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1656 Authorised Person Course Sunshine Coast

Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons.

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1656 – Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons is the Queensland industry training pathway for workers seeking to apply for Authorised Person status with Energex or Ergon Energy Network (Energy Queensland).

Learn how to identify electrical network hazards, understand exclusion zones and work safely around overhead and underground electrical infrastructure.

8 hours | $425 | Sunshine Coast | Face-to-face training

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Who is this course for?

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This course is designed for contractor workers and industry personnel who need the knowledge and training required to support an application for Authorised Person status under Energy Queensland's network access requirements.

BOOK YOUR 1656 COURSE

GROUP & WORKPLACE TRAINING AVAILABLE

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1656 Course Information.

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Course: 1656 – Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons

Duration: 8 hours

Cost: $425

Location: Sunshine Coast

Next course date: 06-11-2026

Delivery: Face-to-face

Previous course: T0911

Course purpose: Training to support an application for Authorised Person status

Training provider: VDB Training

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Is the 1656 Authorised Person Course Right for You?

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The 1656 course is intended for contractor workers and industry personnel who need training to support an application for Authorised Person status with Energex or Ergon Energy Network.

You may need this training if your work involves operating plant, vehicles or performing other activities near overhead or underground electrical network infrastructure.

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1656 may be relevant to:

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• Electrical contractors and electrical workers

• Civil and construction workers

• Plant and equipment operators

• Contractors working near electrical infrastructure

• Workers who need to understand electrical exclusion zones

• Businesses whose employees need Authorised Person training

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Important

Completing the 1656 course does not automatically make you an Authorised Person.

You must still apply to the relevant electricity network entity and meet its approval requirements.

If you are unsure whether this is the correct course for your role, contact VDB Training before booking.

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What Does 1656 Replace?

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The 1656 course replaced several previous Energy Queensland training courses and is commonly associated with the previous T0911 training.

You may still see these older course names when searching for Authorised Person or electrical spotter training:

• T0911 – Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons

• 4490 – Working Safely Near Live Electrical Lines and Apparatus – Ergon

• M320 – Electrical Awareness for Safe Work (OHAW) – Energex

• M428 – Underground Awareness (UGAW) – Energex

If your employer has asked you to complete T0911, 1656, Energex Spotter, Ergon Spotter or Electrical Spotter training, contact us if you are unsure which course you require.

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Is 1656 the Electrical Spotter Course?

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You may hear the 1656 course referred to as the:

• Electrical Spotter Course

• Energex Spotter Course

• Ergon Spotter Course

• Energex 1656

• Ergon 1656

• T0911 replacement course

The official course name is:

1656 – Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons

The training focuses on electrical network hazards, exclusion zones and safe work practices around overhead and underground electrical infrastructure.

If your employer has asked you to complete an "Energex Spotter", "Ergon Spotter", "T0911" or "1656" course, contact VDB Training if you are unsure which training you need.

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How to Become an Authorised Person.

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Completing the 1656 training is an important part of the process, but completing the course does not by itself grant Authorised Person status.

The general process is:

1. Check your requirements

Confirm that Authorised Person training is required for your role and that you meet the relevant requirements.

2. Complete approved 1656 training

Complete the 1656 – Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons course.

3. Receive your training evidence

On successful completion, receive the relevant evidence of your completed training.

4. Apply to the relevant electricity network entity

Submit your application to the relevant Energy Queensland network entity, such as Energex or Ergon Energy Network, as required.

5. Application assessment

Your application and supporting evidence are assessed against the relevant requirements.

6. Authorisation

Authorised Person status is granted only when the relevant network entity approves your application.

Need help understanding the process? Contact VDB Training before booking.

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What You'll Learn:

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The 1656 course provides training in the knowledge and practical understanding required to work safely around electrical network infrastructure.
 

Electrical Network Hazards.

You will learn how to:

• Identify common electrical network hazards

• Recognise risks associated with overhead electrical infrastructure

• Recognise risks associated with underground electrical infrastructure

• Understand basic electrical concepts

• Understand the effects of electricity on the human body

• Identify hazards associated with electrical network assets

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Electrical Exclusion Zones.

You will learn about:

• Electrical exclusion zones

• Minimum approach distances

• Factors that affect exclusion zones

• Electrical voltage levels

• Conductors and electrical infrastructure

• Safe positioning of workers, plant and equipment

• Environmental conditions that may affect safe work

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Electrical Network Infrastructure.

You will learn how to identify and understand:

• Electricity network assets

• Overhead electrical infrastructure

• Underground electrical infrastructure

• Substations

• Electrical conductors

• Different electrical voltage levels

• Common network equipment

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Safe Work Practices.

The course covers:

• Safe work practices around electrical infrastructure

• Hazard identification

• Risk management

• Planning work near electrical assets

• Communication and safety procedures

• Working safely around plant and equipment

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Emergency Response.

You will also learn about:

• Emergency procedures

• Electrical incident response

• Reporting requirements

• Accident and incident procedures

• Appropriate actions following contact with electrical infrastructure

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What the 1656 Course Does NOT Qualify You to Do.

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The 1656 course is not a live-line work qualification.

Completing the course does not authorise you to work on live electrical lines or make contact with live electrical equipment.

The course provides relevant training and knowledge to support an application for Authorised Person status, subject to the requirements and approval process of the relevant electricity network entity.

If you are unsure what qualification or authorisation you need for your work, contact VDB Training before booking.

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Why Choose VDB Training?

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Real Industry Experience

Your trainer brings extensive practical electrical and mining industry experience to the classroom.

This means the training is based on real-world experience rather than simply reading through a presentation.

Practical, Easy-to-Understand Training

We focus on helping you understand the risks, requirements and practical application of electrical safety principles.

Sunshine Coast Based

VDB Training provides face-to-face training on the Sunshine Coast, making it convenient for local workers, contractors and businesses.

Small Group Training

Smaller groups allow for a more personal training experience and give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss real workplace situations.

Workplace & Group Training

Need to train several employees?

VDB Training can provide group and workplace training options for businesses and contractors.

Contact us to discuss group or workplace 1656 training.​

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Group & Workplace 1656 Training.

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Need to train multiple employees or contractors?

VDB Training can discuss group and workplace training options to help businesses train their workers efficiently.

Group training may be suitable for:

• Electrical contractors

• Civil construction companies

• Construction businesses

• Plant and equipment operators

• Infrastructure contractors

• Businesses working near electrical network infrastructure

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Why organise group training?

• Train multiple employees together

• Reduce time away from the workplace

• Discuss workplace-specific situations

• Convenient training arrangements

• Dedicated support for your team

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1656 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 1656 course?

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1656 is the Introduction to Electrical Network Infrastructure for Authorised Persons course. It provides training for workers who need to understand electrical network infrastructure, hazards and exclusion zones as part of the process of seeking Authorised Person status.

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Is 1656 the same as T0911?

1656 is the newer course associated with the previous T0911 Authorised Person training. T0911 may still appear in older workplace documentation and online searches.

Is 1656 the Energex Spotter course?

1656 is commonly referred to as the Energex Spotter or Electrical Spotter course. If your employer has specifically requested Energex Spotter training, confirm the current requirement before booking.

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Is 1656 the Ergon Spotter course?

The 1656 course is also commonly associated with Ergon Energy Authorised Person and electrical spotter requirements. Requirements can vary depending on your role and the relevant network entity, so contact VDB Training if you are unsure.

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Who needs to complete 1656?

The course may be relevant to contractor workers and industry personnel whose work involves operating plant, vehicles or undertaking activities near overhead or underground electrical network infrastructure.

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Does completing 1656 make me an Authorised Person?

No. Completing the 1656 course does not automatically grant Authorised Person status. You must still meet the relevant requirements and complete the application and approval process with the applicable electricity network entity.

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Does 1656 allow me to work on live electrical lines?

No. 1656 is not a live-line work qualification and does not authorise you to work on or make contact with live electrical lines.

How long is the 1656 course?

The 1656 course is an 8-hour face-to-face course.

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How much does the 1656 course cost?

The current VDB Training course price is $425 per person.

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Where is the 1656 course held?

The course is delivered on the Sunshine Coast. Contact VDB Training for the current training location and available dates.

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Can you provide 1656 training for our company?

Yes. Group and workplace training options may be available for businesses that need to train multiple workers.

Contact VDB Training to discuss your requirements.

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I'm not sure whether I need 1656. What should I do?

Contact VDB Training before booking. We can help you understand whether 1656 is the appropriate training for your situation.

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Ready to Complete Your 1656 Training?

Book your 1656 Authorised Person Course on the Sunshine Coast with VDB Training.

8-hour course | $425 | Face-to-face training

Learn from an experienced industry trainer and gain the training required to support your Authorised Person application.

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BOOK YOUR 1656 COURSE

GROUP / WORKPLACE ENQUIRY

Not sure whether 1656 is the correct course for your role?

Contact VDB Training before booking and we'll help you work out which training you need.

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Important Course Information.

Course requirements, Authorised Person approval requirements and network access requirements may be subject to change.

Students should confirm the current requirements with the relevant electricity network entity before undertaking work that requires Authorised Person status.

VDB Training provides training in accordance with the requirements applicable to the course at the time of delivery.

For current course dates, availability, pricing and booking information, contact VDB Training.