Overview
Gain the skills and knowledge to become a licensed electrician with a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30820 at Victoria University Polytechnic.
Combine on-the-job training with your employer with this practical and theoretical apprenticeship course.
You’ll gain skills and knowledge in:
- electrotechnology equipment
- fabricating industry components
- single and multiple path circuits
- applying drawings and diagrams
- electrical work development
- electrical installation
- low voltage heating equipment
- low voltage socket outlets
- magnetic and electromagnetic devices
- telecommunication cabling
- communication copper cabling
- troubleshooting
- environmental sustainability
- work health and safety practices.
You will learn how to complete all phases of electrical systems and equipment, including selecting, installing, setting up, testing, fault finding, repairing and maintaining electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises to satisfy the Electrical Regulatory Authority Council’s requirements.
On completion, you can apply to sit the licensing exam through Energy Safe Victoria or continue with further study.
Apprentice program duration
This course is offered as an apprentice program over four years.
To study this course, you must be currently employed as an apprentice electrician.
Hands-on learning & industry links
Everything you learn at Victoria University Polytechnic has direct links to the real world. You’ll learn practical skills on special purpose machinery at our Construction Hub, giving you the chance to test out your theoretical knowledge.
You’ll learn from teachers who have valuable industry contacts and the latest industry-standard skills. You’ll also develop links with industry and professional experience through:
- industry projects
- live work
- industry simulation.
Study support
Victoria University Polytechnic is a supportive place to study. We have a range of academic support programs that can help you if you're struggling with your studies.
We can help you with your assignments and assessment tasks, maths, writing skills and English language support, as well as showing you effective ways to study and manage your time and preparation. Our study support programs include:
- workshops and study groups
- student mentors and peer learning
- maths and writing resources.
We also have disability support services and counselling services available for all students.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backTAFE resources
Careers
Electrical skills are highly sought after. There are strong employment prospects for electricians – for salary and other job information, see the government job-data site, Labour Market Insights.
This Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30820 can lead to a career as a domestic, commercial or industrial electrician. You could find employment across several industries, including manufacturing, construction and mining. You could work in-house for a large or small company, as an external consultant or as a self-employed tradesperson.
You could work in roles such as:
- electrician
- air conditioning/refrigeration mechanic
- electronics trades worker
- telecommunications trades worker.
Professional recognition
Once complete, this qualification allows you to apply to become a licensed electrician through Energy Safe Victoria.
Course structure
To be awarded the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, students must acheive a total of 1,110 weighting points comprising of:
- 990 Core weighting points
- 120 Elective weighting points
Note: General elective weighting points are to be selected from the Group A general elective units listed below, or up to 40 general elective weighting points, may be selected, with appropriate contextualisation, from any relevant nationally endorsed Training Package or accredited course, provided that selected units contribute to the vocational outcome of the qualification.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core units
-
- Unit code
- HLTAID009
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0007
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0016
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0019
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0020
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0044
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0046
-
- Unit code
- UEECD0051
-
- Unit code
- UEECO0023
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0003
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0005
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0008
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0009
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0010
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0012
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0014
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0018
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0019
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0020
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0021
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0023
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0024
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0025
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0039
-
- Unit code
- UEEEL0047
-
- Unit code
- UEERE0001
-
- Unit code
- UETDRRF004
ELECTIVE UNITS - Group A General Electives
-
- Unit code
- UEEDV0005
-
- Unit code
- UEEDV0008
Learning outcomes
This qualification provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to select, install, set up, test, fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment in buildings and premises. It includes Electrical Regulatory Authority Council (ERAC), or their successor's, Essential Performance Capabilities for an 'Unrestricted Electrician's license'.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeship applicants must complete to determine suitability:
-
Pre-training Review (PTR)
-
Literacy and numeracy assessment
-
must be employed as an apprentice
- must have an active Epsilon number prior to commencing the course.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Available start dates:
- 2 January 2025
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 31 October 2025 for our next intake which starts on 2 January 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.