NWDF Case Study: ECA Group

Energy Efficiency Assessment Training for Electrical Workers

The ECA Group, Electrical and Communications Association and Master Electricians Australia, have identified a market need for quality and professional energy efficiency assessment for Residential & Retail, Commercial and Industrial sectors of the market.  The ECA Group also recognised that the electrical contracting industry could play a key role in providing this service to the market particularly as a significant level of energy efficiency relates to efficient and effective design and use of electrical systems and installations.

As sustainability and energy efficiency technology is an emerging area of knowledge, the ECA Group identified a skills gap and the need to train the electrical industry in this technology.

Over recent years, the ECA Group has developed Energy Efficiency Assessment and Auditing Training for Residential, Retail, Commercial and Industrial applications.  The training has been delivered as a pilot program to 67 Master Electricians across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.  The program has been very well supported by members of Master Electricians Australia and the industry has shown its support for inclusion of this training program as a qualification in the National Electrotechnology Training Package (UEE11).

Towards this end and in recognition of the skills gap and need for training for the electrical industry in this emerging technology, the ECA Group has worked with the Industry Skills Council, E-Oz, to develop a post-trade qualification for electricians that develops skills in this new technology and addresses an emerging market need and occupational outcome.  The training also provides the opportunity for small and medium size enterprises to expand their business opportunities in this emerging technology.

Training Delivery

The delivery and assessment of the training is provided by the ECA Group’s industry partner, the Electrical and Communications Association / SkillsConnect Australia RTO No: 5311.   The training is provided throughout Australia.

The training delivery methodology encompasses:

– Recognition of Prior Learning and Current Competency at commencement of training;
– Flexible delivery: on-line learning and assessment
– On-job application of skills and knowledge through projects and reporting.

Outcomes of Program

The key outcome of the project will be the development of a highly skilled electrical contracting workforce that can and will provide valid, reliable, relevant, realistic and professional energy efficiency assessment services and technical advice and costings on energy efficiency assessment and auditing opportunities for the market.

Project Statistics:

Australian Government         $167,500
ECA Group                              $82,500
Total NWDF Investment        $250,000