MEA launches energy efficiency training course
22 March, 2013The new Master Electrician Energy Efficiency course is important training for those wanting to build their business by entering the rapidly growing energy efficiency market. The course covers a wide range of concepts to give electricians the confidence to provide energy-efficient solutions to their customers.
Digital TV training partnership to benefit electrical industry
19 March, 2013SkillsConnect Australia is now offering Certificate III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology in locations across Australia. Thanks to a new partnership with Matchmaster Communications, this complete certificate is now available at a reduced price due to a generous government subsidy.
Apprentice Kickstart incentive extended
18 March, 2013Master Electricians Australia (MEA) advises that the federal government has announced an extension of its $57.5 million Apprentice Kickstart Initiative. The Kickstart Initiative was introduced late last year and has been extended until 30 April 2013. Employers are set to benefit from this program, receiving almost a 50% boost to existing incentives for employing an apprentice.
Increasing apprentice pay could damage industry, NECA says
04 March, 2013Increasing electrical apprentice pay rates would have a damaging impact on the industry and result in fewer employers taking on new apprentices, the CEO of NECA has said.
Apprentices earn less than McDonald’s workers, study shows
04 March, 2013A University of Sydney report has found that electrical apprentice award rates are only slightly higher than welfare payments and fall mostly below the Henderson Poverty Line.
Expanded Kickstart to boost engineering trades
04 February, 2013More Australians will get the opportunity to learn an engineering trade as part of an expansion to the Gillard government’s $57.5 million Kickstart Initiative. The Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, announced that nine additional key engineering trades are now eligible for Kickstart payments, which triple the incentives made to employers in the first year of taking on an apprentice.
Rockwell Automation conference returns to Melbourne
17 January, 2013The annual Rockwell Automation Software Technical Education (RSTechED) conference will return to Melbourne in 2013, bringing together software technical experts, system integrators, machine builders and end users at the St Kilda Novotel from 20-22 February.
NMIT launches competency-based electrical apprenticeship pilot
15 January, 2013NMIT has been selected to trial a new electrical apprenticeship program in 2013, offering individuals the chance to complete their apprenticeship when deemed competent.
Aussie Rules icon barracks for Kickstart program
11 January, 2013Head coach of the Greater Western Sydney Giants Kevin Sheedy has voiced his support for the Kickstart program, encouraging both employers and potential apprentices to take advantage of the program.
Reduced rate for energy-auditing training
09 January, 2013Master Electricians Australia is promoting the UEE43111 Certificate IV in Energy Efficiency and Assessment, offered exclusively by SkillsConnect Australia.
Pilot program sparks new opportunities for NMIT electrical apprentices
21 December, 2012NMIT has been selected to trial a new electrical apprenticeship program in 2013, offering individuals the chance to complete their apprenticeship when deemed competent. The national Managing Apprenticeship Program (MAP) pilot program is an initiative overseen by E-Oz Energy Skills Australia to focus on improving electrical apprentice completion rates in Australia.
Apprenticeships 101: what you need to know about hiring an electrical apprentice
10 December, 2012 by Alice RichardThe jargon surrounding Australian apprenticeships is enough to confound even the savviest operator. Fortunately there’s plenty of assistance available to help employers navigate the complicated world of apprenticeships.
Apprentice incentive kickstarts employers into action
29 November, 2012Following the announcement of the Kickstart initiative, MRAEL Group says it has been inundated with enquiries from the construction sector wanting to take advantage of the incentive.
Attracting and retaining apprentices
23 November, 2012 by Malcolm RichardsIt is widely acknowledged within the electrical industry that apprentices are the backbone of our success and the future for ongoing prosperity. Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has always aimed toward the highest quality of training and education for those interested in entering the electrical industry, specifically our younger generation.
New apprenticeship service
15 November, 2012A new service that manages and mentors apprenticeships is steadily gaining success, having seen more apprentices successfully completing their electrical apprenticeships.
