Switchgear Worker's licence (SW)

Overview

The holder of a Switchgear Workers licence (SW) is entitled to carry out electrical installation work that is limited to the assembly, alteration, repair and maintenance of switchgear and control gear assemblies.

This licence does not allow the licence holder to carry out electrical installation work for profit or reward. In Victoria, to contract for profit or reward, including sub-contracting, a Registered Electrical Contractors registration must be also held.

Eligibility

You will need create a user profile in ESVConnect and complete the eligibility checker to confirm you meet the criteria to hold a Switchgear Workers Licence.

You may apply for a Switchgear Workers licence if you fall under one of the following categories:

You have

• completed a four-year contract of training as an apprentice electrical fitter, including at least 12 months’ experience in carrying out electrical switchgear fitting work, with written confirmation by the employer
• hold a Certificate III in Switchgear and Controlgear
• satisfactorily completed the Switchgear Theory (SGT) Assessment conducted by an assessment centre approved by Energy Safe Victoria
• satisfactorily completed the Switchgear Practical (SGP) Assessment conducted by Future Energy Skills.

In this instance you would need to submit the following evidence with your application

• letter of completion confirming the completion of your apprenticeship from the VRQA
• evidence of 12 months’ experience carrying out electrical switchgear fitting work. For example, a letter from your employer providing details of your experience
• certificate III in Switchgear and Controlgear
• statement of Switchgear Theory Assessment from an approved RTO
• Switchgear Practical Assessment result from Future Energy Skills, and
• the application fee.

Or

• Completed a four-year contract of training as an apprentice electrical fitter, including at least 12 months’ experience in carrying out electrical switchgear fitting work, with written confirmation by the employer
• hold a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting (UEE33011), including the elective units UEENEEA110A, UEENEEG111A, UEENEEG164A and UEENEEG129A, or
• hold a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting (UEE33020), including the elective units UEEAS0007, UEEEL0004, UEEEL0017 and UEEEL0055
• satisfactorily completed the Switchgear Theory (SGT) Assessment conducted by an assessment centre approved by Energy Safe
• satisfactorily completed the Switchgear Practical (SGP) Assessment conducted by Future Energy Skills.

In this instance you would need to submit the following evidence with your application:

• letter of completion confirming the completion of your apprenticeship as an Electrical Fitter from the VRQA
• evidence of 12 months’ experience carrying out electrical switchgear fitting work. For example, a letter from your employer providing details of your experience
• certificate III in Electrical Fitting
• statement of results confirming competence in the units UEENEEA110A, UEENEEG111A, UEENEEG164A and UEENEEG129A, or statement of results confirming competence in the units UEEAS0007, UEEEL0004, UEEEL0017 and UEEEL0055
• statement of Switchgear Theory Assessment from an approved RTO
• Switchgear Practical Assessment result from Future Energy Skills, and
• the application fee.

Or

• Completed a four-year contract of training as an apprentice electrical fitter and hold a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship, Certificate of Proficiency, or equivalent
• have completed at least 5 years experience in carrying out electrical switchgear fitting work, with written confirmation by an employer
• satisfactorily completed the Switchgear Theory (SGT) Assessment conducted by an assessment centre approved by Energy Safe
• satisfactorily completed the Switchgear Practical (SGP) Assessment conducted by Future Energy Skills.

In this instance you would need to submit the following evidence with your application

• Letter confirming the completion of your apprenticeship or Certificate of Proficiency as an electrical fitter from the VRQA or Skills Victoria,
• Evidence of five years’ experience carrying out electrical switchgear fitting work. For example, a letter from your employer providing details of your experience,
• Statement of Switchgear Theory Assessment from an approved RTO,
• Switchgear Practical Assessment result from Future Energy Skills, and
• The application fee.

Responsibilities

As a licensed Switchgear Worker, it is your responsibility to understand the legislation and regulations in place at any time and work in accordance with them.

• Part 3 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998
• Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019

It is also your responsibility to certify:

• that the electrical installation work is completed in accordance with the Australian New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and any other relevant standards
• all testing is completed in accordance with the legislation, regulations and Wiring Rules
• the relevant certificate of compliance within certificates of electrical safety is signed.

Fees

Refer to Energy Safe’s fee structure for each licence type here.

The application fee must be paid at the time the licence application is submitted. Credit card payments are preferred.

Renewing your Switchgear Workers licence

Energy Safe will send an email reminder to you 3 months prior to your licence expiry.

It is your responsibility to ensure your licence is current and that Energy Safe has the correct contact details for you.

Energy Safe Victoria must cancel the licence of an electrical worker who does not apply for renewal of the licence by the renewal date specified on the licence card.

Read more about renewing a licence or replacing a licence.

You can renew your licence via the ESVConnect portal with a credit card.