Skills and Training
The VESI has a long history of dedicated training programs designed to constantly demonstrate compliance to standards of work and ongoing competence. Much of this training is based on the legacy of the SECV and has been the subject of continuous improvement, however much is also based on more modern safety practices, such as risk management, auditing, and nationally agreed qualification and competencies. It is these processes that allow training to become a cornerstone of our established safety systems. This webpage has been designed as a training information portal for all VESI employers and employees. {source}
Purpose
The purpose of the STRC is to administer the following:
- Competencies and qualifications for persons accessing an electrical network.
- Establishment of VESI common training modules.
- ESI Worker System - A centralised system to record and monitor requirements for roles based on the VESI Skills and Training matrix..
- Representation of the VESI in applicable Victorian & National forums.
Committee Membership
Membership of the Skills and Training Reference Committee is made up of the following VESI employees:
| Network Operator | Representative | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ausnet Services | Suman Naidi | Rebecca Fitzgerald | Jacqui Tindal | ||
| CitiPower/Powercor | Pam O'Neill | Neil Roberts | Amanda Nash | Chris Philpott | Ryan Veaney |
| Jemena | Mark Gardiner | David Wall (Chair) | Betty Hui | Travis Harvie | |
| United Energy | Robert Foord | ||||
Training Matrix and Guidelines
The purpose of the VESI Skills and Training Guideline and Matrix is to:
- Provide an agreed standard common to all Network operators
- Specify the minimum Qualification and Competency assessment / Refresher Training requirements for access to the VESI Electrical Networks
- Provide employers with guidelines for specific types of workers eg Overseas, Interstate and Re-entry
- Provide an agreed set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria for VESI specified training and where applicable be consistent with Nationally endorsed Competency Standard Units
Please select the required document below:
VESI Skills and Training Guideline
VESI Skills and Training Matrix
Vegetation Skills and Training Matrix
The VESI Skills and Training Matrix and the VESI Vegetation Matrix are reflected in the ESI worker system. Specific Network Operator access requirements and processes still apply.
Matrix - Extract Functionality
The training matrix has the functionality to be downloadable for a specific job role and can be used by companies to complete a training needs analysis. To use the extract functionality, click on the extract button and select the job role required. This will then show the competencies for the required role.
Guideline for Interstate and Overseas Qualified workers and workers re-entering the workforce
In the VESI we support portability of workers through recognition of National Qualifications (or equivalent), National Competency Standard Units and the use of the ESI Worker System.
The Guideline for Interstate and Overseas Qualified workers and workers re-entering the workforce has been developed to provide guidance for employers to work on VESI networks for the following worker categories:
- Cable Jointer
- Lineworker - Distribution
- Lineworker - Transmission
- Substation Electrician / Fitter
Guideline for Interstate and Overseas Qualified workers and workers re-entering the workforce
Network Operator Contacts
| Network Operator | Representative | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ausnet Services | Rebecca Fitzgerald | 03 8531 4025 | |
| CitiPower/Powercor | Pam O'Neill | 03 9683 4946 | |
| Jemena | John Vasilopoulos | 03 9351 2273 | |
| United Energy | Robert Foord | 03 8846 9783 |
Skilled and Business Migration Program
The Victorian State Government has a Skilled and Business Migration Program, to learn more about the program click on the link below:
ESI Worker
ESI worker is a program which provides an industry-consistent record of an individual’s training, authorisations and network inductions to work in the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI). The ESI worker System replaces the paper based Australian ESI Skills Passport.
The ESI Worker system shall apply to all VESI workers who:
- Hold an authority issued by a Victorian Network Operator; and/or
- Are required by a Victorian Network Operator to undertake any training and/or assessment for field-based activities consistent with the VESI Skills and Training Matrix
NOTE: It may not be a mandatory requirement for a worker to be in the ESI Worker system for one-off short-term work either under the supervision of authorised/approved workers, or on a greenfield site. Please speak to your Network Operator for specific requirements.
For more ESI Worker information please visit the ESI Worker website. http://esiworker.com.au/
For any Network specific requirements in regard to ESI worker please refer to the appropriate Network Operator Contact.
Lost ESI Worker card
To order a replacement ESI Worker card go to Manage Employees in your ESI worker portal and select, order replacement card.
Network Operator Contacts
| Network Operator | Representative | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ausnet Services | Rebecca Fitzgerald | 03 9679 4295 | |
| CitiPower/Powercor | Pam O'Neill | 03 9683 4946 | |
| Jemena | John Vasilopoulos | 03 9351 2273 | |
| United Energy | Robert Foord | 03 8846 9783 |
Apprentices & Trainees
Electrical Apprentices & Trainees in the VESI work towards gaining an Australian Qualification in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Please see below to obtain further information on each Electricity Supply Industry career pathway.
All Apprentices are required to have:
- a training contract arranged via an Australian Apprenticeship Centre
- a training plan developed by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
At all times during the term of an apprenticeship, the apprentice/trainee shall be under Direct, General or Broad Supervision as defined in the Supervision Guidelines for each role.
A Code of Good Practice has been developed by the Federal Government to assist employers and apprentice entering into a Training Contract. The code provides an understanding of each other's obligations and expectations. Please click here to access further information.
Electricity Supply Industry career pathways
Asset Inspector
Asset Inspectors are responsible for inspecting, testing and reporting on the status of electricity network assets, including poles, hardware, cables, overhead conductors, public lighting and electrical apparatus. Asset Inspectors utilise specialised equipment and software applications to perform their role.
Qualification obtained and elective units
UET20621 - Certificate II in ESI - Asset Inspection and Testing. The qualification consists of a number of core and elective competencies. The electives are agreed by industry and are as follows:
- UETDRAI003 - Perform minor maintenance on electricity network assets
- UETDRAI004 - Treat poles
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
1 year
Trainee Supervision Guideline
The Trainee Supervision Guideline will be developed to assist both employers and the Asset Inspector Trainee who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the Trainee in terms of safety and competency development.
Cable Jointer
Cable Jointers are responsible for the installation, jointing and terminating of underground low and high voltage cables and associated civil activities.
Apprentice Cable Jointers are required to participate in a variety of field activities which include:
- Installation, construction and maintenance of low and high voltage underground cables
- Terminating and jointing of low and high voltage underground cables
- Fault finding during interruptions to network electricity supply
- Operating and using plant, equipment and tools associated with the construction and maintenance of the distribution network
- General duties such as yard work, groundwork at job sites, administration, traffic control (where trained) and stores
Qualification obtained and elective units
UET30821 - Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Underground. The qualification consists of a number of core and elective competencies. The electives are agreed by industry and are as follows:
- UETDRDU011 - Joint, terminate and maintain energised low voltage underground polymeric cable
- UETDRDU016 - Lay power cables
- UETDRDU017 - Locate faults in underground power cables
- UETDRIS018 - Perform low voltage field switching operation to a given schedule
- UETDRDU007 - Install and maintain underground public lighting
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
4 years
Cable Jointer Apprentice Supervision Guideline
The Apprentice Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Cable Jointer Apprentice who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the apprentice in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download - Cable Jointer Apprentice Supervision Guideline#
VESI Technical Training evidence guide
The purpose of this guide is to assist the employer to understand where the VESI Technical Training aligns completely or partially to the unit of competence in the Qualification and to provide guidance to the RTO on the evidence required upon successful completion of a competency.
The guide aligns VESI Technical Training requirements where applicable to the Cable Jointer Qualification Units of Competence and specifies the required evidence including Statement of Results, Statement of Attainment to be provided by the RTO.
#Download - Cable Jointer – VESI Technical Training evidence guide#
Electrician (Substation)
Electrician (Substation) are responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical switchgear, substations and associated equipment.
Apprentice Electrician (Substation) are required to participate in a variety of field activities which include:
- Select, install and maintain low and high voltage electrical equipment and cables in substations pertaining to the electricity distribution system
- Locate faults and commission low and high voltage electrical equipment and cables in substations pertaining to the electricity distribution system
- Operate and use plant, equipment and tools associated with the construction and maintenance of the distribution network
- General duties such as yard work, groundwork at job sites, administration, traffic control (where trained) and stores
Qualification Obtained
UEE30820 - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
4 years
Apprentice Supervision Guideline
The Apprentice Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Electrician (Substation) Apprentice who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the apprentice in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download - Electrician (Substation) Apprentice Supervision Guideline#
Lineworkers (E2L)
Lineworkers (E2L) are responsible for the construction and maintenance of electricity distribution and the installation and maintenance of associated equipment.
Apprentice Lineworkers (E2L) are required to participate in a variety of field activities which include:
- Construct, maintain and repair overhead assets to agreed network standards
- Operate and use plant, equipment and tools associated with the construction and maintenance of the network
- Replacement of meters, load control and distributors equipment on customer s installations
- Installation and maintenance of street lighting
- Switching and operating work associated with low and high voltage network assets where authorized and in accordance with network procedures
- General duties such as yard work, groundwork at job sites, administration, traffic control (where trained) and stores
Qualification obtained and elective units
UET30621 - Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead. The qualification consists of a number of core and elective competencies. The electives are agreed by industry and are as follows:
- UETDRIS013 - Install and maintain public lighting systems
- UETDRIS014 - Install and replace energy meters and associated equipment
- UETDRIS018 - Perform low voltage field switching operation to a given schedule
- UETDRIS011 - Install and maintain low voltage underground services
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
2 years
Apprentice Supervision Guideline
The Apprentice Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Lineworker (E2L) Apprentice who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the apprentice in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download - Lineworker (E2L) Apprentice Supervision Guideline#
Mapping of VESI Technical Training to Qualification
The purpose of this mapping guide is to assist the employer to understand where the VESI Technical Training aligns completely or partially to the unit of competence in the Qualification and to provide guidance to the RTO on the evidence required upon successful completion of a competency.
The Mapping Guide aligns VESI Technical Training requirements where applicable to the Lineworker Qualification Units of Competence and specifies the required evidence including Statement of Results, Statement of Attainment and Skills Passport entries to be provided by the RTO to the employer.
#Download - Apprentice Lineworker – Mapping of VESI Technical Training to Qualification#
Lineworker Distribution
Lineworkers are responsible for the construction and maintenance of electricity distribution and the installation and maintenance of associated equipment.
Apprentice Lineworkers are required to participate in a variety of field activities which include:
- Construct, maintain and repair overhead assets to agreed network standards
- Operate and use plant, equipment and tools associated with the construction and maintenance of the network
- Replacement of meters, load control and distributors equipment on customer s installations
- Installation and maintenance of street lighting
- Switching and operating work associated with low and high voltage network assets where authorized and in accordance with network procedures
- General duties such as yard work, ground work at job sites, administration, traffic control (where trained) and stores
Qualification obtained and elective units
UET30621 - Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead. The qualification consists of a number of core and elective competencies. The electives are agreed by industry and are as follows:
- UETDRIS013 - Install and maintain public lighting systems
- UETDRIS014 - Install and replace energy meters and associated equipment
- UETDRIS018 - Perform low voltage field switching operation to a given schedule
- UETDRIS011 - Install and maintain low voltage underground services
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
4 years
Apprentice Supervision Guideline
The Apprentice Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Lineworker Apprentice who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the apprentice in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download – Lineworker Distribution Apprentice Supervision Guideline#
VESI Technical Training evidence guide
The purpose of this mapping guide is to assist the employer to understand where the VESI Technical Training aligns completely or partially to the unit of competence in the Qualification and to provide guidance to the RTO on the evidence required upon successful completion of a competency.
The guide aligns VESI Technical Training requirements where applicable to the Lineworker Qualification Units of Competence and specifies the required evidence including Statement of Results, Statement of Attainment to be provided by the RTO.
#Download – Apprentice Lineworker – VESI Technical Training evidence guide#
Transmission Lineworkers
Transmission Lineworkers are responsible for the erection of towers, poles, structures and associated hardware including the installation and maintenance of conductors and cables. Inspection procedures for overhead structures and electrical apparatus are also included.
Apprentice Transmission Lineworkers are required to participate in a variety of field activities which include:
- Install and maintain poles, structures, overhead conductors and cables
- Erect power systems transmission structures and associated hardware
- Maintain power systems transmission structures and associated hardware
- Install and maintain overhead transmission conductors and cables
- Inspect overhead structures and electrical apparatus
- Test and verify transmission overhead installations
- Operate and use plant, equipment and tools associated with the construction and maintenance of the network
Qualification obtained
UET30521 - Certificate III in ESI - Transmission Overhead
- CPCCLRG3002 - Licence to perform rigging intermediate level
- CPCCLRG4001 - Licence to perform rigging advanced level
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
4 years
Apprentice Supervision Guideline
The Apprentice Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Lineworker Apprentice who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regards to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the apprentice in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download – Lineworker Transmission Apprentice Supervision Guideline#
Protection Tester (Electrical)
Protection Tester (Electrical) are responsible for maintaining, testing and operating low and high voltage protection and control equipment.
Trainee Protection Testers (Electrical) are required to participate in a variety of field activities which include:
- Metering practices
- Calibrate metering devices in or out of test
- Installation and maintenance of field devices –i.e Automatic
- Circuit Reclosers, remote control gas switches and testing of underground cable circuits
Qualification Obtained
UET60222 - Advanced Diploma of ESI - Power Systems. The qualification consists of a number of core and elective competencies.
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
4 years
Trainee Supervision Guideline
The Trainee Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Protection Tester (Electrical) Trainee who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the apprentice in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download – Protection Tester Trainee Supervision Guideline#
Vegetation Management
Vegetation management workers are responsible for the operational role of planning and carrying out vegetation control at and above ground level near live electrical apparatus.
Trainee Vegetation Management workers are required to participate in a variety of field activities which may include:
- Operate and maintain chainsaws
- Monitor safety compliance of vegetation control work in an ESI environment
- Plan the removal of vegetation up to vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus
- Felling trees
- Using climbing techniques to cut vegetation above ground near live electrical apparatus
- Operate specialist equipment at ground level near live electrical apparatus
Qualification obtained
UET20321 - Certificate II in ESI - Powerline Vegetation Control. The qualification consists of a number of core and elective competencies relevant to the role being performed.
Further information on the competency standard units within the qualification can be viewed by clicking on this link.
Timeframe (Nominal) for completion
2 years
Trainee Supervision Guideline
The Trainee Supervision Guideline has been developed to assist both employers and the Vegetation Management Trainee who enters into a training contract, to understand the obligations and expectations in regard to workplace supervision, taking into consideration the welfare of the trainee in terms of safety and competency development.
#Download – Vegetation Trainee Supervision Guideline#
Qualification Evidence
All personnel shall be Qualified for the role they are undertaking. All Qualifications should meet the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requirements or equivalent.
Qualification evidence for Victorian trained Lineworkers
Lineworkers who apply to work on a VESI Network are required to submit evidence of a qualification. As there have been various systems over the years, qualification evidence can exhibit a great deal of variation. Such variations may include the descriptive text, the overall appearance and the approving authority. The Qualification (along with current refresher training) is the primary item of evidence that allows a Network Operator to approve a Lineworker for network access. To determine whether the qualification evidence is acceptable, this guide has been created to illustrate acceptable forms of evidence along with explanatory notes.
#Download – Lineworker Qualification Evidence#
Application for the reissue of your Apprentice completion certificate
If you have completed your apprenticeship after the year 2000, complete the following steps:
- Telephone Apprenticeship Administration Line (VRQA) who can provide replacement evidence in the form of a letter confirming completion of apprenticeship or traineeships on 1300 722 603 from 10.00am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
- Contact your RTO where you completed your trade and ask for a copy of your Statement of Results e.g. if a Lineworker, contact Federation Training on 03 9251 3000.
If you have completed your apprenticeship before the year 2000 you can request a duplicate certificate of completion or an extract. These documents are evidence that you fully or partially completed an apprenticeship. contact VRQA 1300 722 603.
VESI Lineworker Rigging (VLR)
VESI LINEWORKER EXEMPTION
Since 1995 VESI Lineworkers have been working under a WorkSafe issued exemption to allow them to perform their Lineworker role without a requirement to hold a rigging high risk work licence.
The VESI distribution businesses applied for an Exemption under the OH&S Regulations to allow a Lineworker to undertake the tasks they do without the requirement to hold a High-Risk Work (HRW) Rigging License for rigging.
WorkSafe has reviewed the application submitted by VESI and approved Exemption Number D19/7322/12 which came into effect on 18 February 2023 and will expire at midnight on 18 February 2028, unless it is otherwise revoked or varied by WorkSafe. To view the exemption please go to the following link.
The Exemption is applicable to Distribution Lineworker/Linesman or a Transmission Lineworker/Linesman of the listed employers of section 5 of the Exemption, who is either:
- an employee of a Listed Employer; or
- a contractor or subcontractor engaged to perform work for a Listed Employer; or
- an employee of a contractor or subcontractor engaged to perform work for a Listed Employer
Exemption Conditions
The VESI Lineworker Rigging exemption describes that Lineworkers will:
- Hold a dogging licence
- Be a qualified Lineworker (or an apprentice)
- have access to a copy of the ‘VESI Fieldworkers Handbook June 2006, updated November 2008’
- have access to the ESI Worker Program at all times and make it readily available to WorkSafe upon request.
The exemption contains two (2) additional conditions that will be required to be acted upon:
- Condition 7 (H) requires VESI to develop a validation document and submit it to WorkSafe, relevant to the Electricity Supply Industry training and assessment material to indicate it is relevant to the units of competency for the three (3) classes of rigging within six (6) months
- Following the completion of this work, there will be a requirement for each Lineworker covered by this exemption to be re-assessed within 18 months from the date of the exemption. The re-assessment detail for each of the categories of Lineworker (apprentice, intermediate and experienced) will be determined and communicated accordingly. The assessment process for these re-assessments will be in accordance with the requirements for assessment under the current High-Risk Licence Assessment system (closed book)
Further to the assessments, WorkSafe has implemented an auditing program that will include two (2) desktop audits and two (2) on-site observations of an assessment per calendar year
As progress in the above areas is made, relevant updates will be provided
An information booklet has been created to support Lineworkers undertaking VESI Rigging which has comprehensive information and diagrams available.
#Download – VESI Rigging Handbook (update 2024) #
Vegetation Management
The Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) has developed a Vegetation Management Guideline to establish industry standards for Vegetation Management workers in the VESI.
The purpose of the guideline is to establish the principles applicable to safe vegetation management work for workers working under the control of the VESI Distribution Networks in the vicinity of the Network Operator assets. This guideline is intended to:
- provide an agreed standard common to all VESI Network Distribution Operators;
- assist in the safety of vegetation management workers and the general public;
- specify the minimum standards required for mobile plant, tools and equipment used in vegetation management work;
- provide the basic technical material necessary for Network Operators and Service Providers to develop work procedures and related training