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For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
May 2014
energysafe issue 35
Setting national standards for
assessing electrical apprentices
Top of the class: Tim Keily teaching third-year
apprentices. Photo: Vicki Jones Photography
courtesy NECA Skills Centre.
By Sue Sizer, ESV Compliance Officer
A national process is currently
underway to ensure uniform, consistent
assessment of electrical apprentices as
they progress through the Certificate III
in Electrotechnology (UEE30811).
The Phase One unit assessment resources
have recently been through a comprehensive
national validation process involving electrical
teachers, registered training organisations (RTOs),
peak industry bodies and electrical regulators.
All RTOs were invited to attend face-to-face
forums held around the country in late 2013 and
early this year, with attendees reviewing assessment
documentation and then nominating a representative
to attend the National Moderation and Validation
Forum, which met in Canberra in February.
Participants at the national forum provided
further feedback on course materials, taking into
consideration feedback received from all state and
territory meetings and an online forum.
Developed by Energise Oz to support
assessment of the knowledge component of
the course, the UEE30811 resources are now
being piloted through the Energise Oz program
and are available through VETassess.
This is part of an overall initiative to
create a national assessment bank for
electrical apprentices, ensuring nationwide
consistency and quality of skills and knowledge
assessment. It will enable quality training
providers to externally validate their training
outcomes, ultimately improving industry and
regulatory confidence.
The work being undertaken will assist RTOs
in demonstrating compliance with VET regulatory
requirements and provide confidence to both
stakeholders and industry on the validity and
reliability of eletrotechnology assessment resources.
As a result of this initiative, teachers
and apprentices will also be able to access
assessment on demand, enhancing opportunities
for individual progression and reducing the burden
on teachers to set and mark assignments.
In April the National Moderation and Validation
Forum met again in Canberra, this time to consider
Phase Two unit assessment resources.
Teachers and trainers from around
Australia are welcome to provide input via
the online forum.
Click here to access the
online forum or go to
www.e-oz.com.au/index.php/
industry-forum
New industry
program for
electricians
A new industry mentoring program is
looking to empower electricians with
the skills and knowledge needed to get
a head start in the business world.
Run by Master Electricians Australia (MEA)
and funded by the Department of Industry, the
Master Electricians’ Pre-Contractor Program aims
to up-skill electricians who have recently started a
business, are seeking to start their own business
or wanting to progress their careers within the
electrical industry.
The program is designed to provide free
expert mentoring advice and training in business
management.
Stacey Ozolins, MEA National Apprenticeship
Programs Manager, said a mentor would provide
advice, counsel and support to the electrician
for 12 months, including individual mentoring on
subjects or topics of importance to them.
“Pre-contractors also have the option to
attend webinars and various events aimed at
providing in-depth expert advice on a variety
of business-related topics,” she said.
“Importantly, this program provides
electricians with access to support and
advice from someone with experience and an
understanding of the business world.
The first batch of electricians have recently
commenced the program with promising results.
To take part, pre-contractors should be
qualified, licensed electricians who:
»» Have commenced operating an electrical
contracting business within the last 24 months
»» Are part of or wish to be part of their current
employer’s succession plan
»» Are seeking a professional development
opportunity for career progression, or
»» Intend on becoming an electrical contractor
in the future.
Mentors will ideally have a combination of the
following skills and experience:
»» Minimum five years in industry
»» Hold an electrical trade qualification and licence
»» Have experience in operating a safety
management system
»» Understand new and emerging technologies
»» Have run a successful electrical contracting
business.
Ms Ozolins said the MEA was currently
seeking pre-contractors and mentors in Victoria
to take part.
Click here to email an expression
of interest to precontractor@
masterelectricians.com.au or
you can contact MEA on
1300 889 198.