Big Sister Program Orange Card Combo Course: Free EWP and Heights Course for Women Entering the Electrical Industry
For women electricians and those considering an electrical apprenticeship, this early foundation can make a real difference.
What is the Orange Card Combo (Big Sister Program)?
The Orange Card Combo (Big Sister Program) delivered by Equip-Safe combines two high-demand safety proficiencies through one supported pathway:
- Elevated Work Platform (EWP) training for scissor lifts, and boom lifts up to 11 metres
- Work Safely at Heights training
Together, these units form what Equip-Safe refers to as the Orange Card Combo . This training is often required before workers are allowed on construction, or energy sites as they work at heights or require access training .
What sets this program apart is participants are supported and guided through their journey in the electrical industry. Established for women aged 15-20 looking to begin a career in the electrical industry, this course is free for eligible participants, with The Construction Training Fund (CTF) subsidising 70% of the course fee, and the Big Sister Program covering the remaining 30%.
What the Orange Card Combo covers
The Orange Card is a combination of nationally recognised units of competency. In this course, participants complete training that typically covers:
- Safe operation of scissor lifts, and boom lifts up to 11 metres
- Operation of EWP in confined areas
- Hazard identification and risk control when working at elevated heights
- Fall prevention systems and emergency procedures
- Pre-operational checks and safe shutdown procedures
- Understanding site responsibilities and safety obligations
These skills are essential for many electrical and energy-related roles, particularly during installation, maintenance, and construction phases.
Why this course helps women entering the electrical and energy trades
While the number of women electricians is growing, their representation across the electrical industry in Australia remains low compared to their male counterparts. This can make early training environments feel intimidating or unfamiliar.
The Big Sister Program helps by:
- Providing a supportive learning environment
- Removing cost barriers through free or subsidised access
- Building confidence before stepping onto site
- Aligning training with real job and apprenticeship requirements
For women considering an electrical apprenticeship, completing EWP and heights training early can improve readiness and demonstrate commitment to employers.
Who the program is designed for
This course is suited to:
- New entrants preparing for a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship in the electrical or energy trades
- Participants in the Big Sister Program apprenticeship pathway
Eligibility for free training is dependent on funding criteria, industry pathway requirements, or program participation.
The First Step of Support into the Electrical Industry
This funded Orange Card course is designed as a first step in the Big Sister pathway, giving participants the essential safety skills needed before entering site-based work. It helps learners build job-ready capabilities for roles across electrotechnology, construction, plumbing and gas services, renewables and clean energy, resources, mining, and infrastructure.
For those who wish to continue, the course provides a clear pathway into further training, including an Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship with the College of Electrical Training or progression into an Electrical Apprenticeship with Electrical Group Training.
Take the next step
If you are a woman and considering becoming a electrician or preparing for an electrical apprenticeship, the Big Sister Program Orange Card combo course offers a practical, supported starting point.
Book the Big Sister Program (Orange Card combo) and build the skills, confidence and safety knowledge you need to enter the industry job-ready.
For more information about industry support and pathways, visit:
Construction Training Fund WA: https://ctf.wa.gov.au/
Big Sister Program: https://bigsisterprogram.com.au/
**Big Sister is a part of the Building Women’s Careers (BWC) Program and BWC is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
