EnergySafe Magazine May 2014, issue 35 | Page 13

13 For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au May 2014 energysafe issue 35 Setting national standards for assessing electrical apprentices Top of the class: Tim Keily teaching third-year apprentices. Photo: Vicki Jones Photography courtesy NECA Skills Centre. By Sue Sizer, ESV Compliance Officer A national process is currently underway to ensure uniform, consistent assessment of electrical apprentices as they progress through the Certificate III in Electrotechnology (UEE30811). The Phase One unit assessment resources have recently been through a comprehensive national validation process involving electrical teachers, registered training organisations (RTOs), peak industry bodies and electrical regulators. All RTOs were invited to attend face-to-face forums held around the country in late 2013 and early this year, with attendees reviewing assessment documentation and then nominating a representative to attend the National Moderation and Validation Forum, which met in Canberra in February. Participants at the national forum provided further feedback on course materials, taking into consideration feedback received from all state and territory meetings and an online forum. Developed by Energise Oz to support assessment of the knowledge component of the course, the UEE30811 resources are now being piloted through the Energise Oz program and are available through VETassess. This is part of an overall initiative to create a national assessment bank for electrical apprentices, ensuring nationwide consistency and quality of skills and knowledge assessment. It will enable quality training providers to externally validate their training outcomes, ultimately improving industry and regulatory confidence. The work being undertaken will assist RTOs in demonstrating compliance with VET regulatory requirements and provide confidence to both stakeholders and industry on the validity and reliability of eletrotechnology assessment resources. As a result of this initiative, teachers and apprentices will also be able to access assessment on demand, enhancing opportunities for individual progression and reducing the burden on teachers to set and mark assignments. In April the National Moderation and Validation Forum met again in Canberra, this time to consider Phase Two unit assessment resources. Teachers and trainers from around Australia are welcome to provide input via the online forum. Click here to access the online forum or go to www.e-oz.com.au/index.php/ industry-forum New industry program for electricians A new industry mentoring program is looking to empower electricians with the skills and knowledge needed to get a head start in the business world. Run by Master Electricians Australia (MEA) and funded by the Department of Industry, the Master Electricians’ Pre-Contractor Program aims to up-skill electricians who have recently started a business, are seeking to start their own business or wanting to progress their careers within the electrical industry. The program is designed to provide free expert mentoring advice and training in business management. Stacey Ozolins, MEA National Apprenticeship Programs Manager, said a mentor would provide advice, counsel and support to the electrician for 12 months, including individual mentoring on subjects or topics of importance to them. “Pre-contractors also have the option to attend webinars and various events aimed at providing in-depth expert advice on a variety of business-related topics,” she said. “Importantly, this program provides electricians with access to support and advice from someone with experience and an understanding of the business world. The first batch of electricians have recently commenced the program with promising results. To take part, pre-contractors should be qualified, licensed electricians who: »» Have commenced operating an electrical contracting business within the last 24 months »» Are part of or wish to be part of their current employer’s succession plan »» Are seeking a professional development opportunity for career progression, or »» Intend on becoming an electrical contractor in the future. Mentors will ideally have a combination of the following skills and experience: »» Minimum five years in industry »» Hold an electrical trade qualification and licence »» Have experience in operating a safety management system »» Understand new and emerging technologies »» Have run a successful electrical contracting business. Ms Ozolins said the MEA was currently seeking pre-contractors and mentors in Victoria to take part. Click here to email an expression of interest to precontractor@ masterelectricians.com.au or you can contact MEA on 1300 889 198.