School smart light upgrades a boost for tradies

The NSW Government has said that its lighting upgrade program for public schools will also support tradies as they recover from the pandemic.

Local tradies have been called on to install smart LED lights in schools around the state, improving the quality of classrooms and cutting power bills.

The $157.8 million LED Lighting Upgrade Program was launched last year as a stimulus response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is targeted at replacing old inefficient lights in NSW public schools with smart LED lights.

Now in its third tranche, the program will see more than 800 schools upgraded across the state.

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement.

“Projects such as these are crucial in supporting local trades and the economy. The timing of this announcement could not be better, and we would like to see more like it, because as we know the way out of the state’s economic downturn is through construction, upskilling and future planning,” said Oliver Judd, CEO of NECA.

“These upgrades will not only serve to keep local tradespeople in work, but they will also provide improved educational facilities — a win-win for the NSW, now and in the future.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said this is an exciting opportunity for local tradies right across NSW.

“Under this program, all LED lights will be manufactured here in NSW and installed by NSW tradies and this commitment by the NSW Government has the added benefit of improving facilities at our schools, ensuring our students get the best possible start in life,” he said.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said improved lighting would have a positive impact on students’ education.

“The smart LED lights mimic natural light, which can help students’ education by improving their attentiveness and comprehension,” she said.

“This program is a great way for schools to reduce their power and maintenance bills, while also providing work for local tradies.”

Electricians will be able to tender to participate via the government’s online platform, the Local Trades Scheme, engaging directly with the Department of Education to bid.

Already hundreds of tender opportunities have been published via the Local Trades Scheme with more to come in the following weeks.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Tomasz Zajda