Safety for both electrical workers and the community is increasing with more than 2,500 electrical workers completing continuing professional development (CPD) requirements as part of their licence renewal.

Energy Safe Victoria chief executive officer Leanne Hughson says this was an impressive result in a very short time, demonstrating a commitment to the safety of electrical workers in Victoria.

“Continuing Professional Development is an important plank in the safety framework for electrical workers in Victoria,” she says.

“It increases worker safety by ensuring they are up to date with regulations and practices which are designed to support them to do their job well and, most importantly, safely.”

Delivered by Energy Safe, CPD is a Victorian Government initiative, supported by unions and employers and was introduced this year to increase safety for electrical workers and the community. From 1 July, 2023, all electrical workers who want to renew their licence must complete the CPD program to ensure all electrical workers are suitably prepared for their work in the community, covering important safe-work topics.

Split into two parts, Skills Maintenance and Skills Development, the first part of the program offers useful refresher training on key regulations and safety topics. Skills Development is a broader program to enhance electrical workers’ careers.

Skills Maintenance comprises a total of eight hours of in-person training at a specialist training centre or TAFE. Electrical workers will have to complete their training before applying to renew their licence.

Energy Safe head of licensing and training Sue Sizer says she expected a further 8,000 electrical workers would complete the training by this time next year.

“The outcome we are looking for is better trained electrical workers. There’s no exam to pass, although if a trainer finds a participant has a particular knowledge or skills gap, they might recommend some resources for that participant to work through to ensure they are fully comfortable with the topic,” she says.

Skills Development will not be required for licence renewals until 2028. The goal is to open new learning opportunities, particularly in renewable energy.