NECA Victoria Apprentice Awards

 At the 25th NECA Victoria Apprentice Awards, held on 9 July 2008, a talented group of electrical apprentices were recognised for their outstanding academic and technical skills working in industrial, commercial and domestic markets.

CEO of NECA Victoria said at the awards that it is essential for the industry to support and encourage apprentices and celebrate their achievements: “This is particularly the case at a time when Australia is experiencing significant skills shortages in some key trade areas such as electrical. Without apprentices, our industry has no future.”

Green said that while there is a record number undertaking electrical apprenticeships with more than 4000 currently enrolled in Victoria, the industry cannot afford to be complacent:

“We are seeing significant numbers of mature-age people taking up electrical apprenticeships. However, Australia has an ageing workforce and a declining birth rate — we are entering a period where the number of school leavers is insufficient to meet the economy’s demand for labour.

“Our industry will have to work hard to promote itself to young people, and indeed their parents, as a career choice. It’s a trade that’s highly portable, well paid with immense opportunities and one where the technologies are constantly evolving.”

The winners were:
Industrial Automation and Communications category
First: Daniel Thatcher — Mark Edmonson Electrical Services
Second: John Battista — Apps Electrics

Industrial category
First: Dayne Brennan — Allen & O’Brien
Second: Scott Dinnage — Transfield Services, Winneke Water Treatment Plant
Third: Ryan Boyd — O’Donnell Griffin

Commercial Domestic category
First: Michael Borowik — 370 Degrees Group
Second: Mark Carter — Compleat Electrics
Third: Scott Boreham — ADJ Contracting