This course does not have any formal prerequisites, although it’s still beneficial to have the following skills:

Recommended Qualifications and Characteristics:

1. Curiosity and Enthusiasm: A keen interest in understanding how electricity works and its role in renewable energy systems will greatly enhance your engagement with the course content.
2. Basic Maths Proficiency: While the course covers foundational concepts, a basic understanding of mathematics, including algebra and basic equations, will aid in comprehending electrical calculations and principles.
3. Technical Interest: If you’re intrigued by technical subjects and enjoy learning about the underlying mechanisms of technology, this course will provide you with a solid introduction to electrical systems.
4. Desire to Learn: The course is designed to be accessible to learners from various backgrounds. An eagerness to learn and a commitment to engaging with the course materials will contribute to a successful learning journey.
5. Computer Literacy: As the course is online, basic computer skills are important. You should be comfortable using a computer, browsing the internet, and interacting with online learning platforms.
6. Future Interest in Renewable Energy: If you’re considering a career in renewable energy, electrical engineering, or related fields, the knowledge gained from this course will lay a strong foundation for your future studies and endeavours.

Who Should Consider Enrolling:

• Qualified engineers looking for formal recognition of their electrical skills and knowledge within the vocational training sector.
• Professionals looking to broaden their understanding of electrical principles within the context of renewable energy.
• Students or enthusiasts with an interest in sustainable energy systems and the desire to explore the basics of electricity.
• Individuals preparing for further studies or careers in solar energy, grid-connected systems, or electrical engineering.
• Anyone seeking to make informed decisions about energy consumption and contribute to the transition toward cleaner energy solutions.

The Electrical Principles online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of electrical engineering, tailored to cater to both beginners and individuals with a background in electrician work. This course offers a deep understanding of the principles that govern electrical systems, enabling students to grasp essential theoretical knowledge while also furthering their understanding of electrical concepts.

Topics covered include:

• Acts, Regulation, Standards & Codes of Practice
• Electrical Isolation & Safe Work Method Statements
• DC Electricity
• AC Electricity & AC Power
• Electrical Instruments
• Earthing Systems & MEN
• Switchboards & Protection
• Cabling
• The Grid
• Drawing Types
• Energy Production & Yield

The course includes self-paced learning materials and topic assessments, and culminates in the completion of an electrical design task.

Students who complete this course will be eligible to enrol in the Grid-Connected PV Systems Design only course.

Successful completion of this Electrical Principles course will result in the award of a Statement of Attainment in the current version of the following Unit of Competency:

• UEERE0051: Apply electrical principles to renewable energy design

This Unit of Competency is the prerequisite to the Grid-Connected PV Systems and Stand Alone Power Systems Design Only courses, which lead to Solar Accreditation Australia Design Accreditation. Solar Accreditation Australia has information on their website indicating their requirements to apply for Solar Accreditation Australia Accreditation: https://saaustralia.com.au/about-accreditation/

Students are required to have access to and be familiar with using the current version of the following Australian Standards:

• AS/NZS 3000
• AS/NZS 3008.1.1

These are available for purchase from the SAI Global website or Techstreet website, and also available from some libraries, institutions and industry associations. GSES is not able to provide access to these standards.

Students will require the following:

• Computer with reliable Internet connection
• Scientific calculator
• A regularly monitored email account for registration purposes

This course is delivered online at students’ own pace. The course is nominally 60 hours of training, including the online assessments and design task, but students may take more or less time to complete the course. Courses are valid for twelve (12) months. Extension fees apply from the date of expiry, and the maximum extension permitted is six (6) months from the date of expiry.

GSES has a team of tutors who mark the online work and as necessary supply feedback or additional technical information to the students. GSES’s tutors are also available to be contacted by phone during business hours or email.

As a registered training organisation (RTO) GSES complies with the Standards set out by the regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), for Vocational Education Training (VET).

GSES will inform students within 30 days of any changes to services provided to them. This includes any changes to education and support services, any change in the RTO ownership or to third party arrangements.

GSES maintains an adult workplace. We do not countenance any behaviour that is contrary to safe work practice. We do not countenance inappropriate language in all forms of communication. GSES asks that all persons treat others with respect.

Cheating will not be tolerated. If detected, sanctions may be implemented at the discretion of GSES. Students are required to ensure that all responses and/or work they submit is their own work. Any referenced material should be annotated as to its origin. Sanctions may be implemented at the discretion of GSES if plagiarism or fraud is detected, including revocation of certification.

All GSES course participants have the right to appeal the results they obtain in assessments and examinations. The appeal should be sent in writing to the RTO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will review the result and respond in writing. GSES may use mediation and conciliation to resolve the complaint. Students also have the right to engage a suitably qualified independent assessor.

Cancellation of online training courses will be subject to the following conditions:

• If the student’s Learning, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) levels are determined by GSES to be below the standard required to complete the coursework successfully, and the student has not yet submitted coursework for assessment, GSES may offer a full refund of the online course material and practical training component. If the student then opts to continue with the course, the standard cancellation and refund policy applies.
• Cancellation of online training courses made within fourteen (14) days of the date of payment AND before the online course has been accessed: the student will receive a full refund of the online course payment.
• Cancellation of online training courses made within fourteen (14) days of the date of payment AND after the online course has been accessed AND before any coursework has been submitted for assessment: the student will receive a refund of the online course payment less a cancellation fee of $440, unless the value of the course is lower than this, in which case the student will receive no
• Cancellation more than fourteen (14) days after the date of payment OR after the first coursework is submitted for assessment (whichever occurs first): the student will receive no refund.

In accordance with the Australian Quality Framework, GSES is committed to providing a quality recognition process to all students that is:

• Fair
• Flexible
• Reliable
• Valid

This course has been designed as a Recognition of Prior Learning pathway for electrical engineers and others who have higher education or non-formal training in electrical principles. These students are able to complete the assessment tasks without engaging in the training content, and thus receive formal recognition of their electrical competency within the Nationally Recognised Training structure, as a prerequisite pathway to further renewable energy training.

For more information on our Recognition of Prior Learning policy, please see the Course Information and Policies section 4.