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 power system substations in the electricity supply industry (ESI).
This qualification covers selecting, installing, setting up, testing, inspecting, fault finding, repairing and maintaining electrical systems within substations. It includes switching, maintaining circuit breakers and transformers, and diagnosing and rectifying faults. Options are available for skills to be obtained in high current direct current (d.c.) switchgear and equipment, installation of high voltage (HV) plant and equipment and/or the maintenance and commissioning of discrete protection and control systems.
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
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
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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 traineeship:
5 years
- Through traineeship:
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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 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 |
| Inspect substations | Core |
| Install and maintain substation direct current systems | 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 |
| Commission and maintain discrete control and protection systems | Elective |
| Commission and maintain distribution field devices | Elective |
| Conduct surveys using thermovision techniques | Elective |
| Coordinate business operational plans | Elective |
| Coordinate workplace information systems | Elective |
| Develop secondary protection and control scheme isolation and restoration documents | Elective |
| Diagnose and resolve faults in a substation environment | Elective |
| Implement continuous improvement | Elective |
| Install high current d.c. equipment and switchgear | Elective |
| Install high voltage plant and equipment | Elective |
| Lead effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Lead team effectiveness | Elective |
| Maintain capacitor bank equipment | Elective |
| Maintain high current d.c. equipment and switchgear | Elective |
| Maintain high voltage circuit breakers | Elective |
| Maintain insulating oil | Elective |
| Maintain on-load tap changers (OLTC) | Elective |
| Maintain power and instrument transformers | Elective |
| Maintain static var compensators (SVC) | Elective |
| Maintain synchronous condensers | Elective |
| Perform substation switching operations to a given schedule | Elective |
| Solve problems in network equipment | Elective |
| Solve problems in network protection | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in ESI - Substations 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 -
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 IV in ESI - Substations
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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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Contact this provider
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Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (RTO code 90921)
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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.