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CPD is go for electrical licence holders in Victoria

After a successful pilot program, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) has officially announced the continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for electrical licence holders.

At its most simple, most licence holders, including electricians and restricted electrical licence (REL) holders, must now complete a day of CPD training, before their licence can be renewed. CPD can be completed at any time in the two years before a licence renewal falls due. ESV notes that working without the appropriate licence is strictly illegal, and can result in significant penalties.

CPD will be required for all licence renewals from July 1, 2023.

Class 1 licence holders will need to do eight hours, and Class 2 licence holders six hours, in a professional classroom environment at a convenient training provider. This training will need to be completed every five years.

The training will consist of 60 per cent hands-on practical work, and 40 per cent theory. An online learning management system has been developed to ensure attendees are well prepared.

Although there is no exam at the end of the training, trainers may indicate to participants any areas where they think skills knowledge could usefully be increased.

The training content has received input from many industry bodies, including experts from refrigeration and air conditioning, who were involved in the development of materials for the REL course. ESV says the training is designed to be enjoyable and interesting, to contribute to both the licence holder’s and community safety, and content will be regularly revised to be current.

The change is significant for both refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics who hold a restricted electrical licence, as well as supervising engineers. ESV advises practitioners to protect their licence by getting CPD completed as soon as possible.

The move to CPD, supported by unions, employer groups and trade associations, is the result of a Victorian state government commitment, and is being managed by ESV.

More information – including where the training can be completed – is available on the ESV website.

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