Installs, maintains, repairs and patrols electrical sub-transmission and distribution systems. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level

3

Specialisations

• Electrical Linesworker (Distribution) (Aus) / Electrical Line Mechanic (Distribution) (NZ)
• Electrical Linesworker (Transmission) (Aus) / Electrical Line Mechanic (Transmission) (NZ)
• Railway Traction Line Worker

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Electrical Linesworker is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Three Programs for skills assessment with TRA.
  • Program A-  Offshore Skills Assessment (OSAP)
    • If your passport is on this OSAP Nominated Occupation and Country list next to your occupation (Electrical Linesworker) you must apply through OSAP. If your passport is not on this list, apply through Program B or C.
    • OSAP Pathway 1– for applicants who do not hold an Australian qualification in their trade but hold a qualification which is equivalent to an AQF cert
    • OSAP Pathway 2 –  for applicants who hold:
      • a relevant Australian qualification, or
      • a current identified Australian occupational licence
    • To be eligible to apply for the skills assessment program, you must be able to show you have completed full-time paid employment in your nominated occupation, or an occupation that is directly related to your nominated occupation.
  • Program B Migration Skills Assessment
    • You must have a qualification directly related to your nominated occupation  or at least 3 years of relevant experience
    • If you have obtained a qualification internationally or an Australian qualification that was not through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full time or equivalent post-qualification experience
    • If you have obtained an Australian qualification issued through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full-time or equivalent post-qualification experience OR 6 years full-time or equivalent experience which can be either pre- or post-qualification
  • Pathway B- Temporary Skills Shortage Skills Assessment
    • For applicants who require a skills assessment to apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

Did you know?

As part of the OSAP program you will be required to participate in a technical assessment of your skills and knowledge. This will be conducted by a qualified assessor who will also be a qualified tradesperson in your nominated occupation.

prepare, install, repair, maintain and patrol electric power distribution networks.

Tasks

• installing conductors and aerial equipment, and underground cables and equipment
• installing and maintaining equipment associated with electrical supply such as transformers
• attending to electrical breakdown and emergencies
• maintaining poles and associated hardware, and continuity of electrical supply and street lighting
• conducting routine maintenance on the aerial and underground electricity supply network
• conducting low-voltage switching operations
• fitting pole hardware and crossarms
• preparing low- and high-voltage cable joints and cable terminations while connecting and installing electrical equipment and overhead lines
• using heavy plant equipment such as elevated work platforms and portable equipment such as hydraulic drills
• may undertake substation installation and maintenance, and specialised testing and revenue meter installation

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 342211 Electrical Linesworker (Aus) / Electrical Line Mechanic (NZ)
• 342212 Technical Cable Jointer