A shift from time-based assessment of apprentices to competency-based progression has demonstrated a positive impact on engineering trade apprentices and their employers, according to a new report by the Australian Industry Group. [ + ]

Bosch has announced it has formed a new subsidiary that will focus on the company's smart home activities. [ + ]

Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) released its latest forecasts late November, with a detailed analysis of major variations since its last forecasts were published in July. The forecasts outline the changes in demand for the next decade for residential and non-residential building and engineering construction — and therefore the employment prospects of the 1 million Australians working in the industry. [ + ]

nbn has issued authorisation to registered cablers to move, remove or alter certain nbn-owned copper network cabling and assets. [ + ]

A home energy storage safety guide and safety report released by the Clean Energy Council and CSIRO explore what is in store for Australia's energy future. [ + ]

The nation's top winners of NECA's National Excellence Awards have been announced for 2015. [ + ]

Mitsubishi Motors Australia is advising owners of the Triton 16MY MQ — fitted with genuine accessory tow bar (kits) part numbers MZ350452 and MZ350552 — that the Compliance Label does not comply with the marking requirements in either ADR 62/02 or AS4177.1. Specifically the towing loads do not match the specifications for 16MY MQ Triton. [ + ]

Global enterprise applications company IFS has announced a $2 million agreement with Service Stream, provider of essential network services to the Australian telecommunications and utility industries. [ + ]

Melbourne's 5x4 Hayes Lane Project in East Melbourne sends a powerful message about the future importance of solar energy, says NECA. [ + ]

Registrations close today for energy storage training events across the major capital cities, which will include sessions on understanding off grid, ESS and hybrid storage solutions. [ + ]

The coveted Electrotechnology Industry Trade Teacher Award has been awarded by NECA to a Western Australian recipient for the second year running. [ + ]

Testing, inspection and certification provider TÜV SÜD has released its latest regulatory compliance update. [ + ]

In a win for consumers, Toyota Australia's recent investigation into counterfeit brake pads has resulted in an online supplier recalling the parts. The decision comes after brake pads falsely advertised as Toyota genuine products were found to contain asbestos. Asbestos has been banned from use in brake pads sold in Australia since 2003. [ + ]

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is urging businesses to closely review the standard form contracts they use when dealing with other businesses. [ + ]

Panasonic has announced the appointment of Daniel Sultana as national manager – security systems. [ + ]