For the first time, TAFE SWSi is offering licensed electricians and cablers a course specifically designed to give them accredited “smart home” wiring qualifications.

In July, TAFE SWSi will deliver a two-day Smart Wired Designers Course, developed in partnership with the ICAA.

The new course will give graduates the ability to wire a home for smarter communications, entertainment, security, lighting and even electric cars. It will also allow them to register as Smart Wiring accredited; and use logos and marketing material to stand out in a competitive market.

ICAA CEO John Fennel said there are now national industry cabling standards in home technology, including Smart Wiring.

“This is a very exciting time for apprentices and contractors as the number of broad acre developments are rolling out and being connected to fibre,” Mr Fennel said.

“As the National Broadband Network (NBN) brings very fast broadband to Australians, home technology is increasingly becoming integrated into daily life and the family home is filling up with lots of connected gadgets.

“Homes are simply becoming much smarter so it’s critical that electricians and telecommunications technicians are able to lay the foundations to ensure families take full advantage of the home technology available.”

TAFE SWSi Institute Director, Peter Roberts said as the NBN gradually connected to more than 11 million Australian homes, smarter home wiring would increasingly become the industry standard.

“It’s imperative then that our electricians are upskilled to meet the expected growing demand for smart wiring of homes,” Mr Roberts said. “And once again, TAFE SWSi is leading the way in delivering training which is essential for the 21^st century tradie.”

The Smart Wired Designers Course will be open to fourth year apprentices and qualified electricians/cablers.

The initial course is scheduled to run over four evenings on the 14, 15, 21 and 22 July 2015 at TAFE SWSi’s Granville College before being offered at a range of other locations.

TAFE SWSi is one of Australia’s largest training organisations and has an enviable reputation for providing high quality skills training across a range of disciplines vital to growing the local, regional and state economies.

More than 21,000 students are enrolled across nine colleges in more than 400 courses ranging from certificate to degree programs.

TAFE SWSi also provides training for more apprentices than any other RTO in NSW and was awarded the 2013 Australian Large Training Provider of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.