Your Comprehensive Guide to Electrician Courses
If you want to become an electrician in Australia, you need to complete certain electrician courses. What you may not know, is that becoming an electrician sets you up for a diverse and rewarding career that goes far beyond residential electrical work. From specialising in cable jointing to working in the electrical supply industry (ESI), there is plenty of scope for movement.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to electrician courses and how to build a more extensive skill set.
Core qualifications required to become an electrician
Before you think about specialising in certain areas, you’ll need to complete foundational training and become a licensed electrician in Australia. This typically includes a Certificate III in Electrotechnology, which equips electricians with both practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for electrical work. The training is apprenticeship-based, meaning hands-on experience is a major part of the training, combined with theoretical elements. After completing this qualification, electricians can then pursue specialisations, such as ASP accreditation, to align with their career goals within the electrical supply industry.
ASP pathways training to work in the ESI
If you want to work in the ESI, you must first become an Accredited Service Provider (ASP). You can complete different ASP pathways training depending on the time of work you want to do.
The ASP Level 1 pathway focuses on the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground power lines. ASP Level 2 covers essential services such as connecting and disconnecting customers from the electrical network, meter installation, and repairs. These pathways are a mandatory requirement if you want to work in the NSW electrical supply and distribution network.
ASP refresher courses and maintaining accreditation
Once you’re qualified and registered as an ASP, the training requirements don’t end. ESI workers must regularly complete refresher courses to stay up-to-date with safety practices, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. In high-risk environments, keeping skills current is essential not only for compliance but also for ensuring the safety of workers and the public. Without these mandatory refresher courses, electricians are unable to continue working in the network.
Electrician courses for safety
Safety training is a fundamental part of being an electrician because you’ll often be working in high-risk environments. Electricians need to study specific training units, including pole-top rescue, first aid, controlled descent escape and more. These units are usually part of your ASP refresher course, and are mandatory for working in the industry.
Additional specialised courses for career advancement
Aside from the core ASP pathways, you can choose to specialise by completing additional electrician courses. Training in areas such as overhead powerlines, cable jointing, asset inspection, and high-voltage systems opens up a range of different career opportunities. By building a more diverse skill set, electricians become qualified to perform more varied and interesting roles across multiple industries.
Want to know more about electrician courses?
Whether you’re considering a career as an electrician or you’re an experienced operator looking for a change, there are plenty of electrician courses available. IAC Safety Services offers a range of training courses, from ASP Refreshers to specialised electrical training. Contact us today to find out how to kickstart your career as an electrician.
