MEA offers business basics support for sparkies

Remaining compliant and not understanding the basics of business are two of the biggest challenges faced by skilled tradespeople, often leading to loss of licence and business failure.

In fact, industry research suggests just over 40% of sole traders and over 30% of small businesses with one to four employees will fail over a four-year period.

As such, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has launched a Master Program to help electricians stay on track at an industry roadshow event in Cairns. The roadshow will now continue throughout Queensland.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said the Master Program was developed to support electrical contractors build a safe, profitable and sustainable business.

“Many electricians are highly skilled tradespeople but they have not had an opportunity to develop the required business skills necessary for success,” he said.

“A lack of understanding of financials, how to market their business, and the lack of a plan are just a few of the things that can lead to business failure.

“Secondly, inefficient systems, procedures and documentation will lead to a business’s downfall.

“And lastly, trusted advisors. A lack of trusted advisors in the key areas of legal, financial, workplace relations and electrical business experience are critical resources a contractor needs to tap into.”

The Master Program is a 36-month program of support for both new electrical contractors and those who have been in business for a number of years. Participants become a Gold Master Electrician at the end of the program.

The program includes an industry safety system, business planning platform and access to industry mentors.

As well as the launch of the Master Program, the roadshow will reveal critical information for sparkies on new amendments to the Wiring Rules and the new Battery Standard for Solar Installations.

See below for the remainder of the Queensland Roadshow schedule:

• 12 February: Townsville — Schneider Electric, 193 Ingham Road, West End
• 13 February: Mackay — Shamrock Hotel, 165 Nebo Road, Mackay
• 18 February: Rockhampton — Criterion Hotel, 150 Quay Street, Rockhampton
• 19 February: Gladstone — Engineering Alliance, 4/69 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
• 25 February: Kingaroy — Kingaroy RSL Cnr Markwell Street and Short Street, Kingaroy
• 26 February: Bundaberg — Young Australian Hotel, 59 Perry Street, Bundaberg
• 10 March: North Brisbane — Burpengary Tavern, 262 Bruce Highway, Burpengary East
• 11 March: Brisbane — Easts Leagues Club, 40 Main Avenue, Coorparoo
• 12 & 26 March: Gold Coast — Tradezone, 31 Millaroo Drive, Helensvale
   

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Elif Gunyeli