Resources for current apprentices

How student services can help you

Student services is your go-to resource for support throughout your training journey. We’re here to assist with:

• Updating your contact information
• Arranging tutoring and coaching sessions
• Scheduling resits when needed
• Managing training schedules
• Providing required books and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Processing credit transfers
• Issuing statements of results
• Handling invoices and payments
• Answering any questions you may have

We’re here to help you build the skills you need to graduate confident, capable and ready to take on whatever comes next.

NECA works hard to make everyone feel safe, supported and empowered.

All students must bring a laptop/device that meets the specifications in our bring your own device (BYOD) & LMS service standards to access Sparky, the NECA E&C learning management system (LMS).

Equipment and software specifications

Requirements for both laptops and tablets

• Up-to-date security such as anti-virus and operating system updates
• Adobe Reader DC or other PDF reader application

Browsers

The device must have one of the following internet browsers installed:

• Google Chrome 11x or later
• Microsoft Edge 12x or later
• Safari 14 or later

Browser settings

We recommend that the following settings be enabled:

• Cookies
• Popups (in both internet browser and security software)
• JavaScript

Note: To avoid a flat battery, please bring the supplied battery charger to class

Accessing Sparky LMS

To log into Sparky:

1. Launch the LMS site https://sparky.necaeducation.com.au
2. Enter your assigned username (username is your email address) and password
   The screen displayed after you have successfully logged in is your Dashboard (home page).

When competing online assessments, each section can only be accessed by a code that your teacher will release when the class is ready to start the assessment, test or exam.

Important! Don’t share your codes with other students. It’s considered cheating and could lead to consequences under our Student Code of Conduct.

Course payments

• Apprentices: Invoiced annually (see statement of fees)
• Other courses: Payment is required at the time of booking

Concession cards

Submit to student services a valid Concession Card during your pre-training review or within 60 days of your course starting.

Refunds

Refunds must be requested in writing and are subject to approval under our refund policy (see policy guide).

Training and scheduling

Training plans

All students in a qualification will receive a training plan outlining their course schedule and expected completion timeframe.

Schedules

You’ll get a full list of proposed training dates in your training plan. For the most accurate info, use our live timetable system: CELCAT Timetabler.

Class times

Classes run from 7.30am to 3.30pm, including breaks for morning smoko and lunch.

Attendance

Class attendance

• Your schedule and invoice will be emailed once enrolment is confirmed
• It’s important to attend all listed days to complete your qualification
• Term breaks occur 3 times a year – plan holidays during these times
• Some school holidays fall on RDOs – you still need to attend school
• Your employer is notified of non-attendance and you may not get paid for missed days

Lateness and absences

If you’re running late or unable to attend due to illness or emergency contact student services at (03) 6424 5626 or email studentservices@necaeducation.com.au.

Frequent absences or lateness will result in follow-up with you and your employer.
(See the Student Code of Behaviour and Corrective Action Policy in the policy guide.)

Academic progress

Resits

If you’re marked NYC (Not Yet Competent):

• You must book your resit within 3 months
• After 3 months, your result may change to Not Competent (Fail)
• This may delay future units and add extra costs

Book your first resit as soon as you get an NYC notification.
(Refer to the Student Code of Conduct and Corrective Behaviour Policy for more information.)

Tutoring and support

After-class help

Your teacher is available from 3.00pm-3.30pm for questions or extra help.

Structured tutoring

• Available Monday-Thursday after 3.30pm
• One-on-one sessions with a teacher
• $100 p/h, paid at the time of booking

Language, literacy and numeracy support

Our LLN support officer is here to help coordinate any additional assistance you may need.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

You must wear the correct PPE at all times during training.

For theory, practical and workshop classes

• Sturdy work pants or cotton drill shorts (eg employer-provided uniform)
• Shirt or t-shirt
• Clear safety glasses
• Safety boots or safety shoes

For sheet metal workshops

• Long work pants or jeans (no dress or casual pants)
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Safety toe-capped boots or shoes
• Clear safety glasses
• Cut-resistant gloves

First aid

If you’re injured or something happens:

• Tell your teacher or student services right away
• A first aid room is available on-site
• First aid kits are located throughout the building

Electrical safety

Never working live

• Always test before you touch – don’t assume power is off
• Always disconnect the electricity supply before ing
• Never work live – there’s no reason to and no excuse
• Don’t feel pressured by others or take their word for it – always check for yourself

Working under supervision

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) outlines how apprentices must be supervised on the job.
Learn more at https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/

Finishing your apprenticeship

Before you complete your course, make sure all your:

• Profiling is up to date
• Assessments are completed

Once done, you’ll receive your licensed electrician’s assessment (LEA) authorisation letter.
Important! Don’t book your LEA exam until you have this letter.

Certificates and statements

Statement of attainment (SOA)

Issued if:

• You withdraw, cancel or transfer before completing your course
• You’re competent in some units
• You have no outstanding fees

Indicates competency in some units but not the full qualification and may be used for other training enrollments.

Certificate

Awarded only when you:

• Successfully complete all course requirements
• Finish your contract period
• Have no outstanding assessments or profiling

Represents a complete AQF qualification.

Completion process

• • Successfully complete all units in your qualification
  • Ensure your profiling is complete
  • When your contract of training period is ending, you and your employer will receive a completion form
  • Sign and return the form to NECA
  • We’ll issue your Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and notify Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)

Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA)

At the end of your apprenticeship, you must complete three separate assessments

1. Safe working practice for electricians Aasessment (SWP) – 40 minutes
   • Tests your ability to safely disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment
2. Licensed electrician theory assessment (LET) – 2 hours 15 minutes
   • Assesses a broad range of knowledge
3. Licensed electrician practical assessment (LEP) – 4 hours
   • Four-part practical test including:
     • Wiring a meter box and switchboard
     • MEN system testing
     • Identifying visual defects
     • Mandatory installation testing

LEA tutorials

Prepare for your exams with our tutorials (available to NECA E&C current student apprentices only):

👉 SWP tutorial

👉 LET tutorial

Changes to your apprenticeship

Cancelling

• During probation (usually 3 months): Either party can cancel
• After probation: Both apprentice and employer must agree to cancellation

Suspending

An apprenticeship can be suspended with mutual agreement for reasons including:

• Work shortage (granted in three-month periods)
• Illness or injury
• Overseas travel
• Parental leave

Note: Students cannot attend training while suspended.

Contract variations

To vary a training contract:

1. Complete an Application to Vary the Training Contract form
2. Both you and your employer must agree
3. Submit to an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider

Unemployed apprentices

If you become unemployed, you can continue schooling:

• Until qualification completion (subject to tuition fees) and/or
• For three months or until the end of the paid enrollment period (whichever is longer)

Important! If you complete off-job training while unemployed, your certificate won’t include ‘achieved through Australian Apprenticeship arrangements’ and VRQA won’t recognise this as apprenticeship completion. You won’t be eligible to apply for your A Grade license.

Help finding work

Register with the Apprenticeship Employment Network.

This out-of-trade register allows you to:

• Post your resume
• Find apprenticeship vacancies
• Apply for apprenticeship jobs online
• Continue your training once re-employed

Early completions

An employer may request early release (up to 6 months before contract conclusion) if the apprentice:

• Has a UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
• Is fully signed out by VRQA to COMPLETED status on the EPSILON system
• Has completed LEA and all profiling requirements
• Has an employer letter supporting the application with 12 months wiring/installation experience

The Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, employer and training provider must all agree on early release eligibility.

Talk to student services for more information and help with early completion.

Types of licences

Electrical Practitioner Licence

This licence permits you to perform electrical installation work without supervision, provided you adhere to the relevant regulations and standards.

Supervised Worker’s Licence

Lets you carry out electrical work under supervision of a licensed electrician.

This licence:

• Valid for up to 3 years
• Cannot be renewed

Licence eligibility criteria

To apply for your licence, you must have:

• Completed a 4-year apprenticeship with at least 12 months of hands-on electrical installation experience
• Partially or fully completed the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
• Passed the Safe Working Practice Assessment (SWP)

Applying for your electrical licence

All electrical licence applications are submitted through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).

You’ll need:

• Your Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
• Results of 75% or higher from all three LEA assessments (SWP, LET, LEP) from an ESV-approved centre
• A letter of support from your employer

Important! Your LEA results must be less than 5 years old at the time of applying. If not, you’ll need to retake the assessments.

Cabling registration

You’re eligible to apply for open registered cabler status (including structured and coaxial endorsements) when you’ve completed these two units:

1. UEEDV0005
2. UEEDV0008

Student services can provide the required paperwork.
Learn more or apply at acrs.com.au