What is a Level 1 Electrician?

In the electrical industry (specifically in the energy distribution network), a Level 1 electrician holds an important role. Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Level 1 electricians handle network construction and infrastructure tasks, ensuring the NSW energy distribution network’s safety and functionality. Level 1 electricians are licensed to work on overhead and underground electrical assets, depending on their training and classification. While you must be an ASP Level 2 to perform connection and disconnection tasks, you still play a valuable role as a Level 1 electrician.

Responsibilities of a level 1 electrician

A Level 1 electrician’s role covers a broad range of tasks crucial to energy distribution. Their primary focus is on the construction of overhead and underground service lines. This can include a range of jobs, including but not limited to:

• The installation and connection of electrical cables, including the process of joining cables
• Setting up electrical poles and digging trenches for underground cabling
• Conducting ‘line work’ involving handling live electrical cables, excluding those of high voltage
• Engaging in the creation, maintenance, or indoor work of electrical distribution substations
• Undertaking construction tasks that may involve operating various plants and equipment.

In many ways, an ASP Level 1 electrician is the backbone of the energy network, ensuring homes and businesses can access the power they need.

How to become a Level 1 electrician

To become an accredited Level 1 electrician, the main requirement is to complete an ASP Level 1 training course. ASP Level 1 training courses’ entry requirements can include appropriate electrical trade credentials, prior work experience in the electrical field, and required licenses and certifications. The ASP program, overseen by NSW Trade & Investment, has distinct criteria for every accreditation level. As such, applicants must fulfil these criteria before registering for ASP Level 1 training courses. Recognition of prior learning is also available, so you can speak to us before enrolling if this pertains to you.

In addition, you need to apply to NSW Trade & Investment to become accredited. So, once your training is complete, you must apply to the ASP scheme for accreditation in writing. Finally, if they are an Accredited Service Provider working in the NSW network, your employer will need to have you authorised by the relevant electricity distributor (Essential Energy, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy).

The Level 1 ASP training course

The ASP Level 1 training course combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring Level 1 Electricians are well-prepared to meet industry demands. The training covers various aspects, from overhead line construction to the installation of underground service apparatus. Naturally, all ASP training has a big safety component. This is due to the strict regulations governing the energy industry and the increased risk when working with electrical apparatus.

Your training may look different depending on the work you intend to do and the units you select. There are three different classes of contestable works: 1A, 1B and 1C. For example, if you will only ever work on underground polymeric cables as part of your role, Class 1C is acceptable. But for more extensive functions, you’ll need to study for Class 1A or 1B.

Annual refresher training

You need annual refresher training if you work as an ASP Level 1 in the NSW electricity distribution network. This training ensures your safety knowledge is up to date, because rules and regulations change often. Importantly, it also ensures you can maintain your ASP registrations.

To perform work on the NSW electrical distribution network, ASPs must register with the ASP Scheme. Consequently, they need to undergo mandatory refresher training every year. If you let your registration lapse, you put your immediate employer and yourself at risk.

Put simply, if you don’t undergo annual refresher training and renew your ASP registration, the network won’t permit you to work on it.

Information for contractors and sub-contractors

As we touched on, there are three major electricity distributors in NSW – Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy. Not everybody who performs work on or near the network is a direct employee of these three companies.

The three distributors hire many companies to perform work on a contract basis. In turn, those companies may also hire sub-contractors. It is crucial to understand that EVERY person working on the network must be accredited as an ASP.

Level 1 ASP work often centres around construction, such as digging trenches, erecting poles and connecting electrical cables. Even if civil construction work takes place near network assets, and ASP must be involved.

There are a number of different application forms to complete for different ASP scheme registration requirements, such as registering a new contractor or regrading your classification. Forms can be found on the NSW Government website.

From Level 1 electrician to Level 2

If you’ve started your career as an ASP Level 1 and you’d like to expand your job horizons, you’re in luck. IAC Safety Services offers comprehensive Level 2 ASP training to help advance your career. No doubt, you have already picked up a lot of skills and experience by working as a Level 1 electrician, but there is certainly more out there.

Level 2 ASPs can connect and disconnect services, work on underground and overhead service conductors and much more. As such, upgrading your qualification to Level 2 gives you a broader range of job opportunities.

If you want to become a Level 2 ASP, you’ll need to complete ASP Level 2 training. You could be eligible for recognition of prior learning because you already hold a qualification and may have studied certain units before. This will only account for certain units of the training, however, because the Level 2 course explores different skills and functions not covered in Level 1 training.

If you want to take your career further, contact IAC Safety Services today, or speak with your employer about training opportunities.

Upskill with IAC Safety Services

At IAC Safety Services, we offer quality electrical safety training to help you succeed in the NSW energy distribution network. If you aim to become a Level 1 electrician or wish to enhance your current skills, we design our training programs to equip you with the knowledge and skills for a long and rewarding career. To find out more about Level 1 ASP training requirements, please contact the team at IAC today.