Matchmaster’s purpose is to provide a pathway to a better future for contractors/installers. They are passionate about people learning new skills and improving their job prospects. Matchmaster has been delivering industry trusted and approved training for well over 15 years. Their program continues to provide installers with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to service the field with confidence.

Digital Switchover & Trade Certificate

On 28th May 2013, the switchover from analogue to digital television will commence in Brisbane before working its way around to the rest of the country’s capital cities, making this the perfect time for electricians to gain an extra qualification. The program is designed to provide the necessary skills to install digital TV reception equipment for homes and businesses. Participants will also learn fault finding skills on a range of digital reception equipment for subscription TV and free-to-air TV reception.

Stephen Creese, Northern Region Manager at Matchmaster, says it is great news for electricians that there is finally has a formal qualification for Digital TV reception installation. “Electricians should take the opportunity to add extra skills in order to broaden their scope of work they can complete for clients”. “By offering this course through SkillsConnect, we can deliver more specialist options for electricians in a newly recognised skill area,” Mr Creese said.

The course combines theory and practical components, providing a thorough understanding of the course content.  Course modules include:

• Digital Terrestrial Reception Installation including the selection and installation of terrestrial antennas, managing and installing coaxial cable and designing simple domestic distribution systems
• Satellite Digital Reception Systems providing an understanding of radio frequencies, locating satellites, setting up mounts and measuring signals using the latest test equipment
• Complex Digital Reception Systems covering a selection of antennas for large systems, and providing participants with an understanding of how to locate and rectify digital reception faults.

Percy Underwood, Training Manager at Matchmaster, says their longstanding relationship with Master Electricians Australia is now stronger with the ability to provide formal training to members.

“To have a good working relationship, you need focused people on both sides with a real focus on delivery. “Through this partnership, we are enabling electricians to become trained to do the job, rather than just sell the product,” Mr Underwood said.

The Digital Reception Technology course is recommended for those who have substantial vocational experience, with or without a formal qualification. It will consist of four days face-to-face training, print-based learning materials in addition to an online component for assessment.

This Certificate is being offered through the partnership of Matchmaster and SkillsConnect.  Click here for more information on this qualification.

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) have launched a major new campaign to tackle the use of non-compliant products in the electrical industry.

The Does It Comply? campaign was created by NECA and the world’s leading electrical industry information portal Voltimum. The two industry leaders joined forces earlier this year in an effort to raise awareness and educate electrical contractors and consumers of the dangers of using products that are not compliant to Australian Standards.

The first phase of the Does It Comply? campaign was the launch of a dedicated website on 1 May 2013 which is a one-stop-shop for information on non-compliant products and associated regulations.  The second phase of the campaign will involve an online training module for electrical contractors. Successful completion of the training will allow access to a new ‘Does it Comply? Signatory’  logo which can then be used on future business and marketing material.

NECA’s Chief Executive Officer, James Tinslay, said electrical contractors are usually the last players in the supply chain and the new campaign will assist them to identify and stamp out the use of non-compliant products.

“NECA is very determined to play its role in stopping non-compliant products from being used in Australia. They are a huge risk to the good name of the electrical industry and all of the contractors and companies who are doing the right thing,” Mr Tinslay said.

“Products not conforming to the Australian Standards are a genuine risk to consumers and have been directly linked to numerous house fires, injuries and deaths. There are also heavy penalties for contractors who use non compliant products.

“NECA has worked very closely with Voltimum and an industry alliance who have committed to respecting our industry by manufacturing, importing, promoting, selling and using only compliant and genuine products.”

The use of non-compliant products can have major legal ramifications for contractors, cause deaths, lead to fires and have a huge impact on the economy. The installation of non-compliant products could result in legal liabilities and criminal prosecutions against contractors and the manufacturers or distributors who sell them.

A recent study undertaken by the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) uncovered some alarming statistics:

• A total of 67 fatalities occurred between 1999 – 2003 from electrical faults in Australia and New Zealand.
• A total of 11,260 fires are attributed to electrical equipment faults between 2002 – 2007 in Australian and New Zealand.
• The cost of electrical fires and fatalities to the Australian economy is estimated at $489 million per annum.

The Does It Comply? campaign has received wide ranging support from the broader electrical industry. The industry alliance working on this campaign with NECA and Voltimum consists of ABB, Eye Lighting, Gerard Lighting, HPM Legrand, Nexans Olex, Prysmian Group, Thomas and Betts, Clipsal and the Lighting Council Australia.

Standards Australia Chief Executive Officer, Colin Blair, praised the new campaign and outlined why it is essential to only use compliant products.

“Standards Australia is pleased to support this important initiative. The risk of non-compliant electrical equipment to industry, and the community at large, is significant and growing,” Mr Blair said.

“Australian Standards are fundamental to the safety of consumers and workplaces and we welcome this effort to raise awareness of their critical role in society.”

The launch of the Does It Comply? campaign coincides with the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) decision to implement a new safety system  where all suppliers of electrical product and some specific high risk electrical equipment will be registered on a national database.

ERAC is made up of representatives of the regulatory authorities responsible for electrical safety, supply and energy efficiency in New Zealand and all Australian States, Territories and the Commonwealth.

The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) commenced on 1 March 2013 in Queensland with other participating jurisdictions progressively introducing legislation.

The key features of the EESS are:

• Nationally consistent, electrical equipment safety legislation throughout Australia and New Zealand that will greatly increase consumer safety.
• A National Database where all suppliers and certain types of equipment must be registered prior to being offered for sale.  This will allow equipment to be easily traced to its supplier and act as a gateway to the legal supply of electrical equipment in Australia and New Zealand.
• Risk based classification of equipment into 3 levels (Level 3, Level 2 and Level 1) with different requirements for each level.
• A self-funding, user-pays system where registration fees fund improved compliance, surveillance and post-market enforcement activities.
• Registration of a ‘Responsible Supplier’, who is a manufacturer or importer of in-scope electrical equipment and who is a legal entity in Australia or New Zealand. They will have the onus of responsibility for ensuring the safety of the electrical equipment they sell.
• Technical safety requirements have not changed under the EESS, but tighter evidence of conformity is required for some items.

The new campaign demonstrates the electrical contracting industry’s commitment to work hand in hand with regulators. NECA’s Operations Manager, Vicky Greenfield, explained the Does It Comply? campaign is an important industry driven initiative and it will complement the regulatory advances recently implemented by ERAC.

“For the first time electrical regulators throughout Australia and key players in the electrical industry are actively working together to stamp out non-compliant products,” Ms Greenfield said.

“NECA always has the best interests of our members at heart and ensured the best interests of our members were maintained during the development of our new campaign and training module. At the same time NECA has represented and lobbied on behalf of the entire industry during discussions with ERAC on the introduction of their new safety system.

“Both initiatives will help NECA members to use only compliant products which will ensure their business and customers will not be negatively impacted by counterfeits.”

The second phase of the Does It Comply? campaign is expected to be launched on 1 June 2013. The online training will focus on three key compliance areas that were identified through market research as areas which electrical contractors needed the most training and education.

The three main topics covered in the training include:

• Who is liable in the event that something goes wrong
•  Identifying non-compliant products
•  Understanding the new EESS

In the coming months NECA will be providing more information to our membership on the new regulatory system implemented by ERAC and encourages all members to visit the Does It Comply? campaign website.

When visiting the website, you can sign-up to support the campaign to stamp out non-compliant products, catch up on the latest information and trends on non-compliant products affecting our industry, understand the penalties for using non-compliant products and register for the online training module.

For more information on the Does It Comply? campaign and the new Electrical Equipment Safety System, simply visit http://www.doesitcomply.com.au/

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NECA is playing a major role in a new electrical apprenticeship pilot, which is being funded by the Federal Government, focused on improving electrical apprentice completion rates across the country.

The Mentor and Advisor Project (MAP), which forms part of the Energy Industry Apprentice Progression Management System operated by E-Oz Energy Skills Australia, involves around 28 participating Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and will see 1,000 first year apprentices commencing in 2013 and another 1,500 apprentices in 2014.

The pilot will provide electrical apprentices the opportunity to progress through their training once they demonstrate competency rather than having to serve the traditional four year period. Industry endorsed benchmarks will ensure the progression model is comprehensive and rigorous ensuring quality outcomes. As part of the program NECA, which is involved in the training of over 2,000 electrical and communications apprentices through its group training companies, will employ up to 39 apprentice mentor/advisers across most of Australia over a two-year period with 16 already appointed.

The mentor/advisers provide occupation or industry specific information to potential apprentices to help them make an informed decision. They primarily target school leavers and also provide information and resources to potential and existing employers. Mentoring is provided for individual apprentices to help them successfully progress through their apprenticeships. Mentoring also involves providing support to the apprentices’ employers and supervisors to encourage a positive employment relationship. The mentoring is targeted at nominated priority groups which include mature aged and regional and remote apprentices.

The mentor/advisers will carry out an average minimum of 11 structured, face to face mentoring visits per apprentice in the project per calendar year and also liaises with the apprentice’s RTO.

NECA Chief Executive Officer James Tinslay said the initiative – which was launched by the Federal Government at NECA Apprenticeships Victoria facility in September 2012 – was needed because completion rates across the country were highly variable.

“Apprentice completion rates in the electrical trade are highly variable across Australia with NECA’s Group Training Schemes having completion rates of over 90 per cent in comparison to the overall industry average which sits just above 60 per cent,” said Mr Tinslay. “NECA knows that these completion rates can be improved as it has the knowledge and track record of delivering outstanding completion rates. The key to increasing completion rates is the selection process and then mentoring the apprentice throughout the term of their apprenticeship to ensure they’re satisfactorily progressing through both on and off the job competencies.”

The initiative is about flexible delivery, allowing individuals to complete their apprenticeship and being competent and this could mean before or after the traditional four year duration.

Mr Tinslay said that the program is not about watering down the requirements but rather strengthening the electrical apprenticeship training program.

“NECA acknowledges that many in the industry feel that four years is the minimum that an apprenticeship should be served but this pilot will accommodate those apprentices that are able to demonstrate competencies prior to the traditional four year completion rate and also those who would benefit from additional time served,” he said.

“The program allows flexibility both ways with the focus being on safety and quality of skills application.”

NECA appointed 16 mentor/advisers in early 2013. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have a whole range of experience.

Source: http://neca.asn.au

The Federal Government has announced an extension of the $57.5million Apprentice Kickstart initiative. The Kickstart Initiative was introduced late last year and has been extended until 30th April 2013. Employers are set to benefit from this program, receiving almost a 50 per cent boost to existing incentives for employing an apprentice.

What is the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative?

The Apprentice Kickstart Initiative is an employer incentive designed to increase the number of Australian Apprenticeship commencements. Areas of benefit include skills shortage areas of the building and construction industries, and engineering trades.

Who is eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative?

Small to medium enterprises and Group Training Organisations are eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative. The apprentice must commence between 1 December 2012 and 30 April 2013 inclusive to be eligible.

Apprentices must be undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a building or construction occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List (NSNL). Alternatively, a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to an engineering trade occupation listed on the NSNL.

The employer must also meet eligibility requirements under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

What happens to existing support for employers of Australian Apprentices?

The new payments are in addition to the suite of employer incentives already available under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

How long is the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative available for?

The Apprentice Kickstart Initiative is available for new apprentices between 1 December 2012 and 30 April 2013. If new apprentice commencement numbers reach 21,000 before the end of this period, the initiative will cease.

How are the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative payments made?

Payments are made directly to the employer’s nominated bank account.

What are the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative Payment amounts?

The first incentive is worth $850 and payment is six months from the date of commencement. The second is $2,500 where payment is twelve months from the date of commencement.

How do I apply?

Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre will advise you of your eligibility for the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative at sign up.

Source: http://www.voltimum.com.au

The Clipsal by Schneider Electric Partner Business has launched an ingenious new iPad app to help new home builders and renovators choose electrical products for their home.

The new Clipsal iSelect allows anyone with an iPad* to take a photo of any room in their home and then pick and place Clipsal electrical accessory products in so they can get an idea of how these will look. There are hundreds of Clipsal products accessible on the app. Consumers can print out a picture and create a list of products for their home, all for their electrician to quote on. They can determine what styles and colours suit the room, and where best to position them. Images can then be saved, printed out or emailed.

The Clipsal iSelect app was designed inhouse at the company’s marketing system’s department at Gepps Cross and took 10 months to develop.

The Clipsal iSelect app follows on from the highly successful Clipspec specification programme where customers visit a consultant in a Clipsal Powerhouse display centre who provides a customised electrical and lighting plan designed for them.

The iSelect app is a valuable pre-consultation to Clipspec giving customers the opportunity to research products prior to an appointment. It also offers customers an excellent base to discuss their needs directly with their electrical contractor.

The Clipsal iSelect app is free and available directly from iTunes.

Available for Apple iPad.* Visit clipsal.com/iselect to download.

 * iPad and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Following the launch of  WebMobile for smart phone devices, Rexel Australia is now focused on providing a valuable mobile resource for our customers.  This resource is an App that aims to provide the following features & functions to benefit our valued customers:

-	Quick Access to meaningful industry news
-	A comprehensive Store Finder, so you can quickly find you’re closest Rexel Store where ever your work takes you in Australia.
-	Reference material to assist you with quick calculations, fact checking or conversions. This is an area we will fast be looking to expand upon  based on your feedback. So jump in and let us know what you’d like to see included in a future update.
-	Feedback & Social Media, have your say, start a community discussion and tell us what’s important to you.
-	Access to all things Rexel including an active link to your account information via our online WebMobile store. Promotions and detailed Product information are also at your fingertips.
-	Much more. be sure to keep an eye out for our first update which will bring you even more great features.

Click HERE or Visit the Apple App Store on your iPhone and search for ‘Rexel Australia‘  to download the App today!

coming soon for Android and selected BlackBerry devices.