Digital TV training partnership to benefit electrical industry

SkillsConnect Australia is now offering Certificate III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology in locations across Australia. Thanks to a new partnership with Matchmaster Communications, this complete certificate is now available at a reduced price due to a generous government subsidy.

On 28 May 2013, the switchover from analog to digital television will commence in Brisbane before working its way around to the rest of the country’s capital cities, making this the perfect time for electricians to gain an extra qualification.

The program is designed to provide the necessary skills to install digital TV reception equipment for homes and businesses. Participants will also learn fault-finding skills on a range of digital reception equipment for subscription TV and free-to-air TV reception.

Stephen Creese, Northern Region Manager at Matchmaster, says it is great news for electricians that there is finally a formal qualification for digital TV reception installation.

“Electricians should take the opportunity to add extra skills in order to broaden the scope of work they can complete for clients.

“By offering this course through SkillsConnect, we can deliver more specialist options for electricians in a newly recognised skill area,” Creese said.

The course combines theory and practical components, providing a thorough understanding of the course content. Course modules include:

• Digital Terrestrial Reception Installation including the selection and installation of terrestrial antennas, managing and installing coaxial cable and designing simple domestic distribution systems.
• Satellite Digital Reception Systems providing an understanding of radio frequencies, locating satellites, setting up mounts and measuring signals using the latest test equipment.
• Complex Digital Reception Systems covering a selection of antennas for large systems, and providing participants with an understanding of how to locate and rectify digital reception faults.

Percy Underwood, Training Manager at Matchmaster, says its longstanding relationship with Master Electricians Australia is now stronger with the ability to provide formal training to members.

“To have a good working relationship, you need focused people on both sides with a real focus on delivery.

“Through this partnership, we are enabling electricians to become trained to do the job, rather than just sell the product,” Underwood said.

The Digital Reception Technology course is recommended for those who have substantial vocational experience, with or without a formal qualification. It will consist of four days of face-to-face training, print-based learning materials in addition to an online component for assessment.

Matchmaster provides quality training through a turnkey operation consisting of a synergistic line-up of design, sales, implementations and support. For more information about Matchmaster, visit www.matchmaster.com.au.