The Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) prepares learners for a professional career in the electrical trade. This comprehensive program equips you with the essential skills and technical knowledge required to install, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in commercial, residential, and industrial environments.

The qualification meets the requirements of the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) for an Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence and supports you on your journey to becoming a fully qualified electrician in Australia.

Delivered over two years, this course blends face-to-face classes, practical workshop sessions, and online learning to support different learning styles and ensure strong theoretical and hands-on capabilities. The course also includes mandatory units for CPR and low-voltage panel rescue.

On successful completion, learners may pursue licensing requirements and continue to further qualifications or advanced trade pathways.

This course provides the essential training required to work as an electrician. Key learning outcomes include:

• Installing and testing low voltage wiring and equipment
  
• Diagnosing and repairing electrical systems and faults
  
• Interpreting electrical drawings, diagrams and specifications
  
• Selecting and connecting control circuits and transformers
  
• Applying WHS, environmental, and sustainability standards
  
• Performing CPR and rescue from a live LV panel
  
• Using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and electrical software tools
  
• Verifying compliance and safety of general electrical installations
  

Graduates will be eligible to apply for an Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence (subject to additional workplace experience and assessment), and may continue to Certificate IV or licensing-level training.

This qualification includes a total of 29 units of competency, comprising 27 core units and 2 elective units, totalling 1,110 weighting points:

Core Units (27 units – 990 Points)

• UEECD0007 – Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
• UEECO0023 – Participate in electrical work and competency development activities
• UEECD0016 – Document and apply measures to control WHS risks associated with electrotechnology work*
• HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• UETDRRF004 – Perform rescue from a live LV panel*
• UEERE0001 – Apply environmentally and sustainable procedures in the energy sector
• UEECD0019 – Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components*
• UEECD0020 – Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment*
• UEECD0051 – Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications*
• UEECD0046 – Solve problems in single path circuits*
• UEECD0044 – Solve problems in multiple path circuits*
• UEEEL0021 – Solve problems in magnetic and electromagnetic devices
• UEEEL0019 – Solve problems in direct current (d.c.) machines*
• UEEEL0020 – Solve problems in low voltage a.c. circuits*
• UEEEL0023 – Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits*
• UEEEL0025 – Test and connect transformers*
• UEEEL0024 – Test and connect alternating current (a.c.) rotating machines*
• UEEEL0005 – Develop and connect electrical control circuits*
• UEEEL0008 – Evaluate and modify low voltage heating equipment and controls*
• UEEEL0009 – Evaluate and modify low voltage lighting circuits, equipment and controls*
• UEEEL0010 – Evaluate and modify low voltage socket outlets circuits*
• UEEEL0003 – Arrange circuits, control and protection for electrical installations*
• UEEEL0018 – Select wiring systems and select cables for low voltage electrical installations*
• UEEEL0047 – Identify, shut down and restart systems with alternate supplies*
• UEEEL0014 – Isolate, test and troubleshoot low voltage electrical circuits*
• UEEEL0012 – Install low voltage wiring, appliances, switchgear and associated accessories*
• UEEEL0039 – Design, install and verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations*

Elective Units (2 units – 120 Points)

• UEEEL0046 Find and repair faults in LV d.c. electrical apparatus and circuits*
• UEEEL0069 Select and arrange equipment for special LV electrical installations*

*Units marked with an asterisk have one or more prerequisites. Prerequisite requirements have been embedded into the delivery structure to ensure learners meet them before undertaking each unit.

All units are delivered in a predefined sequence aligned with industry requirements and licensing outcomes. The delivery schedule supports learners in gaining the skills and knowledge progressively while meeting all pre-requisite structures.

This qualification prepares you for a range of electrical trade careers including:

• Electrician (General)
  
• Maintenance Electrician
  
• Electrical Tradesperson
  
• Industrial or Domestic Electrical Technician
  
• Electrical Installer / Assembler
  

It is also a key component of licensing pathways, including the NSW Fair Trading Pathway A for applying for an Electrician’s Licence (subject to work experience and assessment).

To study this qualification, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment and provide evidence of relevant study or experience.

There are different entry pathways depending on your background:

1. Non-Apprenticeship Pathway (With Previous Study) – Domestic Students

Designed for applicants who have already completed previous study or trade-related study and want to upgrade to a full trade qualification.

Requirements:

• Have successfully completed Year 10, or
• Hold a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), or an equivalent trade-related qualification.
• Provide supporting documents such as certificates, transcripts, or statements of attainment.
• May be required to complete an LLND skill evaluation to identify learning support needs.

2. Non-Apprenticeship Pathway (With Work Experience) – Domestic Students

This pathway is for applicants who have been working in the electrical industry and wish to formalise their skills.

Requirements:

• Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the electrotechnology field.
• Provide a current resume and/or employer reference letters as evidence.
• Be currently employed in a related industry, supported by a letter from your employer.

May be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT), with gap training provided where needed.

May be required to complete an LLND skill evaluation to identify learning support needs.

Note for All Students

South Sydney College (SSC) may require you to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills evaluation. This helps us understand your learning needs and ensure you receive the right support to succeed in your course.

SSC offers flexible payment options, with fees starting from $474.00 per fortnight over 50 instalments. Discounts are available for shorter payment plans. Click here for details.

• Face-to-Face Classes: Held weekly at our Burwood campus
• Workshop Training: Hands-on learning and practical assessments at Burwood Campus workshop
• Online Learning: Complete essential reading, video tutorials and tasks via the student portal
• Trainer Support: Dedicated weekly coaching sessions, progress feedback, and one-on-one guidance

You will be assessed through written tests, project assignments, and practical demonstrations.

Course Structure & Commitment

The UEE30820 – Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician is delivered over 104 weeks (2 years), including scheduled term breaks. The program is carefully structured to balance classroom learning, hands-on workshop practice, and flexible self-paced study.

• 2 days per week of face-to-face classes and practical workshops (daytime or evening sessions)
• Structured online or self-paced learning for theory and knowledge-based components
• Guided study, coaching, and assessment preparation during each term

Delivery Structure

• Total Duration: 104 weeks (including breaks)
• Program Length: 8 terms delivered over 2 years
• Each Term: 9 weeks of classes
• Breaks: 4 terms per year (36 weeks of study and 16 weeks of scheduled breaks)

Training Plan & Schedule

You’ll receive a personalised training plan and timetable upon enrolment, detailing your class schedule, workshop sessions, and assessment milestones — helping you plan your study and practical requirements with confidence.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)

Learners with previous study or relevant work experience may be eligible to have their existing skills recognised or receive credit for equivalent units, allowing for faster course completion.

Applications for RPL or Credit Transfer are assessed individually to ensure your experience or prior qualifications meet the required competency standards.

Students must provide or have access to:

• BYO laptop with basic Microsoft Office or equivalent
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety glasses, safety gloves (cut 2 resistant), safety boots, safety cap
• Electrician’s hand tool kit (multimeter, pliers, screwdrivers etc.)
• Textbooks:
  
  • Electrical Principles (5th Ed, Cengage)
  • Electrical Trade Practices (3rd Ed, Cengage)

All other materials and learning resources will be supplied by South Sydney College.

Occupational licences are mandatory for anyone wishing to work as an electrician in Australia. A licence is required to perform electrical work on equipment or installations operating at voltages greater than 50V a.c. or 120V d.c.

Each state and territory in Australia has its own licensing and regulatory authorities, which may specify additional educational or practical experience requirements. Students should contact their local regulator to confirm current requirements before applying for a licence.

In New South Wales (NSW), successful completion of the Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician meets part of the requirements for the issue of a Qualified Supervisor Certificate (Electrician). This allows holders to:

• Work unsupervised on low-voltage fixed wiring and equipment.
• Supervise others performing such work.

This qualification is part of the pathway to apply for an Unrestricted Electrician’s Licence in NSW. For more details, visit: NSW Fair Trading – Electrical Licensing: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/licensing-and-qualifications/electrical-licensing

Graduates may also continue to:

• Certificate IV in Electrical – Instrumentation
• Certificate IV in Hazardous Areas – Electrical
• Diploma of Electrical Engineering

If you have previous industry experience or hold relevant units from another course, you may be eligible for credit transfer or RPL. Speak to our enrolment team for a free skills assessment before enrolling.