TAFE NSW apprentices studying Certificates in Electrotechnology, Refrigeration and Power Supply have been given the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in Low Voltage Rescue (LVR) and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

According to Safe Work Australia, on average 11 Australians die each year when working with electricity and the majority of these deaths happen when installing electrical infrastructure.

The training in LVR encompasses the skills and knowledge required for a person to be able to carry out a risk assessment of an electrically hazardous situation and perform low voltage rescue procedures without hazard to themselves or others.

TAFE NSW team leader in electrotechnology, refrigeration and power supply Nicholas Bryant is confident that the skills TAFE NSW is teaching will prevent injury and save lives: “Offering this unit to our students is a measure to protect the safety of students and the people around them throughout their careers.

“You never know when you can find yourself faced with an emergency. The ability to act in that situation and save a life is an invaluable skill that everyone should have and we are proud to offer that to our students.”

Kyran Hayman works as an air conditioning and commercial refrigeration electrician at Grafton Air and says it was a no brainer for him to undertake this additional study component as part of his studies.

“My studies are arming me with the real-world practical skills to not only do my job, but to potentially save someone’s life,” Kyran says.

“We work with dangerous equipment all day and being the first on the scene in an emergency at work means I’d like to know what to do and how to face any situation safely.”

The training sessions will take place at Murwillumbah and Yamba CLCs as well as Wollongbar, Coffs Harbour Education Centre and Port Macquarie campuses throughout November, with more locations soon to be added. The units are being offered as optional additional components to their course.