UET30821 Certificate III in ESI – Distribution Underground
About
Launch your career in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) and develop the specialist skills required to work as a Distribution Underground Cable Jointer. This apprenticeship program combines on-the-job experience with training in our industry-leading facilities, preparing you to work confidently and safely in underground power distribution environments.
This nationally accredited qualification provides the skills and knowledge needed to install, joint, terminate and maintain low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) underground cables, services and associated electrical equipment. You’ll learn to apply industry standards and safe work practices across a range of underground distribution tasks, ensuring the reliability and integrity of critical electricity networks. The application of the skills and knowledge contained within this qualification may require accreditation and/or authorisation to practise in the workplace.
The ESI Distribution sector plays a vital role in delivering safe and dependable electricity to homes, businesses and industry. It includes the installation and maintenance of distribution cable systems, switching and testing procedures, fault location, and the operation of specialised equipment. Technicians in this field work closely with network operators, civil construction teams and other ESI specialists to support the efficient and secure operation of Australia’s distribution network infrastructure.
If you are looking for a hands-on, technically challenging and essential role within the electricity supply industry, this qualification provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career.
Learning Outcomes
At the successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to:
- Install, joint, terminate and maintain low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) underground cables in accordance with network standards and workplace procedures.
- Prepare cable routes, pits and conduits, ensuring correct clearances, protection and environmental controls.
- Conduct routine inspection, maintenance and testing of underground electrical equipment and services.
- Locate and diagnose faults in LV and HV underground distribution systems using specialised tools and techniques.
- Follow safe work practices, including earthing, isolation, access permits and the control of hazardous energy.
- Comply with industry regulations, network operator requirements and licensing/registration obligations for underground electrical work.
- Apply foundational electrical theory relevant to underground distribution systems, including cable construction, insulation, fault currents and protection principles.
- Use specialised tools, equipment and test instruments appropriate for LV and HV underground work.
- Work effectively in confined spaces, trenches and underground environments following all safety and environmental requirements.
- Collaborate with network operators, civil construction teams and other ESI personnel to complete work efficiently and safely.
Career pathways
As electricity infrastructure expands and modernises the associated underground networks must also grow to properly support smart grids, decentralised energy systems and urban development.
This means that the demand for technicians with advanced underground cable jointing and network maintenance skills continues to rise, as skilled cable jointers are essential to maintaining a safe, reliable and resilient electricity supply.
Accreditation
The skills and knowledge in this qualification may require state specific accreditation to practice in Australia. Competency development activities in this qualification are also subject to regulations directly related to accreditation. Where accreditation is not held, a relevant contract of training through an Australian Apprenticeship, may be required.
Is this qualification right for you?
This qualification may be right for you if:
- You enjoy practical, physical work and are comfortable working outdoors, in trenches, confined spaces or other field environments.
- You are interested in underground power systems, including the installation, jointing, termination and maintenance of low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) cables.
- You enjoy problem-solving, using a logical approach to install, maintain, diagnose and repair systems.
- You value safety and teamwork, and can communicate clearly with supervisors, civil crews and network control personnel.
- You’re committed to learning technical skills, including using specialised tools, interpreting network drawings and applying electrical theory in real-world situations.
- You have strong attention to detail and can follow safety procedures, switching instructions and network operator requirements with precision.
Study Options
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 each year, 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, and through Block Release, involving 5 to 10 days full time training, multiple times each year.
Location
We currently deliver this qualification from our Centres of Excellence in Chullora (Sydney) and Fyshwick (ACT), which are purpose-built technical trade colleges, owned by the Industry.
Entry Requirements
To start the UET30821 Certificate III in ESI – Distribution Underground, 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/
Apprenticeships
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.
Language Literacy Numeracy & Digital Literacy (LLND)
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.
Qualification Structure
The UET30821 Certificate III in ESI – Distribution Underground qualification requires the completion of 18 Core Units of Competency and 5 Elective Units.
Delivery order
Unit Code Unit Name UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace UEECD0046 Solve problems in single path circuits UEECD0044 Solve problems in multiple path circuits UEECD0019 Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components UEECD0051 Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications UEEEL0021 Solve problems in magnetic and electromagnetic devices CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging TLILIC0005 Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11+m) UETDREL001 Apply environmental requirements UETDREL004 Operate plant and equipment in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus UETDREL005 Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus UETDRDU002 Inspect underground electrical apparatus UEEEL0020 Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits UETDRDU016 Lay power cables UETDRDU015 Joint, terminate and maintain low voltage underground polymeric cable UETDRDU013 Joint, terminate and maintain high voltage underground polymeric cable UETDRIS011 Install and maintain low voltage underground services UETDRIS008 Install and maintain electrical apparatus UETDRDU019 Transition joint high voltage paper insulated cable to high voltage polymeric cable UETDRDU011 Joint, terminate and maintain energised low voltage underground polymeric cable UETDRDU014 Joint, terminate and maintain low voltage underground paper insulated cable UETDRDU012 Joint, terminate and maintain high voltage underground paper insulated cable UETDRDU009 Install, test and verify distribution underground cable installations Credit Transfer
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)
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.
Fees & Charges
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 $32,375.
Intakes
Given the specialised nature of UET30821, training intakes are scheduled on a needs basis rather than at set times throughout the year. Classes commence only when there is sufficient industry demand, ensuring that training aligns with workforce requirements and employer needs.
New groups are typically formed following direct consultation with employers, allowing us to tailor delivery to specific project timelines, crew structures or operational requirements within the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI).
If your organisation is considering enrolling apprentices or requires customised training delivery, please contact us to discuss upcoming opportunities and potential intake arrangements.
