Contractor mentoring program

While starting up a new business can be an exciting and heady challenge, many first-time business owners unconsciously step into a minefield of paperwork, administration duties and financial needs that come hand in hand with setting up a new business. Master Electricians Australia (MEA) understands that starting a new business, and keeping it not only going but flourishing, can be a difficult challenge for many tradies new to the game.

This was why MEA recently introduced the Pre-contractor Program - designed to provide expert mentoring advice and training in business management completely free of charge, and empowering electricians with the skills and knowledge needed to give themselves a head start in the business world.

All too often industry sees ambitious new contractors entering the marketplace without the skills or experience needed to run a successful business. They have the right skills as sparkies but not the business know-how needed to manage a prosperous company. In the long run, this leads to electrical contractors paying the price by picking up the pieces when a new and inexperienced business is forced to close down.

The Pre-contractor Program provides electricians with the opportunity to learn the tricks of the business trade from an experienced industry mentor, boosting the success rate of small businesses within the sector.

Mentors in the program meet with their allocated pre-contractor for six face-to-face mentoring sessions. They’ll also be able to attend webinars and events specific to the program, which aims to provide in-depth expert advice on a variety of business-related topics. Most importantly, they’ll have the support they need from someone with experience and an understanding of the business world. 

Eligible pre-contractors must meet the following criteria: have permanent residency, that is, as an Australian citizen or as a permanent resident of Australia; not be an undischarged bankrupt; not have previously completed the small business qualifications; and not be subsidised from other government funding, including Commonwealth, states and territories, for the same eligible qualifications offered under the AtoB Program.

To apply for the Pre-contractor Program either as a mentor or mentee, contact MEA on 1300 889 198. Participants of the program must be located in Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria.

MEA’s Pre-contractor program is funded by the Department of Industry and sponsored by CNW. Programs such as these aim to equip electricians with training and expert mentoring to enable them to make informed career choices and boost their chances of business success.

The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of MEA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian government or state and territory governments.

www.masterelectricians.com.au