Y
G
O
L
HNO
C
E
T
O
ECTR
EL
TRAINING PATHWAYS
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY
The Electrotechnology industry employs 17,300 South
Australians, which is around 2% of the workforce.
This industry has a bright future in South Australia, with
numerous defence, mining and green energy projects, the roll
our of broadband across the state and the electrification of the
rail network.
Just under 2,500 jobs are expected to open up over the next
five years due to industry growth and replacement of people
who will retire.
Most people working in this industry work in an electricity
distribution company such as ETSA Utilities and with or as
various sub-contractors.
Most of the jobs are in the northern and southern suburbs,
there are pockets of jobs in the eastern and western suburbs,
the Adelaide Hills and in regional areas.
• Almost everyone works full time in this industry.
• The majority of people working in the industry have a
Certificate III qualification or higher.
• This is a very male dominated industry - in fact, there are
only a small number of women.
• People working in the industry are generally younger than in
other industries.
• To work in this industry you need to have normal colour
vision (to see red and green wiring), enjoy practical work, and
have a strong commitment to safety.
• Electronics Trades Workers earn from $600 - $800 per week.
• Most established full time workers in this industry earn $1000
per week or more.
• For all occupations, shift work and 24 hour callouts are
common, often attracting wage bonuses.
TOP 5
OCCUPATIONS
Electricians
Electronics Trades Workers
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
Electrical Engineers
Electrical Distribution Trades Workers
24
See SACE www.sace.sa.edu.au for VET in SACE recognition
options.
VET in SACE options include:
• Electrotechnology (UEE07)
• Electricity Supply Industry (UEP06)
Vocational Qualifications include:
• Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma in Electricity Supply Industry
Generation, with specialisations in operations support,
systems operations, mechanical, fabrication, electrical/
electronic, maintenance
• 19 qualifications at both the Certificate II and III level,
including business equipment, computer systems
equipment, custom electronics installations, data and voice
communications, appliance servicing, electrical machine
repair, switchgear and control gear, electrotechnology
electrician, electronics and communications, fire protection
control, gaming electronics, instrumentation and control,
refrigeration and air-conditioning, security equipment, rail communications and networks, hazardous areas - electrician,
explosion-protected equipment overhaul, and renewable
energy
• 20 qualifications at the Certificate IV level, many of which
build on the Certificate III qualifications above, plus additional
specialisations in inspection and audits, industrial electronics,
energy management, lift systems, rail signalling, video and
audio systems, and photovoltaic systems
• 9 Diploma qualifications and 13 Advanced Diploma
qualifications that build on the above
University Degrees include:
• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)
• Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics
OCCUPATIONS IN THIS INDUSTRY
Electrotechnology is the generation, transmission, and
distribution of electricity.
First, other forms of energy such as coal, natural gas, solar, wind
and geothermal energy are converted into electrical energy.
Then that electrical energy is transmitted via high voltage
transmission systems to the distribution system (known as “the
grid”).
Finally, the electricity needs to be transmitted from the grid to
consumers through power lines and wiring in each building.
Working conditions vary for each occupation. For example,
plant operators work in control rooms, operating a controlling
console, and also out in the plant, whereas linespeople and
cable jointers mainly work outdoors, often at heights, with high
voltage and/or communications cables.
Electrical engineering technicians carry out technical support
functions in electrical engineering, including diagnosing and
repairing faults and selecting and installing equipment.
Related Occupations
Electricians
Electrical Engineering
Technicians
Electronics Engineering
Associates
Electronics Engineering
Technicians
Electrical Linespeople
Cable Jointers
Power Generation Plant
Operators
Boiler Attendants
Electronic Equipment
Technicians
The Electrotechnology industry links to the:
• Construction industry
• Civil Construction industry
• Mining industry
• Metals and Engineering industry
• Business and Finance Industry
Electricians install, maintain, repair, test and commission
electrical and electronic equipment and systems for industrial,
commercial and domestic purposes. Electricians may also work
on electrical transmission and distribution equipment.
Electrical linespersons install, repair and maintain overhead lines
and cables carrying electricity to domestic, commercial and
industrial users and electric train services.
Career information about specific occupations has been sourced from www.myfuture.edu.au
South Australian labour market information has been sourced from ABS Catalogue 6291.0 Labour Force, average of 4 quarters to February quarter 2010
South Australian information on Age, Region and Income has been sourced from the Australian Census of Population and Housing 2006
Job Openings information is sourced from the South Australian Training and Skills Commission, November 2009
© Copyright 2010 Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education
ls
Skil
ter
a
RE logy and oWm.au
O
M
NEEDtrotechno.eeewsb.c
ities
Util
w
y
w
Elec
g
r
e
rd w
d En
Boa
s an ncil
m
om
ou
troC
lls C
Elec try Ski om.au
s
.c
Indu .ee-oz
tm
w
ex.h
w
d
n
w
i
/
/trig
lus
ra P .org.au
b
e
Alg .mitac
w
e
v.au
ww
ienc nce.go
c
S
in
cie
sins
eers
Car .career
w
ww
?
INFO