COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Operational Planning & Coordination in Electrical Projects course. This training has been developed to support you in developing the planning, scheduling, and coordination skills required to deliver electrical works safely, efficiently, and to specification within complex construction and infrastructure environments.
Operational planning is the foundation of successful electrical project delivery. This course begins by defining the objectives of operational planning in the electrical context and distinguishing it from strategic or site-level planning. Participants will explore the importance of aligning operational activities with broader project goals, ensuring that timelines, safety obligations, resource use, and technical standards are all carefully coordinated from the outset.
Understanding project scope is central to effective planning. This section introduces the process of reviewing technical drawings, electrical layouts, and schematic diagrams to identify the full range of systems involved—including low voltage (LV), medium voltage (MV), high voltage (HV), data, fire, and security systems. Emphasis is placed on clarifying what is included in scope, identifying exclusions, and understanding specific client expectations or performance requirements.
Clear understanding of project documentation is essential for compliance and risk mitigation. This section explains how to interpret specifications, standards, and contract terms, with reference to key regulatory documents such as AS/NZS 3000 and other relevant electrical codes of practice. Participants will learn how to identify permit requirements, approval pathways, and site-specific compliance obligations that impact planning.
Breaking the project into manageable work packages allows for structured delivery. This section explores how to segment works by discipline, zone, or construction phase, assign responsibility to team members, and define interdependencies between tasks. Participants will learn how to create detailed work scopes and sub-schedules to track deliverables effectively.
Milestones provide essential benchmarks for progress tracking. This section guides participants in identifying critical project milestones such as switchboard installation, cable testing, and final commissioning. These are aligned with broader construction schedules and defect-free handover deadlines to ensure full integration with head contractor planning.
Detailed scheduling is key to day-to-day coordination. This section outlines how to sequence electrical tasks from rough-in through to fit-off and testing, using tools such as Gantt charts and short-term lookahead schedules. Planning for contingencies—such as weather delays, site access limitations, or dependency on other trades—is also addressed.
Labour and resource estimation ensures availability and efficiency. This section focuses on calculating labour hours based on complexity and project scale, planning shift structures, and forecasting material consumption. Participants will learn to align labour resources with peak work phases and ensure timely supply of materials to meet task schedules.
Coordination with other trades reduces delays and conflict. This section explores how to align electrical works with the activities of builders, plumbers, HVAC teams, and others, particularly in shared workspaces. Participation in coordination meetings and the use of clash detection tools are covered as key practices for avoiding rework and sequencing issues.
Procurement planning reduces risk to timelines. This section examines how to identify long-lead items such as switchboards, custom lighting, and control panels, manage supplier communications, and track deliveries. Strategies are provided for managing backorders, substitutions, and staging deliveries to support site logistics.
Tools and equipment availability can determine workflow efficiency. This section covers planning for the allocation of essential plant and equipment, including EWP, generators, cable rollers, and test instruments. Participants will learn how to schedule inspections, tagging, and servicing of tools to ensure WHS compliance and operational readiness.
Workforce supervision supports productivity and compliance. This section explains how to allocate team members based on skillsets, assign supervision roles, and manage workforce compliance with induction, licensing, and white card requirements. Specialist installations such as automation and control systems are addressed in terms of skill-matching.
Work health and safety must be embedded in all planning. This section introduces methods for integrating SWMS, risk assessments, and lockout/tagout protocols into planning activities. Toolbox talks, safety audits, and task-specific safety planning are explored as tools for creating a proactive safety culture.
Clear communication structures enhance project flow. This section outlines how to define reporting lines between supervisors, foremen, and project managers, use standardised site documentation and digital tools, and ensure timely escalation and resolution of issues that may impact timelines or safety.
Tracking progress enables timely intervention. This section focuses on conducting daily walk-arounds, updating plans to reflect completed tasks, and identifying slippages or rework. Participants will learn how to adjust schedules in real time, keeping electrical works on track and stakeholders informed.
Variations must be managed systematically. This section explains how to identify, document, and quote changes to scope, reschedule variation works, and communicate these changes across teams and subcontractors. Change control is positioned as a critical aspect of operational coordination and financial control.
Planning for commissioning and compliance testing ensures smooth handover. This section guides participants through scheduling and coordinating electrical tests—including continuity, insulation resistance, RCD operation, and functional checks—and managing inspections and certifications in accordance with industry standards.
Capturing changes and lessons learned supports continuous improvement. This section explains how to maintain version control of project documents, log innovations or difficulties, and conduct debriefings post-project to improve future planning practices.
Finally, structured reflection helps refine operational planning capability. This section focuses on evaluating what worked and what didn’t during the project lifecycle, collecting feedback from all stakeholders, and updating internal planning tools, checklists, and templates to reflect lessons learned.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and structured methods required to plan and coordinate electrical works in a wide range of project environments—supporting safety, compliance, efficiency, and successful delivery of high-quality outcomes in the Australian electrical contracting industry.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Operational Planning in Electrical Projects
- Definition and objectives of operational planning in electrical contexts
- Differences between strategic, operational, and site-level planning
- Importance of planning for timelines, safety, compliance, and productivity
2. Understanding Electrical Project Scope and Specifications
- Reviewing technical drawings, electrical layouts, and circuit plans
- Identifying system types: LV, MV, HV, data, security, and fire systems
- Clarifying inclusions, exclusions, and client expectations
3. Reviewing Project Documentation and Compliance Requirements
- Analysing project specifications, standards, and contract terms
- Cross-referencing with AS/NZS 3000 and other codes of practice
- Identifying permits, approvals, and regulatory conditions
4. Breaking Down the Project into Work Packages
- Segmenting works by discipline, location, or stage
- Assigning deliverables, responsibilities, and interdependencies
- Preparing sub-task schedules and scope outlines
5. Establishing Project Objectives and Milestones
- Identifying critical milestones: switchboard installation, testing, handover
- Aligning electrical stages with overall project timelines
- Incorporating defect-free benchmarks and commissioning deadlines
6. Developing Detailed Work Schedules for Electrical Tasks
- Sequencing tasks from rough-in to fit-off, testing, and certification
- Creating Gantt charts or lookahead schedules for daily tracking
- Allowing contingencies for access, weather, or subcontractor delays
7. Estimating Labour and Resource Requirements
- Calculating technician hours based on task complexity
- Planning for team size, shift rotations, and overtime needs
- Forecasting material usage and lead times
8. Coordinating with Other Trades and Site Activities
- Integrating electrical schedules with builders, plumbers, and HVAC teams
- Managing shared work zones and sequencing access
- Attending coordination meetings and clash resolution sessions
9. Managing Procurement and Lead Times for Electrical Materials
- Identifying long-lead items like switchboards, lighting, and control gear
- Tracking orders and scheduling deliveries to site
- Managing backorders, supplier substitutions, and storage needs
10. Organising Tools, Equipment, and Temporary Supplies
- Allocating access to EWP, generators, test instruments, and cable rollers
- Planning site electrical supplies for tools and lighting
- Scheduling inspections, tagging, and maintenance of equipment
11. Workforce Allocation and Supervision Planning
- Assigning team leaders, apprentices, and licensed electricians
- Matching skillsets to specialised installations
- Ensuring site inductions, licences, and white cards are current
12. Planning for Work Health and Safety (WHS) Compliance
- Incorporating risk assessments and SWMS into planning
- Scheduling toolbox talks and safety checks
- Planning lockout/tagout procedures and live testing protocols
13. Establishing Communication and Reporting Structures
- Defining reporting lines between site supervisors and project managers
- Using reporting templates, daily diaries, and site apps
- Ensuring clear escalation paths for issues or delays
14. Tracking Progress Against Operational Plans
- Using checklists and site walk-arounds to confirm completed works
- Updating schedules in real time with actual vs planned outputs
- Flagging and resolving any slippages or rework items
15. Managing Project Variations and Scope Adjustments
- Identifying changes due to client requests or design updates
- Quoting, documenting, and rescheduling variation works
- Communicating adjustments to all affected stakeholders
16. Planning for Testing, Commissioning, and Compliance Checks
- Scheduling continuity, polarity, insulation resistance, and RCD tests
- Coordinating with inspectors or certifiers for staged sign-offs
- Preparing test sheets, certifications, and handover documents
17. Documenting Changes and Lessons Learned
- Maintaining version control on updated drawings and instructions
- Capturing project challenges and innovations for future planning
- Debriefing team members post-project
18. Reviewing and Improving Operational Planning Practices
- Evaluating what worked and what didn’t during project delivery
- Seeking feedback from tradespeople, supervisors, and clients
- Updating internal planning templates and procedures
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.