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CPD training keeping our electrical industry competent, engaged and up-to-date

Published:
Monday 29 August 2022 at 6:12 pm

Energy Safe Victoria is ensuring the state’s electrical workers enhance their skillsets in line with industry changes through a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

With skills and training central to this week’s Canberra Jobs Summit, the innovative CPD program, which started last month, will preserve high levels of professionalism by increasing competence, reducing complacency and keeping knowledge current as the industry transitions to renewables.

The program was developed by Energy Safe in partnership with industry employer and employee representatives, including Electrical Trades Union, the National Electrical and Communications Association,the Institute of Electrical Inspectors and experts in adult education.

More than 100 electrical workers from the electrotechnology, renewable and new energy sectors have so far completed the program as a requirement of their electrical licence renewal, with all licensed electrical workers to complete the program over the next five years.

The eight-hour Skills Maintenance course will also be free thanks to $7.2 million in funding from the Victorian Government over the next five years. Skills Maintenance provides training on safe isolation, mandatory testing, industry changes, and the responsibilities of licensed workers. The training is available at metro and regional locations and is run by carefully-selected training providers.

A Skills Development course framework will also be available from mid 2023, contributing to better trained electrical workers, enhancing skills. CPD aims to address the “Three Cs” that can lead to unsafe work practices – Currency, Competence, and Complacency. Currency refers to keeping up to date with all the latest skills and knowledge and Competency talks about how well we all do our jobs. Complacency is one of the most common causes of workplace injury and death.

Continued industry consultation will also ensure the relevance of the course training content.

Further information for CPD can be found here.

Energy Safe Victoria Commissioner and Chairperson Marnie Williams

“Continuing Professional Development will improve the way Victorian electrical workers approach their trade.” “With all electrical workers to go through CPD in the next five years, this is an exciting opportunity, which will enhance skills and improve safety across the sector.” “The training is being delivered by trusted professionals and has been developed by industry experts and is enthusiastically supported by unions, employers and Government.”

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