The electricity supply industry is critical to New Zealand’s economic growth and relies on high performance work practices to do the job well.

ESITO consults regularly with employers, employees and other stakeholders to ensure we understand fully the requirements of this diverse and strategic industry.

We are committed to working closely with industry to achieve relevant, effective and sustainable solutions.

Current development projects

• The EWRB has now finalized the proposed categories of registration. The new electrical regulations will be before Cabinet shortly and come into force 29/3/2010.

Those that have a direct bearing on the ESI are:
- Cable Jointer
- Electrical Service Technician
- Electrical Engineer registration
- Electrical Installer registration
- Line Mechanic

• The following qualifications may be affected and will need to be reviewed

National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical, Electrical Fitting) Levels 2-4
National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer) Levels 3 & 4
National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Distribution) Levels 3 & 4
National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Electrical Service Technician) Level 4
National Certificate in Electricity Supply (Line Mechanic Transmission) Level 4
Any comments should be sent to kwhite@esito.org.nz .

• Graduate Diploma in High Voltage Construction and Maintenance. This qualification was requested by industry and is planned for completion in 2010. It will incorporate courses currently available in New Zealand through the Queensland University of Technology and the Australasian Corrosion Association.
• Certificate and Diploma in Renewable Energy Systems. A special project was approved by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to develop appropriate qualifications for Renewable Energy Systems. A Project Manager, Brian Fawdray was appointed. The electrical qualifications will involve a collaborative effort between ETITO and ESITO. The qualifications are expected to be completed by the end of 2011.
•  Power System Protection Unit Standards In 2009 ESITO carried out extensive modifications to the Power System Protection unit standards and developed a new Level 6 unit standard. These modifications were carried out in consultation with industry experts, consulting engineers and training providers specialising in protection.

• The new unit standards are as follows.

                 US26019 Demonstrate knowledge of introductory concepts in power system protection (Level 4), 10 credits. 
                 US26020 Demonstrate knowledge of intermediate concepts in power system protection (Level 5), 10 credits. 
                 US26021 Demonstrate knowledge of advanced concepts in power system protection (Level 6), 15 credits.

These unit standards are now being offered by Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) and can be completed as a two-week Block Course. The Level 4 unit standard can be completed as an elective in the final year of an apprenticeship.

These courses provide an excellent opportunity for upskilling technicians. If you are interested to find out more, contact kwhite@esito.org.nz at ESITO.