Industry News
Younger workers more likely to 'fake a sickie'
As many as 43% of workers aged 18-24 admitted to faking a sick day in the past 12 months, according to an online poll of 1035 Australian workers. [ + ]
Check holiday pay rates now
The Fair Work Ombudsman is urging employers and employees to check the pay rates and entitlements that apply over Christmas and the New Year.
[ + ]Electricians' licences recognised across state borders
New laws are making it easier for licensed tradespeople to work across state borders. The laws that came into effect on 1 December promise to cut red tape for small business. [ + ]
NBN Co to acquire Optus cables
The NBN Co will acquire elements of the Optus hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable network in a bid to hasten the rollout of the National Broadband Network, said NBN Co CEO Bill Morrow. [ + ]
New study makes case for black boxes in vehicles
A major new study for the European Commission has found considerable potential safety benefits and low costs for the installation of electronic data recorders (EDRs) in cars, vans and trucks.
[ + ]Building industry comments on apprenticeship data
Master Builders Australia has spoken out about the recently released National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data, highlighting that there are only one-third the apprentices in the pipeline to meet the current and future skill needs of the building and construction industry. [ + ]
Callout to exhibitors and sponsors for SPARC international lighting event
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are now open for SPARC International Lighting Event 2015, to be held from 27-29 May at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Glebe Island, in Sydney. [ + ]
Jobs market set to rise in 2015
The outlook for the jobs market in 2015 appears positive, with employer intentions to hire at the highest level since 2012, according to the Hudson Report Employment Trends, as released by global talent solutions company Hudson. [ + ]
Proceedings issued against electrical cable suppliers for alleged cartel
The ACCC has issued proceedings in the Federal Court against five companies, six individuals and an industry association for alleged cartel and exclusionary conduct in the supply and acquisition of electrical cable throughout Australia. [ + ]
Australian solar company receives global award
Australian solar technology company RayGen Resources has received the Grand Prize in the prestigious 2014 Global CleanTech Cluster Association (GCCA) Later Stage Awards. [ + ]
Six retrofitting trends to watch for in 2015
Commercial buildings with a high NABERS rating deliver 10.5% more investment returns compared to buildings with a low NABERS rating, according to The Property Council. With benefits like that, it is important to keep abreast of changes in the fast-moving retrofitting industry. Here are some trends we can expect to see in 2015.
[ + ]ABB commissions 1200 kV circuit breaker
ABB has designed, manufactured, installed and commissioned a 1200-kilovolt (kV) circuit breaker - the highest AC voltage level in the world. [ + ]
Eaton appoints new MD for ANZ Electrical Business
Power management company Eaton has appointed Gordon Makryllos as managing director - Australia/New Zealand for the company's electrical business. Based in Sydney, Makryllos will be responsible for leading the business through its next phase of growth and propelling its sales and marketing presence. [ + ]
Safe Work Australia seminar series available
Safe Work Australia is making its Virtual Seminar Series (VSS) presentations available for general viewing. [ + ]
Apprenticeship growth defies employer claims
Trade apprenticeships have strongly increased, disproving employer claims that commencements would collapse following increased apprentice pay and better conditions won last year by unions. [ + ]
