ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
What is Electrotechnology?
Electrotechnology consists of design, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of all electrical equipment. Application of Electrotechnology stretches from Residential and Commercial Buildings, Factories, Mining, Oil & Gas Industries, Telecom, Outdoor & Remote Facilities.
Electricians are licensed to work in renewable energy sector. After further upskilling they can Install Grid Connected Solar PV systems and battery systems. In the recent years renewable energy has witnessed a global rise. Governments all over the world are promoting Renewable energy by subsidising Solar PV, Wind, and Battery systems
Various renewable energy projects are being set-up for solar energy and wind energy generation. The demand for qualified electricians to be employed in renewable energy projects is expected to increase as the countries look to move away from dependency on fossil fuels.In addition to this, new technological advancement has led to a transformation in home automation and smart communication devices. Electrotechnology is helping make all this a reality.
Employment Opportunities
The Electrotechnology forecast highlights a range of opportunities and a high demand for qualified electricians in the market. The rapid advancement in technology is changing the skills requirement in this evolving industry. After completing certification in electrotechnology the engineers and technicians can work in the following occupations to name a few:
• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical Services
• Telecommunications
• Automation
• PLC and HMI Scada
• Industrial Control Systems
• Renewable & sustainable energy
Further, these engineers and technicians can start their own business and work as electrical contractors. Electrical contractors manage a team of electricians and directly interact with clients to complete the work and secure payments for the work executed. Some individuals may also operate as individual tradesmen giving them flexibility and control on how and when they work.
After completion of these Electrotechnology courses and acquisition of valuable experience, Electricians can further transition into senior positions which include strategy and management for businesses. Career paths such as project managers, site administrators, Technical coordinators, educators, trainers, and assessors also opens as they gain industry experience.
Type of Work
The scope of work for electrotechnology engineers and electricians is generally related to installation, testing and maintenance of electrical layouts, controls, switchboards, and equipment. Further Electrical work also involves research, design, planning and commissioning of industrial automation, operation of electrical equipment, plant electrification and telecommunications systems.
Electricians organize and monitor the performance of Electrical and electronic systems using PLC (Programmable logic controllers), HMI (Human machine interface) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). Many Electricians specialise in BMS (Building management systems) and Home Automation which is an extended version of PLC, HIM and SCADA.
Some day-to-day tasks of Electrician are as follows. There are hundreds of other tasks that an electrician has to perform, and it would be incorrect to say all electricians perform those tasks but the following are generic and are performed typically by most Electricians:
• Reading of electrical and mechanical drawings
• Understand electrical specifications required while undertaking a job.
• Plan layouts of electrical wires and electrical systems
• Test and maintain electrical equipment.
• Install automated electrical controls switch boards and electrical equipment.
• Fix light fittings, power outlets, conduits, cable tray, ladder racks, circuit breakers and other electrical equipment.
Electrotechnology Courses
To become an Electrotechnology Electrician one needs to enrol into Certificate II in Electrotechnology (career start). This course requires successful completion of year 9 or 10 or its equivalent. The student should also need to demonstrate appropriate language, literacy, numeracy skills and knowledge. This course will help the student decide if he or she wants to make a career as an Electrician.
Completing Certificate II in Electrotechnology will help an individual in getting entry in the electrical industry. This certificate will help the candidate to work as an Electrical trade assistant or a Telecommunication trade assistant to test the waters.Cert II in Electrotechnology is followed by Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. The enrollment criteria for this certificate requires the candidate to be employed as an apprentice. After successful completion, the candidate will be able to work as an A Grade Electrical Mechanic or Electrical fitter depending on his Elective units and experience.
If he has industrial experience, then he is deemed to be an Electrical fitter and if he has domestic and commercial Installation experience he will be classed as an Electrical Mechanic. These rules may vary from one state to the other.The advanced course, Certificate IV in Electrotechnology – Systems Electrician is for those candidates who want to upskill and work with advanced equipment in a supervisory position.
To enrol into this course, candidates must complete Cert 3 in Electrotechnology, have a valid Unrestricted Electrical Licence, a valid ID (e.g., Drivers Licence) and one year of work experience. Completion of this certificate will provide opportunities to work as a System Electrician, PLC Technician, Maintenance Technician.
If you wish to pursue any of the above-mentioned courses, do not hesitate to connect with us. We will be delighted to help you with your career goals.