Electricians: 
Get involved in the solar battery revolution

The ETU Vic is a part of the New Energy Technology Systems (NETS) pilot program, led by Future Energy Skills and collaborating with 12 consortium members including industry, peak bodies, training providers, Government and regulators.

The course in NETS has only recently been accredited and is now being piloted across Victoria with five training providers, who will deliver its four units including how to undertake a site assessment, design solar and design and install battery storage systems.

The Victorian Government is supporting the delivery of the NETS pilot set to change the way trade training is delivered to foster better engagement, retention of knowledge and facilitate more post trade completions.  

The pilot will develop new video-based learning resources, digital interactive teaching resources, then test and refine these and a new delivery approach with 120 students.  

Why join the pilot:

• To work in a high demand and up and coming solar battery industry sector with immense growth
• Training is recognised by the CEC for solar accreditation and battery endorsement
• Training is designed and endorsed by the industry
• Flexibility to become a battery designer and/or installer
• Get 24/7 access to a new visual training platform providing best practice learning innovation 
• Receive industry updates post course within an online community of peers and teachers 

Pre-requisites are; Victorian resident, hold an A Grade Electrician’s licence and grid connect.

The participating training providers are taking enquiries. 

Find out more at
: knowyourbattery.com.au/become-qualified

Apprentices: 
Future Energy Skills, the new centre supporting your LEA 

Future Energy Skills have delivered the Licenced Electrical Assessment (LEA) in various forms on behalf of Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) for well over 30 years, measuring the capability of apprentices to install, maintain and work safely in industry post apprenticeship. Recently opening in Wellington Road, Clayton, the ETU have co-directed Future Energy Skills' new centre to ensure a modern approach to LEA. 

There is strong belief at Future Energy Skills that they’ve come up with the right location and features. LEA Operations Manager, Mick Cullen said “for some apprentices, the LEA experience reflects daily working life; for others the LEA can be overwhelming, we’ve designed the new centre to provide a relaxing environment for apprentices to undertake their LEA, with focused service from first enquiry to applying at ESV for their A Grade”.

The centre is accessible through the major arterials and assessment and tuition sessions are scheduled after the peak hour traffic so the stress of running late is removed. Parking is readily accessible and if you beat the traffic, there’s a café on site. 

Supported by NHP, the assessment areas are well fitted out with equipment apprentices typically see on the job. LET and LEP assessments have updated to AS/NZS3000:2018 Wiring Rules, and the SWP now requires candidates to wear insulated gloves, a practice ESV would like to see further adopted across industry. 

For those seeking tuition before LEA, the centre offers direct tutorials. Apprentices can access the work simulated areas through skills sessions and seek feedback after practice. Cullen also said “We are really proud of the centre and look forward to supporting the electrical workforce of
the future”.