally recognised study, including university and vocational education and training (VET). Made up of 10 letters and numbers, it is free and stays with you for life.

If you haven’t previously done so, you can create your USI here – https://www.usi.gov.au/

To commence your studies with NECA Training, you must be working as an electrical apprentice and have a signed apprenticeship contract lodged with an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP). 

You have a few options to begin an electrical apprenticeship.

You can apply for a position with a Group Training Organisation (GTO), such as NECA Electrical Apprenticeships. The GTO then becomes your legal employer and makes arrangements for you to undertake direct work placements with one or more trusted host employers. 

For direct employment, we encourage you to look online, check local newspaper ads or on-line employment platforms and/or contact local electricians to see if they employ apprentices. 

Once you have found a job, your employer will register you with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will further support you through the process.

Language Literacy Numeracy & Digital Literacy (LLND)

To successfully complete this qualification it is essential that you have adequate Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) skills as well as Digital Literacy skills to engage fully with the training materials, participate in learning activities, and complete all required assessments. This includes the ability to:

• Read and interpret learning materials and assessment instructions
• Write responses and communicate effectively in English
• Apply numeracy skills such as measuring, calculating, and interpreting data
• Use digital tools such as learning management systems, electronic work record systems and other online or computer-based platforms relevant to the training.

The LLND requirements for this qualification are broadly aligned with Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). ACSF Level 3 indicates a competent level of performance in core skills that is sufficient for meeting the demands of everyday life and work. 

Prior to enrolment, you will be required to complete an LLN assessment so that we can better understand your individual needs, and assist to ensure your LLN skills match the demands of the qualification.

The UEE30820 Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician qualification requires the completion of 27 Core Units of Competency and a combination of Elective Units to a total weighting of 120 points.
Delivery order (consider expanding menus for Stage 1-3)

NECA Training accepts and provides credit to learners who have already completed Units of Competency from the qualification, unless licensing or regulatory requirements prevent this.

To receive a credit transfer for a unit you must provide us with formal evidence that you’ve previously completed the unit or a unit which matches in content and outcome. Formal evidence can be a qualification certificate or transcript, statement of attainment or your USI transcript. When credit is recognised, you don’t need to repeat training or assessment for that unit.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that evaluates the competency you may have acquired through previous education and training, work experience and/or life experience and knowledge. In a RPL process, evidence is collected and assessed to determine the extent to which you meet the pre-determined performance standards contained within the associated Unit/s of Competency being considered for RPL.

While some may view RPL as a shortcut to competency, it is important to understand that sufficient evidence to meet each element and performance criteria and all assessment requirements within the Unit/s of Competency still needs to be collected and assessed before a final competency decision can be reached. 

If you believe you are eligible for RPL, please let our administration team know during the enrolment process so that we can better support your application.

For all NSW-based students, this training is subsidised by the NSW Government under their Smart and Skilled program. This means that it is fee free for all eligible students.

For ACT-based students, the Government funding covers the majority, but not all, of the costs. The deficit is made up through course fees and other funding that is invoiced to your employer each semester. The total course fees (i.e.; the funding component not covered by the ACT Government) are $2,080.

We normally offer two intake periods each year to provide flexibility for applicants and employers.

Primary Intake – Term 1

Our main intake commences training delivery at the start of Term 1 each year, which is typically in the first week of February. This intake offers the largest number of places and is the recommended entry point for most apprentices.

Applications for our Term 1 intake are normally finalised in Term 4 of the previous year and close in early-January, so we encourage early application to secure a place.

Mid-Year Intake – Term 3

A second, smaller intake is usually scheduled for the beginning of Term 3, generally starting in mid-July. This option suits students commencing an apprenticeship mid-year or employers needing additional flexibility.

Applications for the Term 3 intake usually close at the end of June.

If you are considering applying, we recommend preparing your application early and speaking with your employer or training advisor to align your start date with the appropriate intake.