Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational) - 22499VIC

VOCATIONAL

Get the edge you need when you're competing for an apprenticeship as an electrician or air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 16 weeks
Fees:

Fee finder 

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Bundoora
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2025. This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.

Overview

This pre-apprenticeship is designed to give you an edge when competing for an apprenticeship in the fields of electrical, instrumentation and air conditioning/refrigeration.

This is a pre-vocational course.

The electrotechnology pre-apprenticeship provides you with an introduction to two industries: electrical and refrigeration/air-conditioning. Taught full-time at RMIT, it mixes theory with the practical skills required across these industries.

This certificate allows you to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your career path. It leads to an apprenticeship as an electrician or an air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic.

Why study electrotechnology at RMIT?

Linked to industry

Guest speakers enhance your learning experience, and an industry engagement day builds your network.

Pathway to apprenticeships

We'll help you, through industry associations and RMIT Skills and Jobs Centre, in securing a full-time apprenticeship.

Accredited qualification

Recognised by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

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State-of-the-art facilities

RMIT’s Trades Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge facility offering the latest in skills training and technology for students and industry.

The 1,700 square metre modular design features adaptable spaces, including a 2.5-metre-deep sand pit, double-height workshop ceilings, and a three-storey training rig that mimics building construction for real-world experience.

Divided into ‘trade zones’, this allows students to gain hands-on experience while observing other trades, fostering a deeper understanding of how different trades intersect and work together.

Details

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This certificate combines classroom-based activities with a range of hands-on practical tasks that will prepare you for employment as an apprentice in your chosen field.

You will have access to online resources through the student portal. Assessment methods include exams, assignments, projects and practicals.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Guest speakers from industry will enhance your learning experiences.

An industry engagement day is organised near the end of your course to provide you with relevant information on regulations, key employers and employment opportunities.

Students are also connected through industry associations and RMIT Skills and Jobs Centre to assist with securing a full-time apprenticeship.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You’ll develop industry specific skills including:

  • extra-low voltage circuits
  • fabrication of utilities and components
  • solving electrotechnology problems
  • providing reports for the energy sector.

You’ll also gain basic knowledge about the refrigeration and air conditioning industry by completing learning experiences in:

  • single phase 230v
  • refrigeration tubing and fitting
  • basic vapour compression systems
  • basic operating conditions of air conditioning systems.

You’ll also gain knowledge and experience on work health and safety in the construction industry and the general electrical and refrigeration industries.

At the end of this certificate, you’ll enhance your opportunities for employment as an apprentice electrician, refrigeration/air conditioning mechanic or electrical/instrumentation technician.

Subjects may change as training packages are updated.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)
Program code: C2225
National curriculum code: 22499VIC
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)
City Campus
6 Months
C2225
Location
City Campus
Duration
6 Months
Plan code
C2225
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)
Bundoora Campus
6 months
C2225BU
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
6 months
Plan code
C2225BU
CRICOS
View plan

Please note: This certificate is also offered at the Bundoora campus. You will be able to select the campus (City or Bundoora) when you apply. See Apply page for intake dates and location details.

Career

Completion of this certificate will provide you with skills suitable to enhance your opportunities for apprenticeships as either an electrician or an air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic. Both areas continue to see strong growth within Australia.

After completing your apprenticeship, you can choose to work for a company or for yourself.

Electricians install, maintain, repair, test and commission electrical and electronic equipment and systems for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes. Electricians also work on electrical transmission and distribution equipment.

Tradespeople in these fields can be employed as:

  • systems electricians on domestic, residential and heavy industrial buildings
  • instrument technicians on measuring, process control and scientific instruments
  • electronic tradespeople providing electrical installation, repair maintenance, modification and testing of electrical/electronic systems.

Refrigeration and air-conditioning tradespeople work in a range of sector and locations including as a commercial refrigeration mechanic:

  • on shipping containers
  • with trucks and transportation
  • with industrial installations including supermarkets and bars
  • within air-conditioning firms doing domestic or industrial air flow solutions.
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This qualification is recognised by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Entry requirements and admissions

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

High Demand

This qualification may experience high demand with limited places. Therefore, Direct offer rounds will take place fortnightly, in which eligible applicants will be given three days to accept and a further ten days to enroll and secure their place.  

Applications will be assessed in the order they are received for each available intake until all places are filled. For your best chance at admission, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this pre-apprenticeship will receive exemptions in the first year of study of:

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$620* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$3,100* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$9,600* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information