Thousands of jobs are at risk from the planned merger of Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy, Unions NSW claims. [ + ]

Westminster Hall has received a 21st-century update, courtesy of an Australian company. The Gerard Lighting Group’s Pierlite Division in the UK has installed almost 1000 LED energy-saving lamps in six huge chandeliers that grace Westminster Hall - the oldest part of the UK Houses of Parliament, built in the 11th century. [ + ]

Australian apprentices will receive more support in the form of industry-based mentors and advisers, Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, has announced. [ + ]

The Gillard Government intends to make radical reforms to Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system, Senator Chris Evans has said. [ + ]

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART’s) recommendations for solar power pricing have caused quite the industry stir. [ + ]

The Coalition’s Greg Hunt gave notice on 13 March to introduce a Private Members’ Bill to restore the solar hot water rebate. The Bill will demand the government commit to the remaining $64.5 million of funding it had allocated for the solar hot water rebate scheme for 2011-2012. [ + ]

Unions NSW said it will take action in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in response to the state government’s move to privatise electricity generators. [ + ]

Telco contractor Teligence has selected test equipment sourcing specialist Livingston as its global rental partner. [ + ]

Changes to the visa program for skilled migrants have been welcomed by industry groups as a solution to the skills shortage that’s being experienced - particularly in the resources sector, such as in engineering and the skilled trades. [ + ]

The Communications Electrical Plumbing Union (CEPU) has launched a national campaign to increase wages for apprentice electricians, arguing that the low wages paid to apprentices are a disincentive to commence an apprenticeship and are directly linked to low completion rates. [ + ]

The Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra come into force on 7 March 2012, allowing NBN Co to increase construction activity. [ + ]

AusIndustry’s information sessions for the $1 billion Clean Technology Investment programs have proved to be highly popular, with over 1800 manufacturers registering to attend the sessions. The first session in Sydney on 5 March attracted over 390 businesses. [ + ]

Marechal Electric SA of France has established a wholly owned subsidiary company, headquartered in Rowville, Victoria, Australia, and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to its customers in Australia. The company’s existing distribution arrangement with Eaton Electric will end on 31 March 2012 and Marechal Australia will commence trading on 1 April 2012. [ + ]

New implementation guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry will make the process of tendering for government-funded building works much simpler, Bill Shorten, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, said. [ + ]

AusIndustry is hosting a series of information sessions to help manufacturers and business operators learn how to apply for assistance under the government’s Clean Technology Investment Program. [ + ]