Useful Links
Use the links below to get access to more information from related bodies and associations involved in VET, regulations, codes, licenses and others involved in developing associated resources.
Regulators, Standards & Codes
Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC)
The Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) is a member based council made up of representatives of the regulatory authorities responsible for electrical safety, supply and energy efficiency in New Zealand and the Australian states, territories and commonwealth – visit: www.erac.gov.au
Standards Australia – standards
Standards Australia is the nation’s peak non-government, not-for-profit standards organisation. Also, Standards Australia is Australia’s representatives to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). They develop standards, but are not responsible for enforcing, regulating or certifying compliance with those standards. Visit: www.standards.org.au
Electrical licenses
An electrical licence is required before any electrical wiring work can be undertaken in NSW, regardless of the cost of the work and regardless of whether the work is residential, commercial or industrial.
To find out more check out this NSW Fair Trading web site page: NSW Government – Fair Trading
SafeWork NSW
The New South Wales’ workplace health and safety regulator. Visit: www.safework.nsw.gov.au
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (RAC) Licenses
A licence from Fair Trading is required before any air-conditioning and/or refrigeration work can be undertaken in NSW, regardless of the cost of the work and regardless of whether the work is residential, commercial or industrial. To find out more check out this NSW Fair Trading web site page: Government Fair Trading RAC
Tradespeople handling refrigerants will also need to obtain a Commonwealth Government refrigerant handling licence through the Australian Refrigeration Council. For more information, visit their website at www.arctick.org or call 1300 88 44 83.
Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Scheme and contestable works
The following NSW Resources & Energy web site page will provide information about the NSW Authorised Service Provider Scheme and the types of contestable works: ASP Scheme information
Training and Assessment – Government
NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 gets a 21st Century Makeover
Changes to the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 were in made in 2017 to modernise training outcomes for workers to support NSW’s growing economy and strengthen our apprentice and traineeship system. For more information visit on background to the changes click the link: NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to get a 21st Century Makeover
Click the link for a copy of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Amendment Bill 2017
For a copy of the act click: Apprenticeship and Trainee Act 2001
For a copy of the regulation: Apprenticeship and Traineeship Regulation 2017
Training and Assessment Regulation
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
ASQA, is the national vocational education and training regulator. It works under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (NVR Act).
ASQA was established on 1 July 2011 by the enactment of the NVR Act and supplementary legislation. Visit the ASQA website for more information: www.asqa.gov.au
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training system. It incorporates the
qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. The AQF was first introduced in 1995 to underpin the national system of qualifications in Australia, encompassing higher education, vocational education and training (VET), and schools. The AQF is the agreed policy of Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers. Visit: www.aqf.edu.au
Training.gov.au
Training.gov.au is the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia. Training.gov.au is the authoritative source of:
- Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) consisting of Training Packages, Qualifications, Units of competency, Accredited courses, and Skill sets; and
- Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who have the approved scope to deliver Nationally Recognised Training, as required by national and jurisdictional legislation within Australia.
Training.gov.au is managed by the Department of Education and Training on behalf of State and Territory Governments. Visit: www.training.gov.au
Training Services NSW
Training Services NSW in the NSW Department of Education (DoE) is responsible for government-funded vocational education and training (VET) in NSW. The NSW Department of Education leads strategic policy, planning, funding, regulation and advice on VET to support economic, regional and community development.
Training Services NSW is responsible for the implementation of funded programs, including Smart and Skilled, apprenticeships and traineeships and adult and community education. It undertakes contract management of approved Smart and Skilled training providers and implements quality assurance and performance monitoring to achieve the best possible outcomes for students. Visit: www.training.nsw.gov.au
National Skills Council and Federal Goverment Bodies
Jobs Skills Australia (JSA)
JSA is responsible for engaging, advising and assisting the Australian Government and other stakeholders in decision-making on the current, emerging and future skills and workforce needs of the Australian economy. This includes in regional, rural and remote Australia, and on the development of new industries and new technologies.
Find out more here: www.jobsandskills.gov.au
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
DEWR is responsible for supporting people to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future with a focus on equipping Australians who are starting, advancing or changing their career with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to gain or regain employment; identifying industries with skill shortages, including in emerging industries fundamental to the prosperity of individuals, businesses, and our nation; and supporting a world-leading vocational education and training sector offering apprenticeships, cadetships, and traineeships helping to address future skill demands – driving better outcomes through an agile skills sector in tune with market demands.
Find out more here: www.dewr.gov.au
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO)
PSO is one of ten Jobs and Skills Councils established and funded by the Australian Government (managed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations) to provide the industry with a stronger, more strategic voice in ensuring Australia’s VET sector delivers stronger outcomes for learners and employers.
With an industry-led Board of Directors, the PSO’s mission is to provide leadership in industry skills formation and wokforce development in the energy-utilities and electrotechnology industry. A main focus is to support a stronger, more strategic voice in ensuring Australia’s VET sector delivers stronger outcomes for learners and employers. The PSO aims to:
- Provide evidence-based workforce capability and skills planning that support a transitioning energy sector.
- Support all industry stakeholders with information, data, thought leadership and practical support.
- Set or improve training frameworks for all new and existing employees working in the sector.
- Develop new training products (Training Packages – UEE, UET, UEP and UEG) and materials to help guide curriculum and instructional designers, teachers, trainers and assessors in benchmarks and assessments.
- Use a train-the-trainers model to support a smooth transition development to implementation in the workplace.
Jobs Skills Australia (JSA)
JSA is responsible for engaging, advising and assisting the Australian Government and other stakeholders in decision-making on the current, emerging and future skills and workforce needs of the Australian economy. This includes in regional, rural and remote Australia, and on the development of new industries and new technologies.
Find out more here: www.jobsandskills.gov.au
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
DEWR is responsible for supporting people to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future with a focus on equipping Australians who are starting, advancing or changing their career with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to gain or regain employment; identifying industries with skill shortages, including in emerging industries fundamental to the prosperity of individuals, businesses, and our nation; and supporting a world-leading vocational education and training sector offering apprenticeships, cadetships, and traineeships helping to address future skill demands – driving better outcomes through an agile skills sector in tune with market demands.
Find out more here: www.dewr.gov.au
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO)
PSO is one of ten Jobs and Skills Councils established and funded by the Australian Government (managed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations) to provide the industry with a stronger, more strategic voice in ensuring Australia’s VET sector delivers stronger outcomes for learners and employers.
With an industry-led Board of Directors, the PSO’s mission is to provide leadership in industry skills formation and wokforce development in the energy-utilities and electrotechnology industry. A main focus is to support a stronger, more strategic voice in ensuring Australia’s VET sector delivers stronger outcomes for learners and employers. The PSO aims to:
- Provide evidence-based workforce capability and skills planning that support a transitioning energy sector.
- Support all industry stakeholders with information, data, thought leadership and practical support.
- Set or improve training frameworks for all new and existing employees working in the sector.
- Develop new training products (Training Packages – UEE, UET, UEP and UEG) and materials to help guide curriculum and instructional designers, teachers, trainers and assessors in benchmarks and assessments.
- Use a train-the-trainers model to support a smooth transition development to implementation in the workplace.
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) & Support Service Providers
TAFE NSW
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) NSW, is a registered vocational education and training provider (Registered Training
Organisation – RTO) and is the single largest VET provider in Australia. It aims to provide high quality, personalised vocational education and training to build prosperity, sustainability and innovation throughout New South Wales.
Visit: www.tafensw.edu.au/tafe-nsw
Private sector RTOs – ITECA
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) in May 2019. ITECA is the peak member-based body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational education, training and skills sector.
Visit: www.iteca.edu.au
Energy Space/Exemplar Learning – eProfiling (workplace evidence and assessment)
Energy Space which also trades as Exemplar Learning, offers a comprehensive range of training delivery and assessment resources to RTOs and other allied organisation, for the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package at Certificate II, III and IV levels. It encompasses the full electrical apprenticeship, and associated workplace evidence eProfiling tool which records an apprentices activities ‘on-the-job’ as well as the level of supervision applied to them, the range of equipment they use, and the tasks they complete. This information informs a skills profile which is used by the RTO as evidence in an assessment judgement. It is the industry preferred mechanism for collecting and collating day-to-day or weekly on-job-evidence).
Also available as a service, is a Readiness Assessment service for aspiring apprentices. The Readiness Assessment courses on offer let those looking to secure an apprenticeship into the Utilities and Electrotechnology industry, undertake assessment quizzes, which reflect the standard expected for entering an electrical apprenticeship. In addition it has available several accredited specialised courses, covering working safely with asbestos, and Minimum Australian Context Gap (MACG) – Electrician, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic, and Electrical Fitter, training for overseas workers that are delivered by partner RTOs.
Apprenticeship & Traineeship Networks
GTO NSW
A group training organisation (GTO) is an organisation that employs apprentices and trainees, and then places them with a host employer who they work for whilst receiving on-the-job training for their apprenticeship or traineeship. Visit: www.aennswact.com.au
Australian Apprenticeship Networks
The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) is Australia’s largest employer network of apprentices and trainees.
The employer network is unique, as it represents the practice of Group Training companies under which Group Training Organisations (GTOs) directly employ apprentices and trainees and place them with host businesses. Visit: www.naen.com.au
Australian Apprenticeships
Government website with links and information on Apprenticeships for those looking for an apprenticeships or for employers wishing to learn more about government incentives and pathways to employing them. Visit: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
MySkills
A government website for registered training providers and those looking for courses in vocational education and training (VET). It is the national directory of VET organisations and courses. It is an Australian Government initiative to enable consumers to search for, and compare, VET courses and training providers Visit: myskills.gov.au
myfuture
myfuture is Australia’s National Career Information Service. It assists career planning, career pathways and work transitions by providing information and support for career development for students, and additional resources for those who support or influence career choices. Visit: www.myfuture.edu.au
NECA Training and Apprenticeships (Group Training Company)
The national electrical and communications association (Neca) is a not for profit industry-based group training company and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering prospective apprenticeship an opportunity for a career in the electrical and communications sector of the industry. Visit: www.necatraining.com.au
ElectroGroup Training Company
Electrogroup was established in 1994 to provide quality employment for Apprentices and Trainees within the Electrotechnology industry. Visit: www.egt.com.au
Industry Associations and Bodies
National electrical and communications association (Neca) NSW
The national electrical and communications association (Neca) is a member based employer representative organisation representing an array of electrical and communications NSW contracting members. Visit: www.neca.asn.au
Institute of Gas Engineers (IGE) / Australian Pipeline Gas Association (APGA)
The IGE committee became part of APGA in late 2016. The original Institution of Gas Engineers (IGE) was established in 1920. APGA is the peak body representing Australasia’s pipeline infrastructure. Membership is broad, representing all aspects of the pipeline industry with many members focused on gas transmission. Visit: www.apga.org.au
Energy Networks Australia (ENA)
Energy Networks Australia (ENA) is a membership-based national industry body, representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks. Energy Networks Australia (ENA) provides governments, policy-makers and the community with a single point of reference for major energy network issues in Australia. Visit: www.energynetworks.com.au
Electrical Trades Union (ETU) NSW
The Electrical Trades Union, NSW Branch is the largest union representing members in the electrical, energy and power industries. ETU members also work in the communications, contracting, manufacturing, mining, rail, aerospace and transport industries. Visit: www.etunsw.asn.au
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA)
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA) is a member-based organisation that represents the interests of refrigeration and air conditioning contractors across Australia, from employers and business people to technicians.
RACCA NSW is an incorporated association and represents NSW refrigeration and air conditioning contractors involved in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry. Visit: www.racca.asn.au or www.racca.asn.au/racca-nsw
Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA)
The Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA) is a member-based nationwide industry body that represents businesses operating in the commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Visit: www.amca.com.au
United Services Untion (USU) / Australian Services Union (ASU)
The USU is a member-based Union, with delegates located in all metropolitan, rural and regional centres across NSW and the ACT. The USU is a democratic organisation and associated with one of Australia’s largest unions, the Australian Services Union. It has and represents members in the electricity sector. Visit: www.usu.org.au
Australian Workers Union (AWU)
The AWU is a state-wide member-based Union. It is the nation’s oldest and largest blue-collar trade union representing over 100,000 working men and women across Australia. It has and represents members in the gas sector. Visit: www.nsw.awu.net.au
Australian Elevator Association (AEA)
The Australian Elevator Association is a member-based industry association committed to providing information and support to companies involved in the vertical transport industry. Visit: www.amcansw.com.au
Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation Australia (IICA)
The Institute of Instrumentation, Control and Automation Australia (IICA) is a member-based, not-for-profit, Professional body, made up of individuals who are Professionals at their level of competency and in their chosen field of Instrumentation, Control and / or Automation. Visit: www.iica.org.au
Appliance Industry Association
The Appliance Industry Association is the Association for Ethical Professionals engaged in the repair, parts supply, manufacture, import & retailing of household appliances. Aims to be the Australian national organisation of first choice for repairers, parts suppliers, manufacturers, importers and retailers of appliances. Visit: www.appliance.asn.au
Selected Industry Employers and Allied Bodies
Essential Energy
Essential Energy looks after the poles and wires (the network) that deliver electricity to 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland. Visit: www.essentialenergy.com.au
Endeavour Energy
Endeavour Energy is responsible for the poles and wires (the network) that encompasses the safe and reliable supply of electricity to 2.4 million people in households and businesses across Sydney’s Greater West, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands the Illawarra and the South Coast. Visit: www.endeavourenergy.com.au
Jemena
Jemena owns and operates a diverse portfolio of energy and water transportation assets across the east coast of Australia. With more than $11 billion worth of major utility infrastructure, we supply millions of households and businesses with these essential services every day. It has transmission and distribution of gas under is responsibilities. The Jemena NSW network distributes natural gas from the transmission pipeline receipt points to gas customers via a series of pipelines.
Jemena Gas Network is the largest gas distributor in NSW. Visit: www.jemena.com.au/gas
Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia is the largest and most diverse member-based body of engineers in Australia. As Australia’s principal engineering association it serves and represents around 100,000 professionals at every level, across all fields of practice. It is committed to advancing engineering and the professional development of its members. Visit: www.engineersaustralia.org.au
Master Electricians Australia
In 2008, Master Electricians Australia was established out of a need for a national approach to industry leadership and development. Since then the Master Electricians brand has become a hallmark that inspires trust for electrical contractors and consumers nationally.
It is a member-based dynamic and modern trade association recognised by industry, government and the community as the electrical industry’s leading business partner, knowledge source and advocate. It looks to deliver its members with education, safety and business support. Visit: www.masterelectricians.com.au
Industry and Support Networks
Sydney Industry Electrical Safety Network (SIESN)
SIESN is a network of organisations and individuals with a common interest of protecting their workers from electrical risks. Their aim is to keep electrical operators safe at work and to keep their clients safe. This means pursuing safety improvements and preventing any injury or illness. The following link has a great deal of information on Workplace health and Safety that employers, Trainers and individuals may find helpful: SIESN
Research and Development (R&D)
NCVER
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is the national professional body responsible for collecting, managing, analysing and communicating research and statistics on the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector. Visit: www.ncver.edu.au