General Electricians install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
Occupation description
General Electricians install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
Their job involves:
- determining the load requirements for electrical wiring in buildings and premises using blueprints, wiring diagrams, codes and specifications to determine sequences and methods of operation.
- measuring and laying out installation reference points.
- selecting, cutting, connecting and installing wire and cable to terminals and connectors.
- using electrical and electronic test instruments to trace and diagnose faults.
- repairing and replacing faulty wiring and defective parts.
- positioning and installing single and three-phase electrical switchboards.
- connecting electrical systems to power supply.
- testing continuity of circuit.
- installing, testing and adjusting electric and mechanical parts of lifts.
- installing, testing and commissioning solar photo voltaic (PV) power generation systems.
How will I be assessed?
Documentary Evidence Assessment
We will review your documentary evidence to ensure it meets the employment and training requirements and indicates that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience as an Electrician (General).
You can find information about the employment, training, and document requirements below;
- For information on what evidence you need to include with your application, download the Evidence Guide.
- For information about the employment experience requirements for a Pathway 1 application, please refer to the Pathway 1 Employment Experience Guidelines.
- If you are applying for a Pathway 2 assessment, please read the Pathway 2 Assessment Guide.
In addition to these guides, find information on assessment for your specific occupation:
Technical Interview
If you are successful in Stage 1, you will complete a technical interview with our assessor. The assessor will ask you questions about the knowledge required to work in your trade in Australia and how you apply that knowledge.
For more information about the technical interview, see Technical Assessment Guide.
Practical Assessment
If you are successful in Stage 2, an assessor will assess you via a Practical Assessment where you will complete a series of work-based tasks that demonstrate your trade skills.
For more information about the Practical Assessment, see Technical Assessment guide.
What skills and knowledge do I need?
The qualification relevant to this occupation is the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. To be awarded this qualification, you must demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the units of competency listed in the table below. Each unit of competency defines a selection of knowledge and skills required in Australian workplaces.
- Core Units
-
Code Title HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation UETDRRF004 Perform rescue from a live LV panel* UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace UEECD0016 Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work* UEECD0019 Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components* UEECD0020 Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment* UEECD0044 Solve problems in multiple path circuits* UEECD0046 Solve problems in single path circuits* UEECD0051 Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications* UEECO0023 Participate in electrical work and competency development activities UEEEL0003 Arrange circuits, control and protection for electrical installations* UEEEL0005 Develop and connect electrical control circuits* UEEEL0008 Evaluate and modify low voltage heating equipment and controls* UEEEL0009 Evaluate and modify low voltage lighting circuits, equipment and controls* UEEEL0010 Evaluate and modify low voltage socket outlets circuits UEEEL0012 Install low voltage wiring, appliances, switchgear and associated accessories* UEEEL0014 Isolate, test and troubleshoot low voltage electrical circuits* UEEEL0018 Select wiring systems and select cables for low voltage electrical installations* UEEEL0019 Solve problems in direct current (d.c.) machines* UEEEL0020 Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits* UEEEL0021 Solve problems in magnetic and electromagnetic devices* UEEEL0023 Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits* UEEEL0024 Test and connect alternating current (a.c.) rotating machines* UEEEL0025 Test and connect transformers* UEEEL0039 Design, install and verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations* UEEEL0047 Identify, shut down and restart systems with alternate supplies* UEERE0001 Apply environmentally sustainable procedures in the energy sector
- Elective Units
-
Code Title Option 1 – Voice and data communications UEEDV0005 Install and maintain cabling for multiple access to telecommunication services UEEDV0008 Install, modify and verify coaxial and structured communication copper cabling* Option 2 – Electrical installations UEEEL0049 Install and maintain emergency safety systems* UEEEL0076 Inspect, test and maintain emergency lighting systems UEEEL0075 Inspect, test and maintain emergency alarm systems and equipment* UEECO0002 Maintain documentation Option 3 – Electrical control UEEIC0047 Use instrumentation drawings, specifications, standards and equipment manuals UEEIC0002 Assemble, enter and verify operating instructions in microprocessor equipped devices UEEIC0013 Develop, enter and verify discrete control programs for programmable controllers*
You must demonstrate competency in the core and 1 group of elective units of competency.
Units HLTAID009 and UETDRRF004 are not assessed and will need to be completed in Australia.
NOTE: * indicates that a unit requires a pre-requisite/s
What employment and training evidence do I need?
- Pathway 1
-
Your evidence needs to demonstrate that you meet the
minimum employment experience requirements for your
nominated occupation:- No formal training – 6 years’ employment experience
- Relevant formal training – 4 years’ employment
experience
Formal training is training that is accredited by the authorised governing body in the country where the qualification was undertaken. It must be in your nominated occupation, or an occupation directly related to your nominated occupation.
Your employment must be in your nominated occupation, or in an occupation that is directly related to your nominated occupation and must include at least 12 months’ employment in your nominated occupation within the last 3 years (currency).It also has to be paid and full-time (or equivalent part-time). Full-time employment refers to working the standard number of hours defined as full-time in the country where the employment was undertaken. Part-time employment is counted on a pro rata basis.
An apprenticeship can be considered as employment experience if:
- it has been completed and meets the definition of formal training
- the employer details are recorded in the employment section of the application form and supported by sufficient official employment evidence.
- Pathway 2
-
Your evidence needs to demonstrate that you:
- Hold an accepted Australian qualification for your nominated occupation (please refer to Pathway 2 Assessment Guide on our website for the full list of accepted qualifications) or a current, identified Australian occupational licence (not subject to restrictions).
- Worked full-time (or equivalent part-time) in paid employment in your occupation, or in an occupation that is directly related to your nominated occupation, for a total of at least 3 years.
- Worked full-time (or equivalent part-time) in your occupation for 12 months in the last 3 years (currency):
o For applicants who hold an Australian qualification, the 12 months’ employment must have been completed in Australia.
o For Australian occupational licence holders, this employment must have been undertaken in Australia or New Zealand after obtaining the full licence.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Work that may have been carried out unlicensed/illegally in Australia cannot be considered as evidence. If you have been residing in Australia for an extended period, we may consider allied electrical work for the purpose of currency. Allied electrical work is electrical work that does not require a licence to practice in Australia. Evidence of allied work carried out in Australia may be used for the judgement of currency only and cannot be counted towards the overall employment duration, which must have been completed offshore.
How to Apply
If you're a tradesperson, your skills and experience will be assessed by someone who has worked in your trade and understands your skills and qualifications. VETASSESS is Australia's leading assessment body for trades and we can assess 27 different trade occupations.
Step 1
Check your eligibility to apply for a Trade Skills Assessment.
Step 2
Understand the Assessment Process
Step 3
Confirm the type of evidence you may be asked to provide
Step 4
Find the cost you’ll need to pay up front for your trade skills assessment
Step 5
FAQs
You are strongly encouraged to review each of the units of competency shown above. To do this:
1. Go to the following website: http://training.gov.au/Search.
2. Enter a unit code (e.g. MSMWHS200) into the ‘Title or code’ search box.
3. Click on the ‘NRT’ button.
4. Click on the ‘Search’ button.
5. Read the Unit of Competency information.