TRAINING PLAN 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY
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TRAINING PLAN 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY
TRAINING
PLAN 2021
ACT BUILDING AND
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY
$2.4 million
for training rebates for
13,400 ACT workers
Provided
$1.6 million Funded
ACT Building & Construction
for ACT employers
of apprentices $4.5 million
for training program expenses
Industry Training Fund Authority
Suite 4, Mungga-Iri House
18 Napier Close, Deakin, ACT 2600
T 02 6262 5630
www.trainingfund.com.au
Comments regarding the annual training
plan and its development are welcome.
Ben Stokes
bstokes@trainingfund.com.au
ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority........................................ 4 Minister’s Statement.............................................................................................................. 6 Chairman’s Statement........................................................................................................... 7 About the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority........................ 9 Administration of the Training Fund.................................................................................... 10 Work Liable for the Payment of the Training Levy.............................................................. 12 2021 Training Plan Funding................................................................................................ 14 2021 Training Plan............................................................................................................... 16 Existing Worker Training and Professional Development................................................... 34 Work Health and Safety Training........................................................................................ 35 Entry Level Training............................................................................................................. 36 Marketing and Sponsorship................................................................................................ 37 Research and Development............................................................................................... 38 Access and Equity.............................................................................................................. 39 Examples of Funded Courses in FY 2019/20..................................................................... 40
ACT Building and
Construction Industry
Training Fund Authority
THE AUTHORITY BOARD
Independent Chairman
Mr Michael Young
Employee Representatives
Mr Zachary Smith
Mr Neville Betts
Employer Representatives
Ms Graciete Ferreira
Mr Stuart Sampson
THE AUTHORITY STAFF
Chief Executive Officer
Mr Glenn Carter
Compliance Manager
Mr Ben Stokes
Industry Liaison Officer
Mr Michael Doyle
Page 4 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY
Minister’s Statement
As Minister for Tertiary Education, I am pleased to approve the 2021
Training Plan of the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund
Authority (the Authority). This approval is in accordance with Section 25
of the Building and Construction Industry Training Levy Act 1999.
I note that widespread industry consultation took place to develop Also in 2021, the Authority will continue to fund the Tradeswomen in
the 2021 Training Plan, and I thank industry stakeholders for their Building and Construction campaign that was launched in September
comments and advice in the formulation of the plan. 2008 to encourage women to seek a career in the industry. Details are
provided at the campaign website www.tradeswomencanberra.com.au
The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund was established
in May 1999, and the liability to pay the training levy commenced in I am pleased to note that under the 2021 Training Plan, the Authority
November 1999. expects to provide $4,253,450 in funding for training in the industry
and funding of incentives to employers and GTOs that will employ
Since its establishment, the Authority has funded $29,462,348 for the
and train apprentices in the industry.
training of existing workers and $19,967,486 for entry-level training.
It is also pleasing that the Authority has continued its substantial
During the past 17 years, the Authority has made incentive payments
commitment to the funding of Work Health and Safety training for
to employers and group training organisations (GTOs) to assist them
workers in the industry.
in the employment of apprentices in areas of skills shortages.
I recommend the 2021 Training Plan to all stakeholders who are keen
These incentives will assist the industry overcome skills shortages
to participate in training for the ongoing development of the building
and will also provide employment opportunities for young people
and construction industry in the ACT.
seeking a career in the building and construction industry.
Minister Chris Steel MLA
As in past years, the 2021 Training Plan will provide a policy framework
Member for Murrumbidgee
for the funding of training for entry-level and existing workers in
Minister for Tertiary Education
a wide range of occupations. It will also provide funding for other
October 2020
training, promotional and research related activities within the industry.
Page 6 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY
Chairman’s Statement
I am excited to be appointed in January this year as
Chair of the ACT Building and Construction Industry
Training Fund Authority (the Authority).
I would like to thank the outgoing Chairman, James Service AM, as having a skills shortage will continue as part of the Authority’s
for his leadership, dedication, and contribution to the Authority since entry‑level training program.
its inception in 1999.
Since inception, these incentive payments have been extremely
The 2021 Training Plan provides a policy framework for entry-level successful with funding provided for trades including bricklaying and
and existing workers to access funding for training in a wide range block laying, civil construction – plant, civil construction – pipe laying,
of occupations. The Training Plan also provides advice on other training, construction waterproofing, drainage, electronics and communications,
promotional, research and equity-related programs available to industry. fire protection, glass and glazing, horticulture turf, plant mechanical,
plastering – solid, plastering – wall and ceiling lining, roof plumbing,
In the 2019/20 financial year, 13,400 industry workers attended
stonemasonry, and wall and floor tiling. The trades where these
approved training programs funded by the Authority, with $2,476,748
incentives will be offered in 2021 will be announced in January 2021.
provided in training rebates. Overall, the Authority provided $4,586,908
to fund activities in its five operational programs of entry-level training; The Authority continues to fund a range of ACT colleges that provide
existing-worker training and professional development; promotion, vocational education and training in Certificate I & II construction
marketing and sponsorship; research and development; and access training programs, as well as providing incentive payments for
and equity. In 2020/21, the Authority will continue to provide funding for Indigenous Australian apprentices, women in a non-traditional
training in the same key areas and has budgeted $4,253,450 to do so. vocation (Tradeswomen in Building and Construction campaign),
persons with a disability, persons with a non-English speaking
Incentive payments to employers of apprentices who are engaged
background or building and construction workers returning to the
under an ACT Contract of Training in trades that have been identified
workforce after injury.
Page 7
Chairman’s Statement
In 2021, funding will continue to be provided to employers industry training advisory bodies, trades groups, registered training
and GTOs that employ and train an estimated 350 apprentices organisations (RTOs), government agencies, industry associations
in the industry. and unions in the development of the plan.
The Authority has continued its significant commitment to the funding My thanks to my board colleagues of the Authority for their assistance
of Work Health and Safety training for workers in the industry to and counsel throughout the past year, and to the staff of the Authority
improve the provision of a safe workplace and support the industry for their commitment to the Authority and its stakeholders.
wide approach to the reduction of the ACT’s worksite injury rate.
On behalf of the Authority, I commend the 2021 Training Plan to all
Included in the 2021 Training Plan are examples of training courses stakeholders who have an interest in training for the future development
funded in 2020, the names of the RTOs that delivered the training of the building and construction industry in the ACT.
and their contact details. The first half of 2020 has been a challenging
Michael Young
year for the industry, particularly with the impacts of the bushfires
Chairman
and COVID-19. The Authority Board meets regularly to consider
October 2020
applications from industry regarding additional support for training
funding, and I encourage all applications that seek to advance the
training needs of workers across all industry sectors here in the ACT.
The Authority relies on industry stakeholders to guide the funding
direction of all training programs in the industry. and greatly appreciates
the advice and contributions made by many industry stakeholders,
including employers, employees, group training organisations (GTOs),
Page 8 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY
About the ACT Building The Levy on work that is subject to requiring
and Construction Industry building approval (BA) must be paid within
14 days of receiving building approval.
Training Fund Authority The payment of the Levy on non-building
work, such as civil works, landscaping,
utilities and telecommunications, is arranged
The ACT Building and Construction Industry between the Authority and the project owner.
Training Fund Authority (the Authority) is
This is usually done through the
the statutory body responsible for providing
mechanism of a written agreement that
funding for the training of eligible workers
allows the project owner to self-assess the
in the ACT building and construction industry.
Levy liability and make a direct payment to
the Authority.
Where work is carried out by or for a
project owner not covered by a written
The Authority has a governing board Established in May 1999 to administer self‑assessment agreement with the
consisting of an Independent Chairman, an industry training fund, the Authority is Authority, the work is monitored to
two employer representatives and two responsible for the collection of a Training determine if a Levy liability exists.
employee representatives. The Chief Levy of 0.2%, calculated from the cost of
The Authority will then contact the project
Executive Officer sits on the board as the work exclusive of GST.
owner to achieve compliance. The Authority
a non‑voting member. The Minister for
The Levy is collected from building and has a statutory obligation to ensure that
Tertiary Education may appoint a board
construction work in the ACT, where the total the requirements of the Act are observed.
member for a term of up to three years,
cost exceeds $10,000 and meets the criteria
and members may be re-appointed. The Authority works closely with industry
as set out in the Schedule 1 ‘Work’ of the Act.
stakeholders, industry bodies, businesses
The responsibilities, governance and
The Authority uses these funds and invests and government agencies to promote
powers of the Authority are set out in
in projects and training that directly support the role of the Authority and this assists
the Building and Construction Industry
the industry skills base in accordance with in achieving a high level of compliance
Training Levy Act 1999.
the current year’s Training Plan. with the Act.
Page 9
Administration of the
Training Fund
The Authority will provide funding for the training of
eligible workers, support the entry of new people into
the building and construction industry, and improve
the culture and access to training.
OVERVIEW Funding for training is targeted at developing APPLICATIONS
new skills for entry level (apprentices) and
Subject to funds being available, the Employees, apprentices, employers, group
existing workers in the industry. For example:
Authority will allocate funds for training training organisations (GTOs), industry bodies
on the following terms: • Apprentices under an ACT Contract and associations, and registered training
of Training are eligible for supplementary organisations (RTOs) may lodge an application
• Payments for training are intended to
skills training. form seeking funding.
achieve additional training outcomes
and are NOT to substitute for existing • Injured workers on rehabilitation are Applications must be submitted for assessment
workforce training. eligible for training to assist their return prior to training commencing with a RTO.
to the industry.
• Allocation of funds will be needs based Applications are to be submitted online
against predetermined priorities. • Existing workers are eligible for from the ACT Building and Construction
refresher courses, training in new Industry Training Fund Authority website.
• Funding is for a rebate on training delivered
fields and management techniques www.trainingfund.com.au.
and must NOT be used to cover capital
relevant to the industry.
expenditure costs. Apply now from your PC, tablet or smartphone.
For more Information phone 6262 5630.
Page 10 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYELIGIBILITY The Authority will assess all applications • Participants must be carrying out work
against the following criteria: that makes them eligible – either as an
An ELIGIBLE PERSON is any person working
employee, employer or an independent
in or in connection with the building and • No retrospective applications will be
contractor.
construction industry in the ACT who is (at least considered.
80%) performing ‘work liable for the Training Levy’ • Product-specific training courses will
• Funding will be provided for skills training
(see page 10), or is a person deemed as an eligible not be funded and training courses
identified in the Training Plan. Training
person on application to the Authority. must be generic.
not covered by the Plan may be funded
An eligible person can be an employer, employee on their merits. • The Authority will monitor the cost of
or an independent contractor. training courses and may set a maximum
• Training must be provided by a RTO.
amount to be funded per participant.
APPLICANT’S RESPONSIBILITY • There must be an identified training
• The Authority may withhold payment
outcome for each participant.
The applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction for training where an individual fails to
of the Authority that any individual covered by a • Participants, other than injured workers successfully complete all components
request for funding of training is an eligible worker. on rehabilitation, will be required to of the approved training course.
This may require a statutory declaration. contribute to the cost of the training course.
Page 11Work Liable for
the Payment of
the Training Levy
• The construction, erection, alteration, signal or other structure connected with • The construction, alteration, repair,
repair, renovation, demolition, maintenance light rail or any other railway. demolition or removal of a dam, reservoir,
or removal of a building or structure. weir or other embankment or structure
• The construction, alteration, repair,
for the catchment, collection, storage,
• The construction, alteration or repair demolition or removal of an aircraft
control or diversion of water.
of a road, street parking area, footpath, runway or a helicopter landing pad.
thoroughfare (for pedestrians or • The laying of pipes and other
• The construction, alteration, repair,
vehicles), kerbing, guttering, roundabout, prefabricated material in the ground.
demolition or removal of a bridge,
median strip or the performance of
viaduct, aqueduct or tunnel. • The construction, erection, installation,
other road works.
alteration, repair, demolition or removal
• The construction, alteration, repair,
• The construction, alteration, repair, of any system or plant associated with
demolition or removal of a harbour,
demolition or removal of light rail or the conveyance, collection, storage,
breakwater, retaining wall or marina.
any other railway, or part of light rail or treatment or distribution of water or gas,
any other railway, or of any platform, • The performance of excavation work. or the disposal of sewage or effluent.
Page 12 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY• Electrical, electronic, communications or • The construction, repair, alteration or
data networks, or mechanical services removal of a playing field, golf course,
work, including work that is related to racecourse, stadium, swimming pool
the construction, erection, installation, or other sporting or recreational facility.
alteration, repair, servicing or dismantling
• Landscaping or the construction,
of any plant, plant facility or equipment.
alteration or removal of a park or garden.
• The on-site construction, installation,
• Work to improve the drainage of land.
alteration, repair, renovation, demolition
or removal of: a lift or escalator; any • Any site preparation work (including pile
airconditioning, ventilation or refrigeration driving) preliminary to the performance
system or equipment. of any construction work.
Page 132021 Training Plan Funding
The ACT Building and Construction
Industry Training Fund Authority collects
a 0.2% levy on building and construction
projects above $10,000 undertaken in the
ACT, which is then used to fund training
for workers in the industry.
The Authority’s funding is divided into five Table 1: Funding for training
operational programs of entry level training
Funding Program $ %
and existing worker training and professional
development, along with the three special Existing Worker 2,180,000 51
funding programs: promotion, marketing
and sponsorship; research and development; Entry Level 1,595,150 37
and access and equity.
Access & Equity 249,000 6
In 2021, the Authority will continue to provide
funding for training in the same key areas Research & Development 162,000 4
and has budgeted $4,253,450 as shown
Marketing & Sponsorship 67,300 2
in the table.
TOTAL 4,253,450
Page 14 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY$2,180,000
EXISTING
WORKER
51% $1,595,150
ENTRY
LEVEL 37%
$249,000
ACCESS &
EQUITY
6%
$162,000
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT
4%
$67,300
MARKETING & 2%
SPONSORSHIP2021 Training Plan
The ACT Building and Construction
Industry Training Fund Authority
(the Authority) has undertaken an
extensive study of industry activity in
the past 12 months in the development
of the 2021 Training Plan.
The study utilises and relies upon reports and discussions from stakeholders from The consultation process provided the
submitted by the ACT Regional Building a range of industry events and forums. Authority some insight into the training and
and Construction Industry Training Council professional development requirements
The Authority greatly appreciates the
Inc. (CITC) and the ACT Electrotechnology of industry sectors, and the growing skills
information and advice obtained from
and Energy Advisory Board (EE-AB) in demands placed on industry in the building
industry used in the formulation of the
consultation with industry stakeholders; and construction market in the ACT.
2021 Training Plan.
registered training organisations (RTOs),
Many comments and suggestions provided in
group training organisations (GTOs), civil, The Authority supports eligible industry
the industry consultation this year are similar
commercial, residential, associations, unions stakeholders by providing financial rebates for
to previous years, in particular, industry has
and government entities including Access approved training to those workers undertaking
requested that the training programs included
Canberra, Office of Regulatory Services, upskilling and professional development
in the 2020 Training Plan be again included
Building Policy (Environment, Planning and within the building and construction industry
in the 2021 Training Plan.
Sustainable Development Directorate) and in the ACT. The Authority relies upon industry
Worksafe ACT via face to face interviews stakeholders to guide the funding direction
for training programs delivered by RTOs.
Page 16 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYThe CITC invited over 450 industry The Report provides the Authority with The CITC spent a considerable amount of time
stakeholders, including individuals and an overview of what is proposed in relation and effort engaging with stakeholders and
organisations, to provide comment and to training and professional development sent several reminders, electronic and verbal
offer suggestions plus their specific for people working in the Building and inviting them to participate. The data provided
requirements for the following key aspects Construction Industry in the ACT and the supports the findings of the face-to-face,
of the 2021 Training Plan: specific training that industry is seeking electronic responses and other intelligence
in 2021. The Report also recognises and gathering processes over the 12-month period
• Existing Worker Training and Professional
addresses the challenges and issues as a and the overall quality of these responses was
Development
result of COVID-19. extremely encouraging for inclusion in the Plan.
• Work Health and Safety
The CITC consultation process provides Additionally, the Report provides an overview
• Entry Level Training
industry stakeholders the opportunity to of what some stakeholders see as key training
• Promotion, Marketing and Sponsorship contribute to the 2021 Training Plan by offering and professional development requirements
• Research and Development them opportunities, to recognise the issues in the foreseeable future.
• Access and Equity and challenges faced in relation to training.
Page 172021 Training Plan
Matters that were highlighted through this GTO • Continued support for mandated and
year’s consultation included: • Maintain current incentives for GTOs accredited entry level courses, including
and employers who directly employ White Card, Asbestos Awareness, Silica
• How best to deal with the uncertainty of
apprentices in skill shortage areas. Dust, and Impairment Training.
COVID-19 and the potential unemployment
and downturn in the industry? • Change the quarterly reporting and • Support for safety training, including HSR,
payment to monthly to support cash flow. HSC, COVID-19, Mental Health, Domestic
• What would training ‘look like’ with distance
Violence and General Awareness Training.
protocols (1.5m spacing) remaining in place
RTO
and how would RTOs be able to deliver • Refresher Training for White Card,
• Change the quarterly reporting and
training in the future? Asbestos Awareness, Silica Dust to bring
payment to monthly to support cash flow.
them in line with the refresher training for
• How do we address training issues
• Temporarily increase the TFA rebates for First Aid, HSR and confined space.
(gap training) for COVID-19 restrictions
all courses ensuring training is made even
on face-to-face training? • Funding support for the possibility
more affordable for industry participants
that apprentices and workers may be
• Accredited Silica Dust training. during the COVID-19 distancing restrictions
displaced due to COVID-19 and require
• Additional WHS training may be required for training provision.
additional training.
for Apprentices due to fast tracked training • Maintain training rebates to employers to
due to COVID-19. further encourage them to put their staff
Extensive consultation was undertaken through training while work may decrease.
with Group Training Organisations that • Aid transition to remote training delivery,
employ many apprentices in the ACT, for local RTOs.
seeking their requirements and strategies
for dealing with COVID-19. Their responses
are included for consideration.
Page 18 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYIn January 2020, the ACT Building and A fast developing and highly technical • Fire and security
Construction Industry Training Fund Authority industry includes the design, installation, • Photovoltaic systems
commissioned the ACT Electrotechnology and servicing, repair and maintenance of electrical
• Gaming
Energy Advisory Board (EE-AB) to consult with and electronic equipment for industrial,
the ACT’s Electrotechnology and Electricity commercial and domestic purposes. • Rail signalling
Supply Industry stakeholders with a view to The Industry has confirmed that its workforce
The spread of new technologies into
defining the Industries’ workforce development development and training priorities for the
both traditional and emerging market
needs and training priorities for 2021. 2021 are in line with those identified in 2020.
areas is forcing the industry to develop
Intelligence on the state of the industry and rapidly. There are many sub sectors of the New priorities identified this year are indicated
its workforce development and training needs electrotechnology industry which include: in a number of emerging new priorities
was collected from small, medium and large relevant to entry level technical workers and
• Electrical existing trade and post trade workers as well
industry organisations and verified by the
industry’s peak representative bodies, namely; • Electronics as work health and safety. Training priorities
the National Electrical and Communications • Telecommunication for the electrical sector are outlined below.
Association (NECA) and the Electrical Trades • Data Communications
Union (ETU) via desktop research, an industry • Instrumentation
survey, and face to face questioning.
• Lifts
Electrotechnology impacts almost every • Air-conditioning and refrigeration
aspect of daily life. Work within the
• Renewable/sustainable energy
Electrotechnology sector ranges from
traditional light and power, hardware • Home automation
platforms and network automation to the • Intelligent systems for industrial
internet, fibre optics and virtual enterprises. and facilities management
Page 192021 Training Plan
Entry Level Workers – Technical
• Asbestos (mandatory Awareness and • Hydrogen Vehicle Refuelling and Storage • Working Near Electrical Apparatus
Working with Asbestos Containing (including Hazardous Standards – AS/ (light rail corridor)
Materials courses) NZS 4761.1:2018) • White Card
• Metering • Wind Maintenance • Power Tool Awareness
• Converging Technologies • Construction of Electric Vehicles • Manual Handling
• IT Awareness and Application Charging Places (Public/Private
• Height/Ladder Safety
Infrastructure)
• Building Systems Including Services • Hazard Identification
(knowledge of solar installed capacity • Battery Handling, Installation and
Isolation Skills • Customer Service
and battery enclosures)
• Wiring Rules • Natural Refrigerant Handling
• Switchgear Awareness in Response
to Renewable Energy Targets • First Aid/CPR
Entry Level Workers –
Nontechnical (Admin/Support)
• Customer Service
• Work Health and Safety
• Digital Literacy
• Business & Accounting
• Human Resource Management
& Compliance
Page 20 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYExisting Workers – Trade Existing Workers –
• Asbestos (mandatory Awareness and • Micro Independent Renewable Supervisory/Management
Working with Asbestos Containing Electricity Generating Systems • Customer Service
Materials courses) • Battery Installation, Handling • Work Health and Safety
• Customer Service and Isolation Skills (short course &/or Cert IV)
• Digital Literacy (computer skills) • Street Lighting • Digital Literacy
• Testing/Verification/Isolation training • Clean Energy Council Accreditation • Business & Accounting
• Wiring Rules • CPR and First Aid • Human Resource Management
• Working Near Electrical Apparatus • ACMA Registration & Compliance
(light rail corridor) • Changes to HV Protection Technology
• Security & Fire Specific Skills IEC 61850
• Estimating, Accounting, Business • Installation Testing Procedure
Management Professional Development (Electricians)
Existing Workers – Post Trade
• DC Traction Systems (due to light rail) • ACMA Licence & Endorsements: • System Engineering and Design
• Maximum Demand in House Structured, Optic Fibre, • Thin Market Sector Specific Training
Electrical Design Aerial, Underground, COAX, (i.e. Security, Electronics, Fire, Lifts)
Test Metal, Test Fibre
• Energy Efficiency Auditing & Design • Wireless Technologies
• Photovoltaic – Design & Installation
• Wiring Rules • Metering
• Photovoltaic + Battery Storage
• Testing/Verification/Isolation • Risk Management/Hazard Identification
• Advanced PLC Training
• HVAC
Page 212021 Training Plan
IMPACTS IN THE INDUSTRY The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are
Work Health and Safety – Trade unfolding in real time and it is unclear and
The end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 has
& Post Trade Refresher Training unknown the full extent of the economic
been a testing time for Canberra and its
impact the virus will have on our economy.
• Implications of COVID-19 surrounding regions. With uncontrollable
on Building Sites bushfires burning in the southeast of the As the Electrotechnology industry is
• Mental Health Implications country destroyed hundreds of homes and inextricably linked to the Construction
due to COVID-19 businesses and blanketing the territory in industry and the Construction industry
hazardous smoke during December–January, is an ‘essential service’ it has been able
• First Aid/CPR & LV Panel Rescue
multiple ‘State of Emergencies’ were declared, to continue to operate whilst operatives
• Testing/Verification/ including the ACT. At its peak, due to the observe the required social distancing
Isolation Refresher hazardous air quality many industries had requirements.
• Isolate-Lock out-Tag Out no choice but to cease all outside work to
• Electricity Supply Industry protect the health and safety of workers. Mental Health impacts of COVID-19
Refresher Training Suite By March 2020, all fires were extinguished It is important to consider the mental
(i.e. ‘UETTDRRF’ units) or contained, with an estimated billion dollar health impacts of COVID-19 for the local
• Working Safely at Heights clean up and rebuild. Many workers from and wider Community and more specifically
• High Risk Work Licences ACT are working across the border to help for the territory Electrotechnology sector
the rebuilding process. operatives. The virus is changing the way
• Elevated Work Platforms
While Australia was coming to terms with the they work, interact, live, and communicate
(Scissor, Vertical)
horrific fire season impacting the economies and may cause operatives concern,
• Manual Handling
of all towns impacted and the larger Australian stress and anxiety as operatives face
• Battery Storage – System Safety the challenges presented.
tourism industry a new threat emerged. At the
• Confined Space – Initial & Refresher beginning of 2020, the world was struck with
• Refresher Training & the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is
ESI Safety Rules having unprecedented social and economic
impacts on the globe and Australia.
Page 22 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYLocal Industry Projects and Investment • Construction of the Home of Football It is even more critical that a suitably qualified
In recent years, to support the largest in Throsby and skilled Electrotechnology Industry
community growth in the region, infrastructure • Renewing Canberra Institute of Technology workforce be available to ensure these and
investment has focused largely in the north campuses and facilities future public and private infrastructure projects
including the delivery of Stage 1 of the light as well as our capacity to respond to the local
• New (P-6) school in Throsby and new
rail, the new ACT Law Courts and major fast-tracked infrastructure projects required
secondary school for Kenny expected
arterial road duplication and upgrades as in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
to open in 2022 and 2023
well as the construction or expansion of eight The importance of a highly skilled workforce
• High Education Campus Expansion
schools. Future investment will shift and focus is paramount to Canberra and Australia’s
• Major road duplications and intersection
on new growth areas including Molonglo and immediate and long-term response.
upgrades
West Belconnen and renewal projects around
Canberra’s commercial and residential
existing town centres in the south together Longer term projects in the pipeline have
construction sectors are maintaining steady
with government stimulus for the sector. been announced to include:
levels of activity. New suburbs in Gungahlin,
As detailed in the Infrastructure Plan the ACT • Future northside hospital services Molonglo Valley, West Belconnen and
Government and Infrastructure Plan Overview • Future stages of light rail and reducing planned works in the South, as well as
has announced the next phase of a number transport emission the refurbishment and renewal projects in
of key projects over the next five years (ACT Canberra’s older suburbs are continuing to
• The future of the National Convention
Government, 2019) include but not limited to: ensure there is no one ‘main focus’ of activity.
Centre and EPIC
• Light Rail – Stage 2 from City to Woden • New emergency services facilities for
• New Canberra Theatre the city and Molonglo
• Stromlo Leisure Centre • Future educational facilities for new urban
• Upgrades to the Kingston Arts precinct development of Ginninderry
Page 232021 Training Plan
Labour & Skill requirements ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Using a ten-year planning horizon, Evoenergy
Results of the EE-AB 2020 Electrotechnology prepares demand and energy forecasts for
Evoenergy operates and is responsible
industry stakeholder survey indicate that 85% its distribution network. It’s important our
for the operation, maintenance, planning
of respondents reported that they experienced network capacity is able to cope with these
and augmentation of the Electricity Supply
difficulties recruiting qualified tradespeople. changing demands to maintain the security
transmission and distribution system within
The top three reasons identified included: and reliability of supply to the territory.
the ACT under the licence by the Independent
• shortage of suitably applicants Competition and Regulatory Commission As the mix of energy production continues to
(ICRC). Evoenergy is registered with the change and evolve so too will the demands on
• technical ability to meet business needs
Energy Market Operator (EMO) as both a the network and how this demand is managed.
• pay expectations. Distribution Network Service Provider and
Evoenergy closely manages and maintains its
However, when it came to apprentices, Transmission Network Service Provider.
network asset through its Asset Management
survey only 28% of respondents experienced The Energy industry is changing at an Plan, this includes retirement of ageing and
difficulties recruiting apprentices. increasingly rapid rate as a result of end of economic life assets. In the next 5
penetration of distributed energy resources, years the following projects are planned in
new technology, customer expectations relation to existing assets:
and economic and Government regulation
and policy.
Evoenergy is in the process of transforming
its business as it balances the need for
network support services and the number
of consumers producing energy increases.
Evoenergy is taking steps to innovate and
modernise its network to meet the ACT
Government’s target of zero net emissions
by 2045 and its 100% renewable energy
from 2020.
Page 24 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYIn addition to the proposed projects Evoenegy
Planned Existing Assets Projects Timeframe
also has a number of new network projects
Installation of Optical Fibre between Gold Creek Z/S and S9109 Civic. 2019–2020 (Evoenergy, 2020) including:
Upgrade of 132kV transmission line protection at Woden 2019–2020 1. Lawson South Stage 2 – construction of
Z/S, Telopea Park Z/S and Latham Z/S 132kV transmission and 11kV distribution
Installation of Under Frequency Load Shedding Systems 2019–2021 lines around the Belconnen zone substation;
at City East, Belconnen, Eastlake and Civic Z/Ss
2. Molonglo Zone Substation – construction
Upgrade of 11kV feeder protection and SCADA at Belconnen Z/S 2019–2021 of 132kV/11kV zone substation;
Upgrade of 132kV transmission line protection at Belconnen Z/S 2020–2021 3. Optical Fibre replacement Project –
Upgrade of 11kV feeder protection at Telopea Park Z/S 2021–2023 installation of optical fibre communications
between our zone substations;
Upgrade of power transformer protection at Woden, 2021–2024
Belconnen and Telopea Park Z/S 4. Transmission Network Service
Provider TNSP – adding metering
Upgrade of 11kV feeder protection at City East Z/S 2023–2024
at each zone substation;
Upgrade of 132kV transmission line protection at Gilmore and Theodore Z/S 2022–2023
5. Secondary electricity supply for
Secondary Systems Cyber Security Program 2020–2023 the ACT which will involve:
Upgrade of Zone Substation HMIs 2020–2024 a. Construction of a new 330/132 kV
Renew and uzpgrade SCADA RTU and HMI at Belconnen Z/S 2020 substation by TransGrid at Stockdill
Drive, West Belconnen.
Renewal of SCADA RTUs and HMIs at Latham Z/S, Woden 2021–2025
Z/S, Telopea Park Z/S and Wanniassa Z/S b. Construction by TransGrid of a new
330 kV transmission line from Stockdill
Substation to Canberra Substation.
Page 252021 Training Plan
c. Reconnection by TransGrid of its 330 kV The renewable energy targets of the systems in the world offers funding to support
Upper Tumut–Canberra transmission ACT Government will continue to be the installation of energy storage options to
line to Upper Tumut–Stockdill. one of the most significant initiatives homes and businesses across the ACT.
that will create opportunities for the
d. Reconnection by TransGrid of its 330 Overseen by the ACT Government’s
ACT Electrotechnology industry.
kV Canberra–Williamsdale transmission Environment and Planning Directorate which
line to Stockdill–Williamsdale. has stipulated the following requirements
Small Scale Solar with Battery Storage for system designers and installers:
e. Construction by Evoenergy of a new
Canberrans continue to embrace solar
132 kV transmission line from Stockdill Designers
energy with 20% of all single residential
Substation to connect to its Canberra–
dwellings in the ACT now containing rooftop All Energy Storage Systems should be
Woden transmission line.
photovoltaics (Evoenergy, 2019). In 2018, designed by a Clean Energy Council
rooftop photovoltaic generation increased Accredited Designer who has a Clean
RENEWABLE ENERGY by over 20MW which was the highest annual Energy Council Storage endorsement.
With the ACT now focussed on its target increase on record, with generation reaching
Installers
of zero emissions by 2045 it has now turned almost 110 MWs.
its attention to the two largest sources of • ACT Licensed Electrician
Although the ACTs micro and medium feed-in
emissions, transport and gas use making • Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer
tariff schemes have closed, rooftop solar
up 60 and 22 percent of the territory’s (required units of competency + current
installation continues at a reasonable rate in
emissions respectively. Working Safely at Heights certification)
the territory. As solar energy technology costs
Consequently, the ACT Government has continue to fall and the ongoing advances in • Clean Energy Council Storage
prioritised developing and investing in energy storage technologies have the potential endorsement.
generation sources to meet the Renewable to increase solar’s contribution to reducing
There are two nationally endorsed Battery
Energy Target: peak loads on the electricity network.
Storage Units of Competencies (unit of
• Small-Scale Solar with Battery Storage To support the adoption of battery storage competence), namely;
the Next Generation Energy Storage Program,
• Large-Scale Solar
one of the largest rollouts of household battery
• Large-Scale Wind
Page 26 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITY• UEERE4001 – Install, maintain and fault find battery storage systems for grid connected photovoltaic systems • UEERE5001 – Design battery storage systems for grid-connected photovoltaic systems. These units of competence also meet the Clean Energy Council battery storage endorsement. Large Scale Wind & Solar As detailed in previous reports, most of the ACT’s energy continues to be supplied to ActewAGL’s network from generation sources in neighbouring states through the National Electricity Market. That said, there is an increasing amount of generation occurring in the ACT and surrounding region. A breakdown of the Territories Renewable Energy Farms, also contributing to the ACT’s energy requirements is provided in the table on the next page:
2021 Training Plan
The following Qualifications, Skill Sets
Farm Components Total Installed Capacity
and Units of competency are applicable
Capital Wind Farm 67 wind turbines 140.7 MW to industry members working in the
Woodlawn Wind Farm 23 wind turbines 48.3 MW Renewable Energy Sector:
Capital East Solar Farm Solar and storage 1 MW Large-Scale Solar
demonstration facility • Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Royalla Solar Farm 82,000 solar panels 20 MW – Electrician
Mugga Lane Solar Park 52,000 solar panels 13 MW • High Voltage Operations
• High Voltage Switching Skill Set
Williamsdale Solar Farm 36,000 solar panels 10 MW
• Solar Grid Connect Install and
Mount Majura Solar Farm 7,340 solar panels 3.6 MW
Design Skill Sets
Mugga Lane Waste Transfer * 4.0 MW • Certificate III in ESI Distribution
Station bio-gas generator
Large-Scale Wind
Capital Solar Farm ** 160,000 solar panels 50 MW
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Capital 2 Wind Farm*** 41 wind turbines 100 MW
– Electrician
Environa Solar Farm **** * 14MW • Certificate IV in Large Scale
* information not available Wind Generation
** Approved • Certificate III in ESI Distribution
*** Construction due to commence 2021.
• High Voltage Operations
**** Proposed
• High Voltage Switching Skill Set
Page 28 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYShifting this sector from gas and fossil fuels • Charging infrastructure (installation Data Communications and
to electric as well as the ongoing maintenance and maintenance) Information Technology
of this technology will continue to impact the • Battery handling, installation and Across the globe industries are experiencing
electrotechnology sector, as operatives will isolation skills rapid changes in their day to day operations
need to have the required skills and knowledge led by Information and Communications
to install and maintain the electric vehicle Extra Low Voltage Technologies Technology (ICT) advancements. These
charging stations and related infrastructure. technologies will transform the way the
LED Lighting
Electrotechnology industry manages,
Skills required include:
One of today’s most energy-efficient and supplies, and regulates their operations
• Switchgear awareness rapidly developing lighting technologies is
The introduction and uptake of 5G will see
• Hazardous Standards AS/NZS 4761.1:2018 light-emitting diode (LED). LED light bulbs
many opportunities and challenges for
last longer, are more durable, highly energy
• Public and private electric vehicle charging the telecommunications sector. Although
efficient and offer comparable or better light
infrastructure (installation standards still in the ‘build’ phase, it is expected
quality than other lighting options they are
and maintenance) that 5G will shape the next generation of
also smaller size, low heat, light up faster and
• Battery handling, installation and telecommunications solutions. This will
present fewer environmental concerns related
isolation skills see a significant win for consumers with
to disposal.
increase in download and data capacity.
Electrotechnology operatives in the ACT
From a training perspective, the increased use
will be required to have specialist skills in the 5G will also have a significant impact in
of LED in Australian homes and businesses
following to effectively support the growing industries such as manufacturing, healthcare,
has impacted the Electrotechnology sector as retail, transport and education to name a few,
electric vehicle (battery and hydrogen fuel cell)
this technology is being used when replacing however this all comes with the increased
roll out now and into the future:
fluorescent and incandescent lighting due to risk to data privacy and security if not taken
• Switchgear awareness their increased energy efficiency benefits. seriously it is vital that telecommunications
• Hydrogen Vehicle refuelling and storage make this a top priority as this technology
• Hazardous Standards (AS/NZS 4761.1:2018) is made available.
Page 292021 Training Plan
Smart Appliances, Shared Technology to acquire new specialist skills so they can Widely used in the Utilities sector, EMS
& Energy System Management install and maintain these new technologies. devices are becoming more commonplace
The integration of technologies is changing in residential and commercial applications,
Increasingly, the impact of shared or integrated
the nature of work, the way people work and allow homeowners and businesses to monitor
technologies is being felt amongst the
live and the skills they require to exist in a energy use and consumption and to control
electrotechnology sector and operatives are
connected world. The growing popularity appliances and devices to maximise usage
requiring the skills and knowledge to match
and take up of home automation including during off-peak and limit usage during peak
the increasing applications of technology.
smart plugs, doors, windows and motion periods therefore reducing energy usage
Including computer applications, computer
sensors, commercial automation processes, and electricity expenses.
hardware and software and operating systems
sensor fit-outs, as well as communications installation and configuration and support. Smart meters, on the other hand, are a
and remediation services are continuing to device that digitally measures your energy
Helping utilities and consumers better
increase in demand. These new systems use. A smart meter measures when and
understand and manage their Energy needs is
can automate the use of certain home how much electricity you use, sends this
the use of Energy Management System (EMS),
appliances whilst allowing the consumer information back to your energy retailer
an automated system of computer-aided tools,
to conserve energy. remotely. Additionally, smart meters can
that collects energy measurement data from
As industrial process automation services also allow the electricity supply to be
the field an presents the information gathered
and devices, customised Programmable remotely switched on and off, measure
to users via online monitoring tools and energy
Logic Controller (PLC) programming and the power quality at your premises and
quality analysis to enable users to monitor,
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition notify your electricity distributor when
control, and optimise the performance of
(SCADA) systems continue to become the power goes out.
the generation or transmission system.
mainstream .The Electrotechnology
workforce will be required to continue
Page 30 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYRefrigeration and Silica Many workers in the construction industry
Air-Conditioning Sector Crystalline silica (silica) is a material widely are exposed to silica dust on a regular basis
Following a review of the Ozone Protection used to make composite stone (benchtops), and whilst under WHS Regulations a Person
and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management bricks. tiles and some plastics. It is found Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU)
Program by the Australian Government in in sand, stone, concrete and mortar. there are specific duties and legal obligations
2014, a major change was introduced in 2018 around health monitoring and during exposure
Hazardous silica dust is generated in to silica in accordance with Safe Work Australia
being the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon
mechanical processes such as crushing, and the WHS Act, specific training in this
(HFC) imports used as alternative for
cutting, drilling, grinding, sawing or polishing areas is very limited with only one nationally
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) with the long
products containing silica. Very small silica accredited courses in exposure prevention
term goal of achieving 85% phase down
dust particles called respirable silica dust, placing a large number of the construction
being reached by 2036.
which can penetrate deep into the lungs industry workforce at risk of preventable
Alternate synthetic and natural refrigerants can cause irreversible lung damage and exposure to silica dust and at greater risk
will be will be developed for use in new diseases including: of developing related chronic diseases.
refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment,
• chronic bronchitis Training in both exposure prevention and the
considered more ‘eco-friendly’ these natural
refrigerants will also present some additional • emphysema development of a ‘working with’ silica would
areas of knowledge and skills for operatives • acute silicosis greatly and positively impact and protect
who will be required to work with them workers in this sector.
• accelerated silicosis
as they may operate at higher pressures, • chronic silicosis
be more flammable and more toxic.
• lung cancer
Additionally, these skills are being • kidney damage, or
enforced by new regulatory requirements
• scleroderma
i.e. refrigerant handling licence.
Page 312021 Training Plan
Power of Choice • Training against the Blue Book and Service There continues to be a range of workforce
Aimed at providing Australian Electricity & Installation (S&I) Rules is also required development needs that are not being
consumers more choice and control over by Evoenergy to access the network. met, namely;
when and how they use electricity, the • training for thin markets (eg; Fire, Security)
Power of Choice (PoC) rule changes driven Electrotechnology Conclusion
• training for specialist occupations
by the Australian Energy Market Commission The electrotechnology industry is a fast
(eg; System Engineering and Design)
(AEMC) came into effect in 2017. developing and highly technical and changing
and growing at a rapid rate as technology • training to meet specialist sector-specific
Under these rule changes, smart metres
advances and develops. needs (eg; Natural Refrigerants in the
are now standard on new and replacement
AC/Refrig sector).
electricity metres. Additionally, retailers The ACT Electrotechnology and Electricity
are now responsible for coordinating meter Supply Industries are critical to the Renewable In addition, as the world becomes more
installations, including new connections, Energy and Infrastructure development digitally focused new areas of need
additions and alterations (such as new solar initiatives in the ACT (both public and private are emerging, such as digital literacy
PV installations), management of meter sector projects). training at both trade and post trade
faults and end-of-life meter replacement (supervisory/project management) level
ACT’s large public provider, CIT, small
programs. All of these have traditionally and specialist technical training to support
private RTOs, GETS and NECA Training are
been the responsibility of Distribution the ACT Government’s Renewable Energy,
currently meeting the needs of entry level
Network Service Providers (DNSP’s). Light Rail and ‘Power of Choice’ priorities.
(Apprenticeship) training in the ACT.
Operatives working in this space require
Although some ACT based RTOs are
the following training:
delivering a number of post-trade training
• The Regulator requires training against programs in the ACT, Electrical Industry
the National unit of competence: businesses also rely heavily on other industry
UEENEEG171A – Install, set up and specialist RTOs to provide the training
and commission interval metering. required to meet their broader workforce
development needs.
Page 32 | Training Plan 2021 ACT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
TRAINING FUND AUTHORITYSummary The Authority continues to work with RTOs to
The Authority will continue to work with the ensure new training opportunities for industry
construction industry and the electrotechnology stakeholders and small business enterprises.
sector to further the skills and upskilling needs This training provides those new businesses
associated with those trade and technician with higher levels of productivity and increased
occupations where entry level workers require technical skills and safety compliance.
specialised training and upskilling. We encourage proposals for new strategies
The Authority will continue to support to improve or streamline training across the
training needs identified by the CITC, EE‑AB Authority’s five funding programs.
and relevant industry stakeholders. The Further information regarding all funding
Authority will continue to support employers programs is outlined in this 2021 Training
of apprentices in providing incentives to Plan, or alternatively you may contact the
employers of first year apprentices in those ACT Building and Construction Industry
trade areas where skills shortages may impact Training Fund Authority office or visit
construction projects in the commercial, civil www.trainingfund.com.au
and residential housing sectors within the
We thank again, the industry and all
ACT in 2021. The Authority will also continue
who contributed their feedback and advice
to promote the industry as a rewarding career
during the consultation process for the
choice as well as continue to support existing
2021 Training Plan.
workers and new entry workers employed
in the industry by providing funding for
rebates on the cost of training.You can also read
