Fluke Industrial President Wes Pringle has been named as President of Fluke Corporation and will now be responsible for all Fluke global businesses. The company has also expanded the responsibilities of Jimmy Hwong, President, Asia Pacific. [ + ]

While training organisations have welcomed the Coalition's proposed apprentice loan scheme, others have been less pleased with the proposal, saying it is not the answer to low apprenticeship completion rates. [ + ]

North Queensland’s top electricians were acknowledged at MEA’s North Queensland Excellence Awards. Fourteen awards were presented to businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding industry achievements. [ + ]

Toyota Motorsport GmbH, the engineering services supplier pioneering motorsport-related electrical vehicle (EV) technology, has received a customised electric vehicle EVlink DC quick-charging station from Schneider Electric. [ + ]

NECA will partner with the Safety Show Sydney this year. The Sydney event is the last safety show for 2013 and will be held at the Sydney Showground on 3-5 September. [ + ]

The Fair Work Commission has issued a decision to change a number of award provisions relating to apprentices. Apprentice wages will increase and minimum award rates for adult apprentices will be increased. [ + ]

Two new large-scale solar farms will be built in the ACT after Zhenfa Solar and Elementus Energy were announced as the winning bidders of the ACT’s Solar Auction. [ + ]

The Australian Centre for Health Innovation (CHI) and Schneider Electric have reached a partnership agreement that will enable hands-on interaction with Schneider’s intelligent, integrated healthcare technologies. [ + ]

ABB’s 500 MW HVDC light interconnection between Ireland and the UK enables leveraging of wind energy and facilitates power flows between the two countries. [ + ]

Improving the energy efficiency of its building portfolio could cut the federal government’s energy expenditure by more than $35 million per year, the GBCA says. [ + ]

Entries for the Brightest Spark competition are closing soon and Master Electricians Australia is urging apprentices to get their entries in to avoid missing out. [ + ]

The 7SD Project in Toowoomba has been announced as a finalist in the Australian Solar Installation Project of the Year. The project was carried out by Excel Solar Pty Ltd using products from CNPV Solar Power SA. [ + ]

IKEA has announced plans to purchase a 7.65 MW wind farm in north-west Ireland as part of its plan to generate as much renewable energy as it consumes by 2020. [ + ]

Dr Bronwyn Evans has been appointed as chief executive officer of Standards Australia. Incumbent CEO Colin Blair will retire in October and will continue to serve in the role until Dr Evans commences the position on 28 October. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia and Clipsal & Schneider Electric have formed an alliance which will reportedly provide a number of benefits to the electrical industry. [ + ]