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 on network systems in the electricity supply industry (ESI).
This qualification covers work on the network systems in the specific fields of live line transmission, live line distribution, live line rail traction and/or installation and maintenance of specialised underground cables. These roles may lead or supervise work teams and work in transmission, distribution, rail or cable jointing. The qualification allows individuals to specialise in one of the following areas.
Group A: Distribution High Voltage Live Line
This specialisation covers the skills and knowledge required to work on high voltage (HV) live distribution networks.
Group B: Transmission Live Line
This specialisation covers the skills and knowledge required to work on live line transmission networks.
Group C: Specialised Cable
This specialisation covers the skills and knowledge required to install and maintain gas and oil and/or polymeric 33kv and above underground cables.
Group D: Switching
This specialisation covers the skills and knowledge required to coordinate switching and/or develop switching schedules.
Group E: Testing
This specialisation covers the skills and knowledge required for certifying revenue metering instruments and/or injection testing of secondary devices.
Please note: RTO to insert on the testamur, the specialist elective unit group selected from the group choice below.
The skills and knowledge described within the units in this qualification may require a licence or permit to practice in the workplace.
Additional and/or other conditions may also apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing the qualification.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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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.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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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.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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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 |
| Implement and monitor environmental policies and procedures | Core |
| Implement and monitor organisational WHS/OHS policies, procedures and programs | 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 |
| Calibrate, verify and certify revenue metering/energy measurement instruments | Elective |
| Contribute to coordinated high voltage live work | Elective |
| Coordinate and direct switching programs | Elective |
| Coordinate business operational plans | Elective |
| Coordinate permit procedures | Elective |
| Coordinate vegetation control operations | Elective |
| Coordinate workplace information systems | Elective |
| Develop and validate high voltage distribution switching programs | Elective |
| Develop and validate low voltage distribution switching programs | Elective |
| Implement continuous improvement | Elective |
| Install high voltage mobile generator | Elective |
| Joint, terminate and maintain gas and oil filled underground cables | Elective |
| Joint, terminate and maintain high voltage underground paper insulated cable | Elective |
| Joint, terminate and maintain high voltage underground polymeric cable | Elective |
| Joint, terminate and maintain underground polymeric cable 33kV and above | Elective |
| Lead effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Lead team effectiveness | Elective |
| Maintain energised high voltage distribution overhead electrical apparatus (glove and barrier) | Elective |
| Maintain energised high voltage distribution overhead electrical apparatus (stick) | Elective |
| Maintain energised rail traction networks | Elective |
| Maintain energised transmission lines using barehand techniques from a helicopter | Elective |
| Maintain energised transmission lines using live work barehand techniques | Elective |
| Maintain energised transmission lines using live work stick techniques | Elective |
| Maintain gas and oil pressure systems for underground cables | Elective |
| Perform current injection testing of secondary devices | Elective |
| Solve problems in direct current (d.c.) machines | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Network Administrator
ANZSCO 263112
Network Administrators install and maintain hardware and software, document diagnosis and resolution of faults, manage user passwords, security and inventory documentation, ensure the efficient performance of servers, printers and personal computers, and attend to other operational tasks. They may also perform tasks such as help desk support and user training.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Electrical Engineering Technician
ANZSCO 312312
Electrical Engineering Technicians conduct tests of electrical systems, prepare charts and tabulations, and assist in estimating costs in support of Electrical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
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 -
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)
ANZSCO 342314
Electronic Instrument Trades Workers (General) install, modify, maintain and repair electronic instruments and control systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)
ANZSCO 342315
Electronic Instrument Trades Workers (Special Class) install, modify, maintain and repair complex electronic instruments and control systems which involve a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic principles.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
ANZSCO 342411
Cablers (Data and Telecommunications) install internal telecommunications and data cabling, equipment and peripherals for computer networks, telephony, cable television and monitored security and fire alarms.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Telecommunications Cable Jointer
ANZSCO 342412
Telecommunications Cable Jointers joint, terminate and repair copper and fibre optic telecommunications cables installed in underground pipes, trenches and overhead systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in ESI - Network Systems
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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Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (RTO code 90921)
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Energy Skills Solutions (RTO code 52257)
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.