TAFE NSW – Riverina Institute is behind a surge in qualified electrotechnology graduates, many of whom are now running expanding businesses. Luke Hutchinson completed the Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Systems Electrician at Riverina Institute and is now running his own electrical contracting business. He took the opportunity to accelerate his training to complete nine months ahead of time, enabling him to qualify earlier than the usual four years.
‘The course taught me everything,’ Mr Hutchinson said. ‘It covered all aspects of the business, from planning and quoting on jobs to designing systems and industry standards.’
Mr Hutchinson’s business is based at Darlington Point and he has expanded the service to other areas including Griffith, Leeton and Coleambally. He has recently employed an apprentice to keep up with demand.
John Bond, Head Teacher, Electrotechnology said Riverina Institute had a history of delivering quality training.
‘We are client-focussed and ready to negotiate what their specific needs are in respect of course curriculum, time lines, methods of delivery and assessment,’ he said. ‘We have close relationships with local and regional employers and organisations, and have recently joined the local branch of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).’
This helps the Institute keep up with industry trends, assess and negotiate training needs, and keep in contact with local industry representatives and employers.
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Other graduates from the training program are working at big electrical companies such as Transgrid, Snowy Hydro and Country Energy, which have training agreements with the Institute.
Graduate Alison Douglas is a design officer and project manager for Country Energy in Griffith and said her training provided her with a strong basic knowledge of the electrical industry. ‘I design projects from start to finish, working out all the details for positioning of lines, size of transformers and so forth,’ she said. ‘It is very important to understand the principles of electricity in design as the system needs to be electrically sound, efficient, safe and meet the requirements of various standards.’
Mr Bond said there had been a significant increase in electrotechnology enrolments in the past seven years, with numbers doubling in that time. He said many students were opting for an accelerated program as Mr Hutchinson had done.
‘Several of our students have been allowed to undertake an accelerated study program at their employer’s request, completing their course to become licensed electricians up to nine months early.’
Note: Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Systems Electrician is now being offered as Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
