Quick-start guide to CET’s post-trade courses

If you are already a qualified electrician, you probably already know why professional development is so important. But, you may not know which chourse is right for you, and whether it may support the next stage of your career. 

The College of Electrical Training offers a range of post-trade courses for electricians working across renewables, electrical contracting, telecommunications, industrial controls, testing and high-voltage environments.

The catalogue includes nationally recognised training, Building and Energy-approved programs, non-accredited professional-development courses, and Western Power approved courses as well. Some courses are delivered directly by CET, while others are delivered through specialist training partners. 

This guide provides a practical overview of the main options. Course availability, delivery locations and entry requirements can change, so always check the individual course page before enrolling.

Solar and renewable-energy training

CET offers access to three renewable-energy training pathways through its partnership with PMV Training.

These courses are facilitated, certified and delivered by PMV Training at PMV facilities. list where they are. Successful participants receive a Statement of Attainment from PMV Training and may then be eligible to apply for the relevant accreditation through Solar Accreditation Australia.

Please note, completing the training does not automatically issue SAA accreditation. Applicants must separately satisfy SAA’s licensing, training, documentation, assessment and application requirements.

Solar Grid Connect PV Design and Install

Solar Grid Connect PV Design and Install is the usual starting point for licensed electricians seeking training in grid-connected photovoltaic systems.

The course covers the site survey, design, installation, commissioning and testing of grid-connected PV systems. It includes both practical training and a written design project.

Applicants must hold a current unrestricted electrician’s licence issued in an Australian state or territory.

After completing the course and obtaining Statement of Attainment, learners can apply for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic accreditation through Solar Accreditation Australia.

Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set

The UEESS00191 Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set develops the skills required to design and install battery storage systems connected to grid-connected power supplies.

The course covers battery technologies, system sizing, component selection, protection, isolation, inverter configuration, installation and system documentation.

Applicants must hold a current unrestricted electrician’s licence and provide evidence that they have completed the Solar Grid Connect PV Design and Install training.

After completing the course, learners can apply for Grid-Connected Battery Storage accreditation through SAA.

Stand-Alone Power Systems Design and Install

Stand-Alone Power Systems Design and Install is aimed at electricians working with systems that operate independently of the electricity network.

The training covers site surveys, load assessment, system design and the installation of off-grid power-conversion equipment. These systems can involve photovoltaic generation, battery storage and supplementary generation.

This is an advanced pathway rather than an entry-level solar course. Applicants must hold a current unrestricted electrician’s licence and provide Statements of Attainment for both Solar Grid Connect PV Design and Install and the applicable grid-connected battery storage training.

Successful learners may be eligible to apply for Stand-Alone Power Systems accreditation through SAA.

Electrical contractor and licensing courses

CET offers several courses linked to electrical contractor licensing and individual electrical licensing in WA. These courses serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Electrical Contractor Training Program

CET’s Electrical Contractor Training Program is approved by Building and Energy and is available in Full, Business, and Nominee formats.

The Full Course combines the business, legislative, and nominee modules required across the contractor-training pathway.

The Business course is intended for people who need the business and legislative modules associated with operating or managing an electrical contracting business.

The Nominee course focuses on the electrical operational requirements applying to a licensed electrician seeking to act as the nominated electrical worker for a contracting business.

Completing the relevant training does not itself issue an electrical contractor’s licence. Applicants must still meet Building and Energy’s licensing requirements and submit a separate application within the applicable timeframe.

Course in Electrical Trade Licensing

The 52912WA Course in Electrical Trade Licensing, directed by Building and Energy, is a nationally accredited course for applicants who have been directed by the WA electrical licensing regulator to complete particular competency assessment or training.

It covers the inspection and testing of electrical installations and the design and installation of low-voltage wiring in domestic premises.

This is not a general licensing course open to anyone seeking to become an electrician. Applicants must provide an approval letter from Building and Energy confirming that the course forms part of their licensing pathway.

CET also offers a separate Electrical Trade Licensing Gap Training course for eligible overseas-qualified electricians who have been directed to complete the required WA gap-training pathway.

High-voltage and network-related courses

High Voltage Switching Operations

High Voltage Switching Operations is designed for electrical workers whose roles involve operating or working around high-voltage switchgear and associated equipment.

The course covers high-voltage safety, switching procedures, permits, isolation, access and operational practices. A separate refresher course is also available for people who need to revalidate or refresh their competency.

The course is facilitated and certified by Coex Training through its partnership with CET. Entry requirements, certification and employer authorisations should be checked before enrolment.

Western Power Service Apparatus Connection Scheme

CET offers training associated with Western Power’s Service Apparatus Connection Scheme.

These non-accredited courses are designed to provide electricians with a comprehensive understanding of the Western Power Service Apparatus Connection Scheme. Completing this course is an essential part of gaining eligibility to join Western Powers SAC scheme.

Please note, completing the course does not replace Western Power’s approval, accreditation or authorisation requirements.

Checking and Testing

CET’s Checking and Testing course is a one-day, non-accredited professional-development course.

It covers the application of AS/NZS 3017, common test methods for low-voltage electrical installations, fault identification and the documentation of test results.

The course can help licensed electrical workers refresh their testing knowledge, but it does not issue a new licence, endorsement or nationally recognised unit of competency. I would delete the highlighted text .

Telecommunications and industrial controls

Open Cabler Registration Course

The nationally recognised Open Cabler Registration Course, UEEDV0005 Install and Maintain Cabling for Multiple Access to Telecommunications Services, provides training in the installation and maintenance of telecommunications cabling in buildings and premises.

The course provides evidence that can support an application for Open cabler registration. Graduates must still apply to an accredited cabling registrar and meet the registrar’s experience, competency and administrative requirements before working as a registered cabler.

Applicants must hold a current unrestricted electrician’s licence or an accepted equivalent. 

Cat 5/6/7 and Coax Endorsement

The UEEDV0008 Install, modify and verify coaxial and structured communication copper cabling, Cat 5/6/7 and Coax Endorsement course develops competency in installing, modifying and verifying structured and coaxial communications cabling.

It is intended as an extension to the Open cabler pathway. Completing the training provides evidence that can be submitted to a cabling registrar so the relevant structured and coaxial endorsement can be added to the person’s registration.

The training alone does not automatically update a registration or authorise a person to undertake every category of specialised cabling work. 

Programmable Logic Controllers

CET’s Programmable Logic Controllers course provides nationally recognised training in developing, entering and verifying discrete, word and analogue programs for programmable controllers.

The course uses practical projects to build capability relevant to automation, manufacturing, process control and industrial maintenance.

Applicants need basic computing skills, an understanding of control circuitry and the specified prerequisite work health and safety competency.

Successful completion results in a Statement of Attainment for the units achieved.