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
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge to work in the electricity supply industry (ESI) as an Overhead Distribution Lineworker.
This qualification covers the installation, maintenance and inspection of poles, structures, hardware, electrical apparatus and the use of support plant, tools and equipment.
There are 0 minimum work placement hours required for this unit.
The application of the skills and knowledge described within the units in this qualification may require a licence/registration to practice in the workplace.
Other conditions may also apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing this qualification.
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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
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is 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.
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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 environmental requirements | Core |
| Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | Core |
| Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components | Core |
| Inspect overhead poles, structures and electrical apparatus | Core |
| Install and maintain distribution overhead conductors and cables | Core |
| Install and maintain electrical apparatus | Core |
| Install and maintain low voltage overhead services | Core |
| Install and maintain poles, structures and hardware | Core |
| Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) | Core |
| Licence to perform dogging | Core |
| Maintain overhead energised low voltage distribution network | Core |
| Maintain, test and verify distribution overhead network | Core |
| Operate and maintain chainsaws | Core |
| Operate plant and equipment in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus | 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 |
| Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications | Core |
| Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus | Core |
| Apply access authority procedures to work on or near electrical apparatus | Elective |
| Control vegetation for powerline work | Elective |
| Develop and validate high voltage distribution switching programs | Elective |
| Develop and validate low voltage distribution switching programs | Elective |
| ESI safety rules for work on, near or in the vicinity of electrical apparatus | Elective |
| Identify and apply controls for alternate supplies on the distribution network | Elective |
| Install and maintain low voltage underground services | Elective |
| Install and maintain public lighting systems | Elective |
| Install and replace energy meters and associated equipment | Elective |
| Install low voltage mobile generator | Elective |
| Perform cable pit/trench/excavation rescue | Elective |
| Perform elevated work platform controlled descent escape | Elective |
| Perform elevated work platform rescue | Elective |
| Perform high voltage field switching operation to a given schedule | Elective |
| Perform infrastructure inspections using remote operated systems | Elective |
| Perform low voltage field switching operation to a given schedule | Elective |
| Perform pole top rescue | Elective |
| Perform rescue from a live low voltage panel | Elective |
| Perform rescue from switchyard structures | Elective |
| Perform substation switching operations to a given schedule | Elective |
| Perform tower rescue | Elective |
| Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Elective |
| Provide first aid in an ESI environment | Elective |
| Testing of connections to low voltage electricity networks | Elective |
| Working on energised low voltage overhead electrical apparatus | Elective |
| Working on energised low voltage underground electrical apparatus | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead 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 -
Electrical Linesworker
ANZSCO 342211
Electrical Linesworkers install, maintain, repair and patrol electrical sub-transmission and distribution systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Technical Cable Jointer
ANZSCO 342212
Technical Cable Jointers join insulated electric power cables installed in underground conduits and trenches, and prepare cable terminations for connection to electrical equipment and overhead lines.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited (RTO code 5235)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (RTO code 90921)
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CHISHOLM INSTITUTE OF TAFE (RTO code 0260)
Contact this provider
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Coex Training (RTO code 41119)
Contact this provider
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Energy Skills Solutions (RTO code 52257)
Contact this provider
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Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 32485)
Contact this provider
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Health Security & Education Pty Ltd as trustee for Health Security & Education Unit Trust (RTO code 40907)
Contact this provider
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IAC Safety Services (RTO code 91031)
Contact this provider
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Ironbark Training (RTO code 45658)
Contact this provider
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NECA Training (RTO code 91632)
Contact this provider
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Optec Pty Ltd (RTO code 4001)
Contact this provider
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Performance Training Pty Limited (RTO code 1718)
Contact this provider
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RelyOn Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 40754)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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.