This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
Learn hands-on trade skills to install and maintain electrical systems. Work with an employer through an apprenticeship and earn while you learn.
This qualification provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to select, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises. It includes Electrical Regulatory Authority Council (ERAC), or their successor’s, Essential Performance Capabilities for an ‘Unrestricted Electrician’s license’.
The skills and knowledge described in this qualification require a licence or permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on electrical installations which 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 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 Electrician’s Licence in most jurisdictions the qualification must be completed as an apprenticeship or Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway. Where required for Licencing, the certification documentation issued must indicate if the qualification was completed as an apprenticeship or Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) pathway.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Complete this course through an apprenticeship to work in this industry in Queensland.
These apprenticeships are available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
For school-based apprentices:
School-based apprentices must complete the industry-recognised minimum educational requirement, which constitutes the equivalent of year 10 with passes in a recognised course in English, Maths and Science. -
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector | Core |
| Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | Core |
| Arrange circuits, control and protection for electrical installations | Core |
| Design, install and verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations | Core |
| Develop and connect electrical control circuits | Core |
| Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work | Core |
| Evaluate and modify low voltage heating equipment and controls | Core |
| Evaluate and modify low voltage lighting circuits, equipment and controls | Core |
| Evaluate and modify low voltage socket outlets circuits | Core |
| Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components | Core |
| Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment | Core |
| Identify, shut down and restart systems with alternate supplies | Core |
| Install low voltage wiring, appliances, switchgear and associated accessories | Core |
| Isolate, test and troubleshoot low voltage electrical circuits | Core |
| Participate in electrical work and competency development activities | Core |
| Perform rescue from a live LV panel | Core |
| Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Core |
| Select wiring systems and select cables for low voltage electrical installations | Core |
| Solve problems in direct current (d.c.) machines | Core |
| Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits | Core |
| Solve problems in magnetic and electromagnetic devices | Core |
| Solve problems in multiple path circuits | Core |
| Solve problems in single path circuits | Core |
| Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits | Core |
| Test and connect alternating current (a.c.) rotating machines | Core |
| Test and connect transformers | Core |
| Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications | Core |
| Align and install traction lift equipment | Elective |
| Apply safe work practices in the rooftop solar industry | Elective |
| Assemble and set up basic security systems | Elective |
| Assemble and wire electrical rail signalling equipment | Elective |
| Assemble, enter and verify operating instructions in microprocessor equipped devices | Elective |
| Assemble, mount and connect control gear and switchgear | Elective |
| Carry out basic repairs to electrical components and equipment | Elective |
| Conduct detailed inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas | Elective |
| Conduct electrical tests on LV electrical machines | Elective |
| Conduct mechanical tests on electrical machines and components | Elective |
| Conduct site survey for grid-connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems | Elective |
| Conduct visual and close inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas | Elective |
| Determine the explosion-protection requirements to meet a specified classified hazardous area | Elective |
| Develop electrical integrated systems | Elective |
| Develop, enter and verify discrete control programs for programmable controllers | Elective |
| Develop, enter and verify word and analogue control programs for programmable logic controllers | Elective |
| Diagnose and rectify faults in traction lift systems | Elective |
| Enter a classified hazardous area to undertake work related to electrical equipment | Elective |
| Establish the basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems | Elective |
| Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems | Elective |
| Fabricate and assemble bus bars | Elective |
| Find and repair faults in LV d.c. electrical apparatus and circuits | Elective |
| Inspect, test and maintain emergency alarm systems and equipment | Elective |
| Inspect, test and maintain emergency lighting systems | Elective |
| Install and commission whole current electricity meters | Elective |
| Install and maintain cabling for multiple access to telecommunication services | Elective |
| Install and maintain emergency safety systems | Elective |
| Install and maintain rail track circuit leads and bonds | Elective |
| Install and maintain substation direct current systems | Elective |
| Install and start up single head split air conditioning and water heating heat pump systems | Elective |
| Install battery storage equipment power conversion equipment to grid | Elective |
| Install battery storage to power conversion equipment | Elective |
| Install explosion-protected equipment and associated apparatus and wiring systems | Elective |
| Install photovoltaic power conversion equipment to grid | Elective |
| Install photovoltaic systems to power conversion equipment | Elective |
| Install, modify and verify coaxial and structured communication copper cabling | Elective |
| Maintain and service traction lift systems and equipment | Elective |
| Maintain capacitor bank equipment | Elective |
| Maintain equipment associated with hazardous areas | Elective |
| Maintain insulating oil | Elective |
| Maintain operation of electrical marine equipment and systems | Elective |
| Maintain operation of electrical mining equipment and systems | Elective |
| Mount and wire control panel equipment | Elective |
| Overhaul and repair major switchgear and control gear | Elective |
| Perform high voltage field switching operation to a given schedule | Elective |
| Perform low voltage field switching operation to a given schedule | Elective |
| Perform substation switching operations to a given schedule | Elective |
| Place and connect electrical coils | Elective |
| Plan an integrated cabling installation system | Elective |
| Plan the electrical installation of integrated systems | Elective |
| Prepare and connect refrigerant tubing and fittings | Elective |
| Provide advice on effective and energy efficient lighting products | Elective |
| Provide advice on the application of energy efficient lighting for ambient and aesthetic effect | Elective |
| Recover, pressure test, evacuate, charge and leak test refrigerants - split systems | Elective |
| Repair and maintain mechanical components of electrical machines | Elective |
| Repair rail signalling power and control cables | Elective |
| Repairs basic electronic apparatus faults by replacement of components | Elective |
| Rewind LV direct current machines | Elective |
| Rewind single phase machines | Elective |
| Rewind three phase low voltage induction machines | Elective |
| Select and arrange equipment for special LV electrical installations | Elective |
| Solve problems in density/level measurement components and systems | Elective |
| Solve problems in flow measurement components and systems | Elective |
| Solve problems in network equipment | Elective |
| Solve problems in network protection | Elective |
| Solve problems in pressure measurement components and systems | Elective |
| Solve problems in temperature measurement components and systems | Elective |
| Supply effective and efficient lighting products for domestic and small commercial applications | Elective |
| Test copper rail signalling cables | Elective |
| Troubleshoot single phase input d.c power supplies | Elective |
| Use and maintain the integrity of a portable gas detection device | Elective |
| Use engineering applications software on personal computers | Elective |
| Use instrumentation drawings, specifications, standards and equipment manuals | Elective |
| Wind electrical coils | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Electrician (General)
ANZSCO 341111
Electricians (General) install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Electrician (Special Class)
ANZSCO 341112
Electricians (Special Class) service and repair intricate and complex electrical and electronic circuitry.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Lift Mechanic
ANZSCO 341113
Lift Mechanics design, install, maintain, service and repair electric and hydraulic passenger and freight lifts, escalators, moving walkways and other lift equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Electrical Linesworker
ANZSCO 342211
Electrical Linesworkers install, maintain, repair and patrol electrical sub-transmission and distribution systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
To gain an electrical licence through this training, you must ensure your training provider is approved to deliver electrical licence training. For more information, contact the Electrical Safety Office.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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CQUniversity Australia (RTO code 40939)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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AUSINET (RTO code 41457)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Australian Trade Training College (RTO code 31399)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ELECTRO GROUP TRAINING QUEENSLAND LTD (RTO code 30185)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited (RTO code 5235)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Major Training Group (RTO code 6139)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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TEC-NQ (RTO code 31444)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Academy Of Workplace Learning Pty Ltd (RTO code 40603)
Contact this provider
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Apprenticeships Group Australia (RTO code 3829)
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Australia Institute of Business and Technology (RTO code 41138)
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Australian College of Information Technology (RTO code 31357)
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Australian Health and Science Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 40185)
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Australian Skills Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 32519)
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Australis Institute of Technology and Education (AITE) (RTO code 91630)
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AXIAL TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 2437)
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BM polytechnic (RTO code 45302)
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Building Institute NSW (RTO code 41442)
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CAPITAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 46083)
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Central Coast Community College (RTO code 90304)
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College of Electrical Training (RTO code 2394)
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CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45235)
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FUSION TRAINING SOLUTIONS (RTO code 91812)
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Future Skills International (RTO code 88137)
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Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 32485)
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Innovative College Pty Ltd (RTO code 45831)
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NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45960)
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NECA Training (RTO code 91632)
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Queensland Electrical Training (RTO code 30980)
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Rosehill College (RTO code 41257)
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SUNBEAM INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY LTD (RTO code 45759)
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SuniTAFE (RTO code 4693)
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VETASSESS (RTO code 21097)
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Victoria University (RTO code 3113)
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Volt Edge (RTO code 32137)
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How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.