February marked the beginning of a new era in electricity training for Victorian provider GippsTAFE.
Engineering, construction and maintenance service provider Zinfra was contracted last October to provide an extensive upgrade of the existing high and low voltage overhead and underground training networks at the GippsTAFE Chadstone Campus.
Zinfra Southern Contracting general manager Mark Gould said the project is significant as it cements a firm relationship with GippsTAFE as well as, “ensuring
access for its apprentices to one of the most flexible training facilities in Australia.”
Work on the training yard saw the installation of power and fibre optic cable and new lanterns that meet the current standards for Victorian networks. A number of purposely non-compliant lighting structures aimed at providing apprentices with the opportunity to conduct audit inspections and test their understanding of current standards and specifications against known faults have also been installed.
Training instructor Doug McRae said the upgrade brings greater flexibility to the facility, with additional equipment providing a variety of learning opportunities.
“The work means GippsTAFE is now able to offer students an even more realistic simulation of the work environment and it has improved our ability to train to the range of construction standards employed by distribution businesses,” he said.
