Swinburne launches new Circuit Breaker training facility

Swinburne has launched a new Circuit Breaker Testing Facility, a first of its kind in Australia, to help future electricians learn essential safety testing techniques in a real-world environment. 

The new facility replicates a house for a realistic testing and training experience that can also be used in licencing exams – a significant improvement from traditional, predictable compact test boards.

The structure has varying construction materials, programmable faults, and can even be rewired and reconfigured to reflect changes to standards, technologies and industry practices. 

In the new facility, students learn essential safety testing skills and use trailing leads and resistor sets to test real electrical installations.  

Swinburne’s electrotechnology educator Brian King, who has over 30 years' experience as an electrician and electrical inspector, says the facility reflects Swinburne’s ongoing focus on strengthening training to keep pace with industry needs. 

“As with all quality vocational education, our training continues to evolve to reflect current practices, risks and technologies,” he says.

“The Circuit Breaker Testing Facility has been designed to complement existing delivery by providing a more realistic and interchangeable environment for our learners to apply various safety testing techniques and build confidence. 

“It supports deeper capability development and helps ensure apprentices are well prepared to work safely and effectively in industry contexts.”

Electrical work remains one of Australia’s highest-risk trades; according to Safe Work Australia data, electricians consistently work longer hours and are exposed to more hazardous conditions than the average worker. 

Madelyn Bolch, Pro Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Training, says the project demonstrates Swinburne’s deep connection to industry and commitment to addressing skills gaps.

“We know it’s essential for apprentices to build strong foundations in safe, controlled environments. At the same time, we are continually enhancing our training to reflect the complexity of real-world settings,” she says. 

“Swinburne’s new circuit breaker testing facility shows what’s possible when education is shaped by deep industry insight and collaboration.

“This purpose-built facility was co-designed with industry to equip our learners with the practical skills and safety expertise they need to be job‑ready.”

By fundamentally changing how apprentices are trained, the new facility will enable apprentices to gain the skills to undertake safe and comprehensive electrical testing.

“This facility allows us to train students the way they’ll actually work in industry: identifying faults, testing real installations and understanding why those safety checks matter,” adds Brian King. 

Sam Horner, a third-year electrical apprentice studying at Swinburne, said the facility has already boosted his capability in safe testing, isolating circuits and testing results on job sites 

“It’s really helped my understanding of testing and test results from the extra hands-on learning and experience it’s given us as students,” he said. 

“I also feel that this will increase safety in the industry with more tradespeople properly and safely understanding how to test, leading to less errors in installations and wiring.” 

Materials and equipment for the facility were kindly donated by Swinburne’s supporting industry suppliers, including AWM Ringwood, DNN Switchboards, Hager Electro and Schneider Electric.