What are the pathways to a career in electrotechnology?

The electrotechnology industry now offers a wide variety of training options, and learning the tools of the trade is an absolute must.

There are many pathways to a great career in electrotechnology – you can enter the industry in a number of ways and take on a range of different study options to suit your area of interest.

You can begin full-time or part-time study any time – while you are still at school, straight after school, or even after spending years in the workforce.  There are training pathways to get you into the area where you want to work.

Courses are offered at Secondary Schools, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), TAFE Colleges, Skills Centres and Universities.

To put yourself in a good position for a career in electrotechnology you could start your training at school and get as much experience as you can in the industry.

Pathways can include:

Certificate I in Electrotechnology - Those gaining this qualification will be able to undertake basic work functions in the electrotechnology industry. The course involves specialising in one of six possible areas, including computer systems, electrical, electronic, data communications, instrumentation and refrigeration and air conditioning.

Certificate II in Electrotechnology - Persons gaining this qualification will be able to install, service, assemble and carry out basic routine maintenance on antennas, automotive accessories, office equipment, domestic appliances, communications equipment, electronic equipment or security installations. They will learn to perform basic repairs to electrical/electronic apparatus, perform functional apparatus checks and assemble/disassemble electrical/electronic components.

Certificate III in Electrotechnology - This is the base qualification required to be a licensed electrician.  Persons gaining this qualification will be able to work with data and communications systems in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. They will learn about networks, fire protection and security systems and will be able to install and terminate wiring systems (cabling/wiring support, network communications, power and control – voltage), install electrical/electronic apparatus (data communications), maintain and repair apparatus and associated circuits, test apparatus and circuits, and diagnose and rectify faults.

Certificate IV in Electrotechnology – Refrigeration and Air-conditioning - Persons gaining this qualification will be able to install, commission, maintain, fault find and repair refrigeration and air conditioning components, equipment and systems in domestic, commercial and industrial premises. They will learn to coordinate maintenance of apparatus and associated system circuits (refrigeration and air conditioning), undertake commissioning procedures of apparatus and complex circuits, test apparatus and circuits, diagnose and rectify faults in refrigeration and air conditioning apparatus and circuits.

Diploma in Electrotechnology - Persons gaining this qualification will be able to select, install, commission, maintain and carry out repairs on electrical equipment and systems designed for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Areas covered are control systems, drive systems, power systems, renewable energy and hazardous areas.

Advanced Diploma in Electrotechnology Engineering - Persons gaining this qualification will be able to design, select, install, commission, maintain and carry out repairs on electronic equipment and systems used in manufacturing, entertainment and defence situations. Equipment includes medical, analogue, digital and communications.