MEA recognises top Queensland sparkies

During these tough economic times, it’s important to acknowledge how far sparkies have come not only in the industry, but in their business. This year, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) recognised important contributions to our industry at the recent North Queensland Excellence Awards and the National Apprentice Awards presentation.

A total of 14 awards were handed out to North Queensland businesses and individuals who demonstrated outstanding achievements in the industry, with the coveted NQ Master Electrician of the Year award going to Cairns-based i-LEC Solutions.

Two-time NQ Master Electrician of the Year winners Horan and Bird received two awards for Commercial Project of the Year and Solar Installation Project of the Year, for their work on a commercial site in Cannon Park Precinct in Condon and the Good Shepherd Nursing Home respectively.

Patricia Elsden of Starr Electrics claimed the title of NQ Business Woman of the Year, representing a female aspect to the business and our industry. MEA has always advocated for better opportunities for all to access the training and apprenticeships needed to get a head start in the industry. MEA has constantly reiterated, apprenticeships are the backbone of our industry and it is where the younger generation cultivate the foundations that will strengthen the future of our industry.

This year, MEA was pleased to see a large volume of nominations for our National Apprentice of the Year Award. While the judges had their work cut out for them in short-listing and selecting winners, it is promising to see our apprentices working hard and becoming the future champions of our industry.

Apprentice Dalton Pike from Tradesmen on Time, an Accredited Master Electrician, is one such example. Dalton was presented the prestigious National Apprentice of the Year Award by the Hon John Paul Langbroek, Qld Minister for Education, Training and Employment at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane. He will now go on to become an Ambassador for apprentices and assist MEA in further developing apprenticeship programs. Sparkies deserve a pat on the back for their achievements, especially given the recent tough business environment, and MEA is proud to acknowledge all award winners as the best of the best in our industry.

I am confident that our industry will continue to move forward, and with these talented minds, continue to produce some of our industry’s best work.

Other winners at the North Queensland Excellence Awards are: Linked Group Services: Innovative Product of the Year for the Linked Solar Iso-cover; ADP Electrical: Green Project of the Year for work on the Brothers League Club (Innisfail); Dav Electrical: Residential Project of the Year (Under $400K) for a house in Greater Ascot; Steve Allan Electrical: Residential Project of the Year (over $400K) for a house in Fairfield Waters (Townsville); Minelec: Industrial & Mining Project of the Year for EH Mining Site; Tony Divertie: Bob Cooper award; Jacob Ernest Hill (TORGAS): NQ Apprentice of the Year - Highly Commended; Scott Heilbronn (TORGAS): NQ 1st Year Apprentice of the Year; Michael Blanch (TORGAS): NQ 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year; Kodie Alan Jang (Jaysel Electrical & Instrumentation): NQ 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year - Highly Commended.

Other National Apprentice Award winners are: Scott Heilbronn (TORGAS): 1st Year Apprentice of the Year; Michael Blanch (TORGAS): 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year; Brendan Radley (Excel Power): 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year.

www.masterelectricians.com.au