Your Guide to Working For a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider

Have you considered working in the NSW electricity distribution network? Here’s a guide to working for (and becoming) a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider.

What is a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider?

The term ‘Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP) refers to any person or business registered and accredited to complete contestable works in the NSW electricity distribution network. This can be confusing for some, so let’s break it down a little further.

NSW has three electrical distribution companies: Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy. These three providers manage the network and all its assets, but they often subcontract a lot of the work to smaller companies, known as ASPs.

Employees of those smaller companies also need to be ASPs themselves. You need to complete the necessary training, register with the NSW ASP scheme, and gain approval from one of the three local electricity distributors.

Who can become a Level 2 ASP?

Anybody with the appropriate training and credentials can become a Level 2 ASP. You don’t need to be a Level 2 ASP, though. There are different levels depending on the work you do. For example, you could train to become a Level 1 ASP, but this would limit you to performing certain tasks.

Becoming a Level 2 ASP opens more career opportunities for you because it approves you for a larger scope of work. For example, Level 2 ASP can work on overhead and underground assets. They can also perform metering tasks. However, an ASP 1 typically restricts you to various types of construction work in and around the network.

Training requirements

You don’t necessarily need an electrical background, but you will need to complete a Level 2 ASP course. Licensed electricians or those with electrical training may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

IAC Safety Services offers an ASP Level 2 Pathways course. The units you need to complete will vary depending on your circumstances. Importantly, the ASP Level 2 accreditation has four different class levels: 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D. Each gives you skills to perform different types of work, so you need to clearly understand the work you want to do before enrolling in training.

Becoming accredited

Once you complete the ASP Level 2 training, you don’t receive instant accreditation recognition. There are two more steps to follow, but don’t worry, they aren’t difficult.

First, you need to complete an application form for accreditation from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. The application needs to include evidence of the required competencies. If accepted, you are now registered with the ASP scheme.

Secondly, the local electricity distributor you intend to work for needs to authorise you. This would be Ausgrid, Endeavour or Essential Energy. If you are working directly for another company that contracts with the distributor, they may also seek registration on your behalf.

If you’d like to know more about becoming a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider, contact IAC Safety Services today. We offer a range of electrical safety courses to help you build a long and rewarding career in the electricity distribution network.