Construction activity strongest in a year
12 October, 2007
According to Property Council of Australia, the seasonally adjusted figures for Australia’s national construction industry rose 6.8 points to 55.2 — above the 50.0 point level separating expansion from contraction.
NECA to open Canberra office
10 October, 2007
The NECA NSW Chapter has announced that it will establish a permanent home in the ACT for its NSW-based Group Training company.
NECA ACT Excellence Awards
08 October, 2007
The electrical industry recently recognised the outstanding skills of six contracting firms at the 2007 NECA ACT Excellence Awards held at the Hyatt in September.
ECAQ Apprentice of the Year
08 October, 2007
Brisbane apprentice, Peter Schultz has been named the Queensland Electrical and Communications Association/Clipsal/Schneider Electric 2007 Apprentice of the Year.
Non-compliant electrical product counterfeiting
26 September, 2007 by Paul Stathis, Editor
The entire Australian electrical industry should be involved in the fight against the importation of sub-standard, non-compliant electrical product, often referred to as 'counterfeiting'
Australian Apprenticeship award
14 September, 2007
Powercor Australia was a recent Victorian winner of the ‘Minister’s Awards for Excellence for Employers of Australian Apprentices’. The awards recognise employers who demonstrate commitment, innovation and outstanding achievement in the training of Australian apprentices. Australian Apprenticeships are an Australian government initiative.
NECA SA 2007 Excellence awards
04 September, 2007
The South Australia NECA Excellence Awards and Apprentice Awards were held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 24 August, with ten of the state's leading contractors and three top electrical and communications apprentices recognised for their outstanding achievements. The Leader of the Opposition, Martin Hamilton-Smith MP, set the tone at the event with his ideas about making it easier for businesses to develop, succeed and achieve excellence.
Skills shortage here to stay
30 August, 2007
A recent study by McCrindle Research shows the skills shortages and the associated workplace expectations of 'Generation Y' are here to stay
New Wiring Rules to be released soon
24 August, 2007
According to a recent Standards Australia media release, the new edition of the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules is expected to be released in the final quarter of 2007.
Electrical supply protection standards
20 August, 2007
A number of new electrical supply protection standards have recently been updated, simplifying the process of providing supply protection. I spoke with experts from Novaris, HPM and PowerCom Solutions about their implications to contractors
Spacing changes between halogens and insulation in new Wiring Rules
15 August, 2007
Standards Australia announced new rules relating to the installation of thermal insulation and halogen downlights which should help reduce the incidence of house fires.
Reminder on need for RCDs with hand-held electrical tools
12 August, 2007
WorkSafe has issued a reminder to workplaces that residual current devices (RCDs) need to be fitted to electrical circuits wherever hand-held electrical tools are to be used.
Lighting standards
12 August, 2007
Like all electrical work, lighting installations must be compliant to regulations. But regs don't just cover workmanship. Lighting products also have to be compliant to standards, but who's accountable for their compliance?
HVAC apprentice incentive program
03 August, 2007
HVAC and building management services provider, AE Smith has developed a 'National Training Achievement award' to recognise and reward the efforts of the company's apprentices.
Electrical testing standards
01 August, 2007
Workplace safety is a serious concern for all employees and employers. In the electrical industry, it's not limited to installation practises and tools. Testing is a high-risk activity that can be done safely by following the standards and regulations
