About ESI worker Program

ESI worker is a program which provides an industry-consistent record of an individual’s training, authorisations and network inductions to work in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI).

The program helps workers demonstrate their compliance to the Network Operator’s training and authority requirements.

Replacing the Skills Passport

The ESI worker program is replacing the Australian ESI Skills Passport. This is an important evolution of the Passport system that will improve workforce portability and compliance to established standards.

ESI workers will receive two ID cards:

  1. an eCard for their mobile device; and
  2. a credit card-sized plastic card.

Either card may be scanned in the Onsite Mobile app to check the compliance and qualification(s) of the worker, with their profile information linked to their card. The worker’s training may be updated in the ESI worker program by their employer, training provider, or Network Operator.

Avetta manage the ESI worker program on behalf of the ESI, distributing and administering ID cards. Each Network Operator is responsible for verifying individual records.

In June 2018, Victoria was the first jurisdiction to implement ESI worker program, after which it can be progressively adopted across Australia.

Who needs to participate in the ESI worker program?

Currently, ESI workers working for Victorian Network Operators who:

  1. Hold an authority issued by a Victorian Network Operator; and/or
  2. Are required by a Victorian Network Operator to undertake any training and/or assessment for field based activities consistent with the VESI Skills and Training Matrix.

NOTE: It may not be a mandatory requirement to issue Passports to one-off short-term workers performing work either under the supervision of authorised workers, or on a greenfield site. Please speak to your Network Operator for specific requirements.

Avetta

Avetta manage the ESI worker program on behalf of ESI.

Learn more about Avetta.

Enrol in the ESI worker Program

We suggest you read through the steps before you get started, giving yourself time to source and upload the documents needed to enrol your workers.

A nominated administrator from your business will be required to complete the steps below.

For extra help, user guides with screenshots can be found on the Help and Resources page.

Enroling ESI trainers? Visit the ESI Trainers page for more information.

ESI WORKER PROGRAM

First, create an account for your business

This is an initial one-off process required to obtain your ESI worker login details.

Click the button above to go to the program.

> Start by selecting Australia, enter your ABN and search
> Click Register
> Enter contact details, including email and business address and phone number. Tick the declaration.
> Select Request Registration to have your business registration verified. You will be emailed login details.

Already have an account? Click Back to login above Business Details Registration.

Now your business has an account in the program, you can login and enrol your workers.

STEP 1: Enrolment

Enrol your workers

In the program (select LOGIN at the top of the page)

> Select Manage Roles and then Add New Employee. From here, upload the worker’s passport-sized photo and click done. Enter and save their name, date of birth, work address, phone and email.

> Select Add Site and add the Network Operator e.g. Jemena.

> Select All Roles and then Add New Role. Select the relevant Network Operator Apply for ESI worker Card role/s (select only the numbered roles at this stage – other roles will be selected later in this process).

> The next screen allows you to review any of the details entered for your worker and confirm the postal address for the worker’s card. Click select next and confirm.

Pay for ESI worker card

The next step is to pay for the ESI worker cards (both an eCard for their mobile device, and a driving licence-sized plastic card).

Worker enrolment costs $25.87 + GST per person for the management of roles and supply of ESI worker card. The card will be printed sent by regular post. This fee is only ever paid once per worker.

> Click checkout to view the shopping cart

> Click PayPal/Credit Card and complete the payment details. Click checkout and proceed

> A checkout successful message will appear and you may download your invoice

Step 2: Cards & Training

Information validated and cards issued

With the assistance of the Network Operators, the worker application is approved and ESI worker cards issued.

Worker attends training

The worker undertakes training with a training provider, meeting VESI requirements for their role/s.

Step 3: Roles, Documents & Validation

Add roles and upload documents

In the ESI worker program (LOGIN at the top of the page), select Manage Roles and then the worker’s name to Add New Role. The worker’s name will move to the right of the screen. Select continue.

Select All RolesAdd New Role and choose the work role/s as per the VESI Skills and Training Matrix.

Your selections here will determine the competency documents (licences, statements of attainment, certificates of competency, and qualifications) you’ll now be prompted to upload into the program to prove your worker is competent to perform their role.

Network Operator approves documents and roles

With the assistance of the Network Operators, your worker’s roles and competencies will be validated. You will be emailed if there are any issues and given a chance to update the information.

It’s important that you keep your business and worker details current, and you’ll be emailed if anything you have supplied expires and needs to be updated.

ESI Trainers

ESI Training Providers first register in the ESI worker program. Once enroled, they will be able to access the ESI trainer portal where they can manage training results for ESI workers.

A nominated administrator from your business will be required to complete the steps below.

Upon ESI worker program enrolment, trainers will be able to access the ESI trainer portal. It will appear as a tile on the home page once logged into the ESI worker program.

For help, user guides with screenshots can be found on the Help and Resources page.

The ESI trainer portal user guide will help you use the portal (Part 2 below), and a Quick Reference How-To Guide is also available. Refer to the Reporting an Issue Guide if you encounter any problems.

Please ensure you use the Google Chrome internet browser to access the trainer portal. Chrome can be downloaded free here.

Create an account for your business

This is an initial one-off process required to obtain your ESI worker login details.

Click the button above to go to the program.

> Start by selecting Australia, enter your ABN and search
> Click Register
> Enter contact details, including email and business address and phone number. Tick the declaration.
> Select Request Registration to have your business registration verified. You will be emailed login details.

Already have an account? Click Back to login above Business Details Registration.

Now your business has an account in the program, you can login and enrol the trainers.

Part 1: REGISTER A TRAINER IN THE ESI WORKER PROGRAM

STEP 1: Enrolment

Enrol your trainers

In the program (select LOGIN at the top of the page)

> Select Manage Roles and then Add New Employee. From here, upload the worker’s passport-sized photo and click done. Enter and save their name, date of birth, work address, phone and email.

> Select Add Site and add the Network Operator e.g. Jemena.

> Select All Roles and then Add New Role. Select the relevant Network Operator Apply for ESI worker Card role/s (select only the numbered roles at this stage – other roles will be selected later in this process).

> The next screen allows you to review any of the details entered for your worker and confirm the postal address for the worker’s card. Click select next and confirm.

Pay for ESI worker card

The next step is to pay for ESI worker cards (both an eCard for their mobile device, and a driving licence-sized plastic card).

Enrolment costs $25.87 + GST per person for the management of roles and supply of ESI worker card. The card will be printed and mailed to you. This fee is only ever paid once per trainer.

> Click checkout to view the shopping cart

> Click PayPal/Credit Card and complete the payment details. Click checkout and proceed

> A checkout successful message will appear and you may download your invoice

Step 2: Cards

Network Operator validates information and issues cards

With the assistance of the Network Operators, the application is approved and ESI worker cards issued.

Step 3: Role, Documents & Validation

Add roles and upload documents

In the ESI worker program (LOGIN at the top of the page), select Manage Roles and then the trainer’s name to Add New Role. Their name will move to the right of the screen. Select continue.

Select All RolesAdd New Role. Choose the trainer’s role/s and upload their Certificate IV in Training and Assessing.

Network Operator approves documents and role

With the assistance of the Network Operators, your worker’s roles and competencies will be validated. You will be emailed if there are any issues and given a chance to update the information.

It’s important that you keep your details current, and you’ll be emailed if anything you have supplied expires and needs to be updated.

Providing Your Logo and Signature

The ESI trainer portal has been designed to issue refresher training certificates, with your permission, on behalf of your training organisation.

Please click to download and compete this permission request form. The form grants permission for Pegasus to issue certificates on your behalf.

Once completed and signed, please email the form with your jpg logo and signature to Neil Roberts, Chairperson VESI STRC: nroberts@powercor.com

New training organisations will be given access to the ESI trainer portal through the VESI STRC.

Part 2: MANAGE TRAINING IN THE ESI TRAINER PORTAL

Login to the ESI worker program and click the TRAINERS PORTAL tile

Step 1 > Create a class

Enter the details of the class: name, trainer, venue, and date.

Step 2 > Add competencies

Search the list of competencies by scrolling or entering the name (or partial name) in the search box. Select the competencies that will be delivered by this class.

Step 3 > Add attendees

Add the attendees by scanning their ESI worker card or eCard, or by entering their first name, last name, ID number or date of birth.

Step 4 > Resulting

Mark each attendee as competent, not competent or not attended and submit the Training Report Summary.

The video below will step you through using the ESI trainer portal:

Frequently Asked Questions for ESI trainers

Why can’t I see the trainer portal?

If you are an enroled trainer in the ESI worker program, you will be able to open and view the trainer portal when using the Google Chrome internet browser. Chrome can be downloaded free here.

What do I do if there is no internet connection?

Take a photo of the worker’s ESI cards so you have their ESI worker numbers, and create and submit the training when you have internet connection.

Can my training administrator complete classes on my behalf?

No. Portal access will only be given to the trainer.

Can I set my classes up in advance?

Yes, the portal allows you to create classes in advance.

How do I change companies in the ESI worker program if I train for multiple organisations?

You will receive a separate login to ESI worker for each company. To change company, logout and log in again using your alternate user name and password.

What do I do if the worker has not brought their ESI worker card to training?

You can search for the worker using their name and date of birth. Alternatively, ask them to contact their employer to obtain their ESI worker number.

What do I do if the worker is not in the ESI worker program?

In this case, business as usual processes apply. The worker’s employer will need to create an account and upload their certificates when they are received.

Can I share my user name and password?

No. Trainers must have their own profile and user access.

What do I do if I receive a “whoops” message while using the portal?

Select refresh. If this does not resolve the issue, call Avetta support on 1300 208 498 while the error message is still displayed.

My organisation is a RTO. Will the portal generate Statements of Attainments on my behalf?

No, the portal is only designed to issue certificates for Refresher Training.

The trainer portal will record the date in the ESI worker program of a selected national competency, and the employer will upload the Statement of Attainment within 14 days.

The new worker or the training for the task is not compliant until verified by the Network Operator.

I am training apprentices in competencies for their qualification. Are these entered in the portal?

No, these are not entered in the portal.

I am training apprentices to meet the requirements of the VESI. Are these entered in the portal?

Yes, apprentice VESI training is entered.

  • If you are completing Initial Training, select both competencies. The portal will record the date the Initial Training has been successfully completed, but will not issue a certificate. The ESI worker’s employer will upload the Statement of Attainment within 14 days of receiving it.
  • If you are completing Refresher Training, always select the competency without the national code. The portal will issue a certificate when the Refresher Training is successfully completed.
  • The new worker or training for the task is not compliant until verified by the Network Operator.

Do I have to enter the results on the day of the training?

Yes, to ensure the worker is compliant.

I am conducting refresher training over multiple days. How should I create my classes?

  • Each course day should be created separately, with the courses to be undertaken then assessed and submitted on each day.
  • For the same course over multiple days e.g. HV Live Work, the course should be resulted on the completion of the training.

Help and Resources

System User Guides

Mobile App User Guides

eCard User Guides

Helpful Resources

This Knowledge Base includes steps to help an administrator search for and edit worker details, run reports on competencies or work hours, and create users, among other helpful tips. This process can be completed in Onsite, the software that powers the ESI worker program.

The Business Rules specify the requirements of the documents you upload in the system. Ensuring your documents meet these requirements will save time and have your workers approved faster.

Complete and return this form if you have a new worker who is already registered to a different company in the system, and you need them added to your company. Workers can be removed from your company by an administrator directly in the system. Instructions on how to complete this process are available under the End Employment sub-heading of this page: https://kb.pegasus.net.au/display/OCCS/Person

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click to expand the FAQ below. For FAQs regarding the ESI trainer portal, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Where do I enrol in the ESI worker program?

You can find the program by clicking the ENROL button at the top of this site. When you’ve created an account, you can select LOGIN instead.

The user guides at the top of the page will help you use the program.

Which electricity network operators require their workers to be enroled?

Currently, Victoria electricity supply network operators require those working for them to be enroled in the ESI worker program. The program will be rolled out across Australia soon.

How much does ESI worker program enrolment cost?

Worker enrolment costs $25.87 + GST per person for the management of roles and supply of ESI worker card. The plastic card will be printed and mailed to you, and the eCard sent to the mobile number registered to that worker.

This fee is only ever paid once per worker.

What benefit does the ESI worker program have for my company and workers?

The program allows you to provide proof of competency to work in the high-risk electricity supply industry. In turn, the program reduces the effort required to maintain records in paper Passports, for example, you will no longer be required to ensure physical entries are made of Network Operator authorities.

What if my workers hold Australian ESI Skills Passports?

The ESI worker program is replacing the Australian ESI Skills Passport. Workers in the program will receive two cards – an eCard for their mobile device, and a driving licence-sized plastic card. Either may be scanned to check the compliance and qualifications of the worker, with their information linked to their card.

This process will simplify and automate the process, and the worker’s information may be updated at any time in the ESI worker program.

Where are the plastic ESI worker cards sent?

The plastic cards will be sent to the address you entered in the Card Shipping Address section when registering your worker.

If you have not received a card and you believe the worker has been processed, please contact to discuss.

How do I get an ESI worker e-Card?

The e-Cards will be sent via SMS to the mobile number you entered against your workers profile during registration.

Your worker will be prompted to save the e-Card to the mobile wallet application on their phone.

For additional information, please refer to the iPhone or Android user guides at the top of this page.

If you have used a generic mobile number for the worker, the owner of that mobile number will need to forward the SMS onto the worker. If a worker does not have a mobile phone number against their profile, an e-Card cannot be issued.

Do workers need to carry the ESI worker card on their person?

Yes, workers are required to carry the e-Card and/or the plastic card with them when working on the Network and attending training.

Do workers still need to carry their paper Skills Passport?

Network Operators are implementing the ESI worker program different stages.

Please follow your Network Operator’s direction; for example, your worker may still need to carry their paper Skills Passport even though they have an ESI Worker card.

For the CitiPower/Powercor Networks, workers can start using the ESI worker card, however it is recommended they carry the paper Skills Passport until the end of February during this transition period.

Can you start working for a Network Operator as soon as you’re enroled in the program?

Enrolment in the ESI worker program does not automatically approve a worker to work on a network, but it is a required first step. You must still follow your Network Operator’s requirements for work on their network.

Why does each worker need their own email address and mobile number?

The ESI worker mobile app user name and password will be sent to the worker’s email address. You can use a generic email address if the worker does not have their own, but the administrator of that address will need to forward the user name/password to the worker.

An ESI worker eCard will be sent to the worker’s mobile number. Another mobile number can be used if the worker does not have their own, but as with the email, the owner of the mobile must send the eCard onto the worker. Without a mobile phone number, an eCard cannot be issued.

Please note: eCards are not mandatory in the program.

How do workers access the mobile app?

Workers will receive an email invitation that contains both a link to download the Onsite mobile app and their user name and password.

The email will be sent to the email address entered against their profile during registration. If you have used a generic email address for the worker, the administrator of that address will need to forward the user name/password to the worker.

The worker will then download the App to their mobile device and create their own 4 digit pin for easy access.

What is the mobile app for?

The Onsite Mobile app allows the ESI user to view their work roles, competencies, authorities, and licences to ensure their own compliance, right down to the document level. They can also scan the cards of other workers to ensure their compliance before assigning tasks on the job.

How will I know when my worker’s documents are expiring?

Email notifications will be sent to the registered administrator of your company to advise them of expiring worker documents.

Notifications will be sent at 30 days and again at 7 days prior to expiry.

If your worker is also employed by another company, the company that first registered them will receive the notifications.

To renew the expiring competencies, refer to the user guide at the top of this page.

How will authorities be managed?

You will no longer need to email training records for the purpose of renewing Authorities. Once training has been completed, Network Operators will be able to access the worker’s record to update their Authorities.

Is there reporting available in the program?

Basic reports are available in the ESI worker program. Instructions can be found in the corresponding user guide at the top of the page.

Reports will be enhanced and new reports added soon.

How do I update my worker’s details?

Refer to the Updating ESI worker Card Data user guide at the top of the page.

How do I update my worker’s photo if they also hold a Rail Industry Worker card?

You will need to contact the Rail Industry Worker (RIW) team on 1300 777 245 or riw@pegasus.net.au.

Visit railindustryworker.com.au for more information about the program.

How do I update my company details?

Please refer to the Updating Company Data user guide at the top of this page.

How do I replace a lost ESI worker card?

Please refer to the Ordering a Replacement ESI worker card user guide at the top of this page.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the program?

For help with worker role selection or mobile app access, contact the appropriate Network Operator. For help navigating the ESI worker program, contact Avetta.

All details can be found on the Contact Us page.