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News Service 32 – Confusion reigns on Electrotechnology Training Package roll-out; Support NSWUEITAB’s continuance; Register subsidised trainer/teacher skillset; Student work experience warning; Safety Incidents; Lookup and live; Electricity market news

uensw  > News headlines >  News Service 32 – Confusion reigns on Electrotechnology Training Package roll-out; Support NSWUEITAB’s continuance; Register subsidised trainer/teacher skillset; Student work experience warning; Safety Incidents; Lookup and live; Electricity market news
uensw October 19, 2020 0 Comments

  1. CONFUSION REIGNS ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE UPDATED ELECTROTECHNOLOGY TRAINING PACKAGE
  2. DO YOU SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE NSW UE ITAB – LET US KNOW
  3. THOUGHT ABOUT A CAREER AS A TRADE TEACHER/TRAINER, BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO DO?
  4. QUEENSLAND ELECTRICAL REGULATOR ISSUES WARNING ON STUDENTS’ ELECTRICAL WORK EXPERIENCE
  5. ELECTRICAL INCIDENT: ELECTRICIAN RECEIVES TRAUMATIC BURNS
  6. LOOK UP AND LIVE APP NOW COVERS MOST OF THE EAST COAST
  7. FACT CHECK: REWIRING THE NATION
  8. AIS REPORTS: ‘YOUR CAREER’ WEBSITE LAUNCHED
  9. AUSTRALIANS BEING RIPPED OFF BY LACK OF NCC ENFORCEMENT
  10. STRONGER FUTURE FOR RENEWABLES IN A STRONGER NATIONAL ELECTRICITY MARKET
  11. TRANSMISSION ACCESS REFORM: TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC FORUMS

1. CONFUSION REIGNS ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE UPDATED ELECTROTECHNOLOGY TRAINING PACKAGE

As outlined in previous News Services the release of the updated Electrotechnology Training Package (UEE20) recently uploaded to the Training.Gov/UEE would without doubt bring about a string of complaints or request for clarification on incomplete or defective content.  Immediately after the Package was uploaded and stakeholder gained access to the content, the complaints and queries poured in.  Some of the complaints and queries included the following:

  • AISC resolved 2 year transition period to apply whilst ASQA has not listed it in the current transition extensions, thus suggesting only 1 year transition applies (who’s in charge?);
  • Existing worker recognition pathway is now denied in some electrical units, permitting only an apprenticeship/Trades Recognition Authority (TRA) path in those units  – a problem for NSW;
  • No simulation allowed in certain electrical units (either RTOs will fail to comply with the unit requirements or candidates/learners will not be able to complete the unit);
  • Some ‘Performance Evidence’ statements are confusing at worst unachievable – mixed messages and an increased regime of assessment activities to meet requirements;
  • Disconnect reconnect units of competency cannot be delivered in NSW as a licence cannot be granted on gaining the new unit – the separate category outcomes cannot be reported to regulator;
  • Lists of Prerequisite units are not coherent – many prerequisites act as a barrier to progression or limit completion to later stage;
  • RTOs cannot assess a core unit in the electrician’s qualification without breaching the application/descriptor statement or context of the unit – a unit has been inserted in the core, that can only be assessed in an electricity Transmission/Distribution/Rail context (not all electricians work in the electricity sector and the assessment is not for refreshing existing competency which is the purpose of the specific unit).

As previously stated, the Electrotechnology Training Package was endorsed with a string of defects that were not corrected, albeit technical advice was provided both to the IRC and AISC detailing the major flaws.  However, AISC chose to endorse the Training Package ignoring the technical advice provided, ensuring that the product would cause downstream issues for RTOs, learners and employers, specifically the electrical related qualifications.  AISC took responsibility for the decision.

In that light the NSW UE ITAB advised previously, News Service readers that it would advise stakeholders that encountered issues or problems to direct their issues or concerns immediately to AISC, the federal department (DESE) managing IRCs/SSOs, and the IRC/AIS. 

In this regard given the NSW UE ITAB has little capacity to address any of the defects or assist stakeholders with their concerns after having pointed out along with other stakeholders, prior to endorsement, of the many and serious defects, the NSW UE ITAB recommends all complains or concerns be forwarded directly to the following responsible bodies:

2. DO YOU SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE NSW UE ITAB – LET US KNOW

Training Services NSW is undertaking a review of the current NSW ITAB arrangements.  To this end it has initiated a review of the existing pool of 11 NSW ITABs that provide advisory services to it and their respective stakeholders.  The Grant submission process (similar to a tender) closes 31 October 2020.  Existing ITABs and other bodies have been invited to submit proposals to cover the 11 industry sectors in a manner suited to their operations.  An applicant can bid for all, part or specific industry sectors as covered by Training Packages. 

A critical requirement for bodies, organisation or individuals seeking to make a submission and apply for the Grant, is that in their submission they must obtain support and specifically letters of support from companies or organisations that support them in proposing to take on such work.  To add value, support may also include expressions of support from industry Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) practitioners who support the work of say in our case, the NSW UE ITAB, but may find it difficult in their organisation to initiate formal letters of support.  They are sufficiently expert and qualified to pass judgment on the technical aspects of Training Package content and career arrangements, or ITAB technical vocational training and education matters or workforce development / skills formation issues.

It is with that in mind that this News Service invites organisations and Subject Matter Expert (SME) practitioners to consider the consequences of Training Services NSW Grant Opportunity awarding the Grant to another organisation or individual.  Training Services NSW may choose to select instead of the NSW UE ITAB, another organisation/individual who formally presents a collection of documented support letters covering the Utilities and Electrotechnology industry sectors to show that are an able body to replace the existing arrangement that has been in place since 1996. 

For the NSW UE ITAB to maintain its current ITAB Training Services NSW recognition status it must submit and win the Grant selection process.  It must demonstrate it has the support of industry and SME practitioners to buttress the application.  A successful win secures recognition and an nominal grant to run the business of the ITAB until June 2022, when it will once more be reviewed.

The NSW UE ITAB intends making an application to continue to cover the current industry sectors, and Training Packages, namely:

The NSW UE ITAB does not seek to expand into other industries or diminish its current coverage.

If you support the current work of the New South Wales Utilities and Electrotechnology Industry Training Advisory Body (NSW UE ITAB) as the appropriate body to cover the Utilities and Electrotechnology industry sectors and more specifically NSW matters related to the above listed Training Package, then you can show your support as follows:

  1. As an organisation – via a formal letter of support that confirms also the Training Package you are covered by (you can use the attached form letter to help you craft your letter of support – the sample letter is only for demonstration purposes)
    1. As an industry Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) practitioner – via an email that confirms your support in your capacity and role of a SME practitioner (e.g. Trade Teacher, Trainer, manager in the industry, supervisor in the industry, regulatory/safety specialist in the industry, standards professional in the industry) and the applicable Training Package(s). 
      Note: Your personal details will not be disclosed.

If you support the work of the NSW UE ITAB, then if you are an organisation that will provide us with a letter, can you please initially confirm by email that a letter of support will follow in order to help us prepare our submission.  If you are an SME practitioner, simply email your support in an email and we will collate a list. Note: Your personal details will not be disclosed, but it will provide us with an ability to show how many support the work of the NSW UE ITAB.

Submissions to Training Services NSW close on 31 October 2020, and in order to prepare the NSW UE ITAB submission we need support letters/email prior to that date. 

It would be appreciated if the letter/email of support was provided by no later than COB Friday, 23 October 2020.

Please feel free to circulate this News Service email to others who may wish to also express their support for the continuation of the current ITAB arrangements in NSW.

To help you gain an appreciation of the Grant process that will be followed by Training Services NSW and the criteria that it will use to select organisation(s)/individual(s), background information is provided on the Grant arrangements at the end of the News Service (Summary of the Grant Opportunity).

WE HOPE YOU WILL SUPPORT THE NSW UE ITAB IN OUR QUEST TO WIN THE GRANT TENDER PROCESS

IF YOU DO, PLEASE FORWARD YOUR LETTER OF SUPPORT OR EMAIL SUPPORT AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE.

THANK YOU IN ANTICIPATION

3. THOUGHT ABOUT A CAREER AS A TRADE TEACHER/TRAINER, BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO DO?

The Electrotechnology industry has an emerging skills shortage of trade teachers and trainers.  The existing trade teacher/trainer workforce is ageing and the need for a cohort of new teachers/trainers to support future tradies in their apprenticeship competency development programs is paramount.  If you work in the Electrotechnology and Electricity Supply Industry sectors and feel you have the inclination and passion to be a mentor and a leader with and ability to inspire and engage learners to achieve their full potential or would like to develop these qualities then the following career start program is for you.  The course is free. 

If you are a supervisor, electrical/refrigeration and air conditioning contractor,  electrician, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic/technician, lineworker, cable jointer, Electrotechnology RTO administrative or training support person, trades assistant, electrical wholesale sales person or involved in the Electrotechnology and Electricity Supply Industry in some form, this program is for you.

TAFE NSW in concert with Training Services NSW has established and approved a subsidised program for Electrotechnology and Electricity Supply Industry tradies and ancillary industry workers to undertake a skillset program that leads to the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.  If you meet the eligibility criteria then you can take advantage of the free fee and subsidised program by registering and participating in the program.  Upon successful completion, graduates may also apply for a NSW Training and Assessment scholarship: www.tafensw.edu.au/jobs

Course Name: Skillset within the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Commencement: 17 November 2020

Cost: Fee free. Fully subsidised.

Limited Numbers: A maximum of 20 participants may attend this course.

Location: Connected learning delivered through Microsoft teams with teacher interaction

Cut off date for registration: 30 October 2020

Register NOW: contact: TAFE NSW on 131 601 to register interest and quote the Utilities and Electrotechnology ITAB TAE skill set, or email Tony Palladino (NSW UE ITAB) at tony@uensw.com.au with your details and contact number (download the flyer)

SKILLSET UNITS:

  • TAEDES402 -Use training packages and accredited courses to meet client needs
  • TAEDEL401-Plan, organise and deliver group-based learning
  • BSBCMM401 -Make a presentation

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Tradies and ancillary industry workers from electrotechnology or electricity industry
  • People from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background encouraged to apply
  • 15yrs+
  • No longer at school
  • Living or working in NSW
  • Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen

DELIVERY SCHEDULE:

  • Commencement: 17 Nov –19 Dec 2020
  • Christmas break of 5.5 weeks
  • Re-commencement: 28 Jan –25 May 2021
  • Fortnightly: Tue 6pm-9pm, Thu 6pm-9pm, Saturday 9am-11am

For more information about this exciting career enhancing and rewarding opportunity, see attached flyer and REGISTER for the program – call TAFE NSW on 131 601.

4. QUEENSLAND ELECTRICAL REGULATOR ISSUES WARNING ON STUDENTS’ ELECTRICAL WORK EXPERIENCE

The Queensland Electrical Safety Office in its recent eSafe Electrical news has issued warning on potential breaches of the Queensland law in relation to students prospectively performing electrical work as part of a work experience program.  It states, “If work experience students are performing electrical work they must be an apprentice or a trainee under a training contract registered with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training or hold an electrical work training permit issued by the Electrical Safety Office.

Any students performing electrical work outside of these requirements may be working unlicensed. This can have serious consequences for the student and the business hosting them.

Before a student performs any electrical work, ask to see a copy of their electrical work training permit or confirm with the student and their registered training organisation that they are either an apprentice or trainee. Remember that students can only perform electrical work that is relevant to their study program.”

For more information visit: ELECTRICAL WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENTS MUST BE LICENSED

Organisations in NSW looking to facilitate similar arrangement in NSW should ensure they review the regulatory arrangements covering electrical work in NSW by visiting the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) website or contacting OFT as to the prevailing arrangements applicable to NSW.  Notwithstanding, safeguards and risk assessment of exposing students to any form of electrical work should be undertaken as part of a due diligence and duty of care regime, prior to placing students in such possible situations.

OFT website: INFORMATION ABOUT ELECTRICAL WORK AND LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

5. ELECTRICAL INCIDENT: ELECTRICIAN RECEIVES TRAUMATIC BURNS

The Australian Mine Safety Journal reports of an electrical incident that resulted in an electrician receiving traumatic burns.  The article states, “An electrician has received traumatic arc burns in an electrical incident at a Western Australian mine when current arced between two terminals and 1000V electric shock passed through his wrist.

The WA DMIRS is currently investigating the electrical incident but has revealed that in March the electrician was fault-finding on his own in a vent fan control panel during a night shift.

The Regulator said ‘he was wearing 1000V Class 0 rubber gloves and attempted to remove a plastic cover to access control relays. The cover fell to the floor of the panel and adjacent to a control transformer (1000V/110V).’

‘He reached down to retrieve the cover and his glove caught on the sharp edges of exposed terminal lugs of the control transformer which punctured the rubber glove.’”

To review the article of May 2019, in more detail visit: ELECTRICAL INCIDENT: ELECTRICIAN RECEIVES TRAUMATIC BURNS

6. LOOK UP AND LIVE APP NOW COVERS MOST OF THE EAST COAST

The Look up and Live app now covers most of the East Coast of Australia, with Ergon/Energex/ Powerlink in Qld and Endeavour energy and Essential Energy in NSW members.

Energy Queensland reports that the www.lookupandlive.com.au website is now in an Apple App at:  https://apps.apple.com/au/app/look-up-and-live/id1519374756.  The app is now available in the app stores as well.

A walk through article explains in more detail the Look up an Live online mapping application and how it can be used.  Visit: https://issuu.com/safetyinstitute/docs/ohssept2020final/28

You might recall in an earlier News Services of this great app, with Ergon Energy having produced a very interesting and important safety video that was worth exploring its principles of operation.  Whilst it is applicable to Queensland, there were some good ideas espoused therein and worthy of knowing about it.  In the video, Community Safety Specialist Glen Cook demonstrates the powerline mapping tool in the video go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MNInpkjd8M&feature=youtu.be

For more information visit the lookupandlive website at: https://ergon.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5a53f6f37db84158930f9909e4d30286 or visit: www.lookupandlive.com.au.

7. FACT CHECK: REWIRING THE NATION

BUDGET 2020: Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC) report in their latest 15 October 2020 joint news service, that, “Energy policy has been front and centre of Australia’s post-pandemic economic recovery, with a battle of transmission policies taking the headlines from gas plans during budget week. Lots of claims were made by both sides of politics about what this means for customers, but what are the facts?”

  • Coalition – Fast tracking priority transmission projects
  • Labor – Rewiring the Nation (Corporation (RNC)

“But the fact that the RNC Plan was developed at all is a symptom of the underlying problem – our current regulatory framework is not delivering the transmission investment our transforming electricity system needs. It’s imperative industry and policymakers work together to ensure we have a grid that delivers for customers.”

For more, contact Jemma Townson, Energy Networks Australia.  To review the article visit: FACT CHECK: REWIRING THE NATION

8. AIS REPORTS: ‘YOUR CAREER’ WEBSITE LAUNCHED

In its latest news letter AIS reports that the National Careers Institute has launched ‘Your Career’, its new one-stop career information website. 

The site contains a wide range of information to help people of all ages plan, navigate and manage their careers.  Key features include:

  • career quizzes to explore jobs that match a person’s profile
  • information about study or training options to help people upskill or reskill
  • tips on successful job search, including resumé writing
  • an A to Z of occupations, including detailed career descriptions, average pay and outlook
  • links to support services

For young people finishing school in 2020, the website also features a School Leavers Information Kit – Your Career: What’s next for you? – providing young people with tailored information about education, training and work options as they navigate the changing labour market.

A School Leavers Information Service is also available for assistance in using the kit and the Your Career website, or to access further careers support, where needed.”

Visit the Careers Institute site at: https://yourcareer.gov.au/

9. AUSTRALIANS BEING RIPPED OFF BY LACK OF NCC ENFORCEMENT

Editor Sandra Rossie at Climate Control News (CNN) in a 13 October 2020 article reports on an open secret, that the lack of enforcement of the National Construction Code (NCC) is resulting in Australians being ripped off.

The article states, This is the view of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) which today called on State and Territory governments to protect consumers by making urgent changes to the way building compliance is enforced.

ASBEC executive director, Suzanne Toumbourou, said the Code, which governs minimum standards for buildings, is meant to ensure minimum safety, health, comfort and energy costs in new buildings and renovations.

“But poor enforcement means consumers are not getting the safe, functional buildings they have paid for,” she said.”

To review the article in more detail visit: AUSTRALIANS BEING RIPPED OFF BY LACK OF NCC ENFORCEMENT

10. STRONGER FUTURE FOR RENEWABLES IN A STRONGER NATIONAL ELECTRICITY MARKET

On the 15th October the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) released a plan to stabilise the power system as the market transformation accelerates.  AEMC sated in its media release AEMC’s proposal, “for a new evolved framework that backs up inverter based generation well into the future – providing the voltage stability required to keep power flowing to consumers.”

The Final Report discusses issues around system strength and keeping voltage under control in the face of disturbances, as well as maintaining stable operation more generally.  The Acting Chair of AEMC, Merryn York, said “the plan was the result of extensive collaboration to understand stakeholder issues and develop a better way forward.

“The changes we’re recommending will improve the connection process for new generators and set a clear direction for how transmission networks, the market operator and generators should work together to keep system voltage stable” she said.

“We’ve applied important lessons since we stepped in three years ago to make urgent system strength changes as stability problems emerged in the power system.

“Now we are looking to the future.”

The changes establish:

  • a network planning standard for higher levels of system strength in the grid,
  • new technical standards on generators connecting to the grid, and
  • mechanisms to coordinate supply and demand with the costs shared between new generators and customers.

For more information and a copy of the Final Report can be obtained from the following link: INVESTIGATION INTO SYSTEM STRENGTH FRAMEWORKS IN THE NEM FINAL REPORT

For a copy of the medial release visit: MAKING THE NATIONAL GRID STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT LARGE VOLUMES OF RENEWABLE GENERATION

For a copy of the infographic detailing the “Stronger future for renewables in national grid” visit: INFOGRAPHIC RENEWABLES IN NATIONAL GRID

11. TRANSMISSION ACCESS REFORM: TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC FORUMS

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) reports that it has released the transcripts to two public forums held on 17 September and 22 September on the transmission access reforms. A video recording of a simplified model of the reform in action is here. Submissions on the interim paper are due on 19 October.

In its Market Review article it states, “As a result of the pace of change in Australia’s energy market, Australia has outgrown the way that it prices and delivers energy. It will replace most of its current generation stock by 2040. The electricity system of the future is likely to be characterised by many relatively small and geographically dispersed renewable generators, connecting to windy or sunny parts of the network which historically have not needed large amounts of transmission capacity.”

For more information and a range of reports, models, information sheets and FAQs visit:  COORDINATION OF GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION INVESTMENT IMPLEMENTATION – ACCESS AND CHARGING

12. Summary of the Grant Opportunity:

Training Services NSW call for submission invites applications from eligible organisations to provide ITAB services to the Department on industry and skills areas related to training packages where they have proven expertise. There are 57 training packages available for servicing, the complete list of training packages can be found here across 11 Industry groupings.

The grant opportunity and process will be administered by The Department of Education, through Training Services NSW (the Department) in accordance with the ITABs Services 2021-2022 Grant Opportunity Guidelines.  The grant funding is to cover the period 1 February 2021 until 30 June 2022 (the term).

The objectives of the grant opportunity are to undertake an open, transparent and competitive process that enables the Department to select suitable service providers to provide advice and services for clusters of training packages that support their industry.

It is the Department’s expectation that grant applicants will apply to manage more than one training package. There will be a maximum of eleven grants offered. NOTE: If suitable training package coverage is provided from successful applicants, there may be less than eleven grants approved. For information on the current ITAB industry groupings please refer to following link.

1. Background:

ITABs are autonomous, industry-based bodies that represent industry on training and related matters to support the NSW vocational education and training (VET) system. ITABs work with industry in identifying skills and training necessary for industry to compete within the changing economic environment. NSW ITABs are funded under performance and funding arrangements with the Department and are an integral part of the NSW VET system.

ITABs serve as a key source of advice to the Minister on skill requirements and the quantity and type of training needed within industry.

2. Role of ITABs

There are currently eleven (11) organisations funded by the NSW Government to provide ITAB services. ITABs articulate Government policy and initiatives to industry and provide independent feedback on NSW industry training needs and workforce development priorities. ITABs are contracted by the Department to meet the following Key Performance areas:

  1. To provide the Department with advice and feedback that is specific, timely and comprehensive on training and skills needs, issues, and priorities through industry engagement
  2. To Advise and assist the Department to identify industry skills needs, priorities and skills development issues for funded training in New South Wales
  3. To communicate training available under Smart and Skilled to industry.
  4. To Advise and assist the Department on apprenticeship and traineeship arrangements in New South Wales including school-based arrangements and the establishment of Vocational Training Orders
  5. To provide advice on the development, review and implementation of Training Packages / Training Products
  6. Support the delivery of vocational education and training to school students

ITABs are expected to foster open, honest and frequent communication between industry, employers, professional associations and the Department to provide important feedback and input on training package development and use.

ITABs, with their extensive knowledge, experience and broad networks are well positioned to provide a range of services to industry, other government departments and agencies, training providers and those interested in training.

3. Industry Groupings

  1. Arts, Communications, Finance Industries & Property Services
  2. Construction and Select Property Services
  3. Community Services & Health
  4. Food & Primary Industry & Racing
  5. Forest and Forest Products & Furnishing
  6. Manufacturing & Engineering, Light Manufacturing (Textiles, Clothing & Footwear) & Process Manufacturing
  7. Public Sector
  8. Resources and Infrastructure
  9. Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality & Wholesale, Retail & Personal Services
  10. Transport & Logistics &Automotive
  11. Utilities & Electrotechnology

4. Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for an ITAB grant, an organisation (or consortium) must:

  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • be registered for the purposes of GST
  • have an account with an Australian financial institution have an Officer (as defined in the Funding Deed) located in the state of New South Wales
  • be one of the following entity types:
    • a company incorporated in Australia
    • a company incorporated by guarantee
    • an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
    • an incorporated association
    • a partnership
    • a Consortium application with a lead organisation (For more information regarding Consortium please click here)
    • a [registered charity or] not-for-profit organisation
    • an individual
    • an Australian local government body
    • an Australian state or territory government body
    • an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
  • Organisations will need to have industry networks in place and the support of their industry sector/s and subsector/s. Organisations will need to partner with other agencies and government departments as required.
  • Organisations must have a Board in place prior to the execution of the ITAB Grant Funding Deed.

5. Consortium applications

The Department recognises that some organisations may wish to form a consortium to deliver ITAB services. In these circumstances, there must be a clearly appointed ‘lead organisation’. Only the lead organisation can apply and enter into a Funding Deed with the Department. The lead organisation will be the point of contact for the Department.

6. Grant expenditure

Grant funding can only be used for the purpose of achieving the deliverables and KPAs as outlined in the Funding Deed.

7. Assessment of grant applications

Applicants must address the assessment criteria below and provide all required information in their application. The Department will assess applications based on the weighting given to each criterion.