This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for an Electrical Engineering Technician migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 312312. 312312 is on CSOL with state nomination availability — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189 Independent (where listed), Subclass 190 State-Nominated, Subclass 491 Regional Provisional → 191 PR, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, and Subclass 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 312312 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 312312 is the right code
ANZSCO 312312 covers electrical-engineering technician work — test and commissioning of HV / MV / LV switchgear, protection relay testing (Omicron CMC, Megger Sverker, Doble F6150), transformer testing (ratio, winding resistance, insulation, oil DGA, partial discharge), cable testing (VLF, tan-delta, partial discharge, megger, low-resistance), motor testing, earthing system testing (fall-of-potential, soil resistivity), substation commissioning, SCADA / RTU integration, drive / VSD setup, PLC ladder logic / functional testing, building services electrical testing (NCC / AS3000), thermographic inspection, power-quality analysis, and instrumentation commissioning.
If you're a licensed electrician on tools, 341111 Electrician (General) via TRA pathway is the right code.
If you're a chartered electrical engineer, 233311 gives stronger invitation rates.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) handles 312312. Standard requirements:
- Qualification — at least AQF Diploma / Advanced Diploma / Bachelor in Electrical Engineering / Electrotechnology.
- Skilled employment — at least 1 year highly relevant in the 5 years before applying (post-qualification).
- Reference letters must show majority time on technician work (test / commission / supervision rather than design or trade).
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 4 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 if 312312 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic given the energy transition + ongoing utility / mining demand.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 312312 employers:
- Energy utilities — Powerlink Queensland, AusNet Services, Transgrid (NSW), ElectraNet (SA), TasNetworks, Western Power, Horizon Power, NT Power and Water, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, Energex / Ergon, SA Power Networks.
- Renewables / energy — AGL Energy, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, Snowy Hydro, Stanwell, CleanCo, Synergy, ENGIE Australia, Acciona Energia, Squadron Energy, RES Australia, Goldwind Australia, Vestas Australia, Siemens Energy, GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy.
- Tier 1 engineering services / contractors — UGL (CIMIC), Monadelphous, Worley, Wood, Saipem, Fluor, Bechtel, RCR Tomlinson, Doosan Babcock, Beon Energy Solutions.
- Building services / MEP contractors — A.G. Coombs, AE Smith, Programmed Facility Management, Schneider Electric (services), ABB Australia, Siemens Australia.
- Mining majors / contractors — BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Newmont, Northern Star, South32, IGO, BMA, Glencore — plus their contractors (UGL, Monadelphous, RCR, Macmahon, Thiess).
- Rail / transport — Sydney Trains, Metro Trains Melbourne, Queensland Rail, Aurizon, Pacific National, Public Transport Authority WA.
- Consultancies — Aurecon, GHD, AECOM, WSP, Cardno (Stantec), Beca, KBR, Hatch.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
Next step
Want to map your electrical engineering technician profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.