Change – the only constant?

CHANGE

THE ONLY CONSTANT?

IN NOVember 1888, tAmWOrtH IN NeW SOUtH WALeS beCAme tHe FIrSt tOWN IN AUStrALIA tO reCeIVe AN eLeCtrICItY SUppLY FOr ‘tHe pUbLIC At LArGe’. SINCe tHe OrIGINAL 240-VOLt tAmWOrtH pLANt StArteD Up, AUStrALIA’S eLeCtrICAL INFrAStrUCtUre HAS GrOWN INtO ALmOSt eVerY COrNer OF tHe COUNtrY. IN tODAY’S teCHNOLOGICAL AGe, It IS HArD tO ImAGINe A tIme WHeN pOWer DIDN’t COme At tHe FLICK OF A SWItCH, AND Yet, It WASN’t SO LONG AGO tHAt pOWer DemANDS Were FAr SmALLer AND LeSS COmpLICAteD.

We spoke to two long standing NeCA members, who shared their reflections on how industry has changed since their apprenticeships.

“Gone are the days of a double power point and a batten holder in the middle of the room,” said Dan Van Gasteren of rayton electrical in South Australia. “I remember dad telling me he could first-fix three houses and second-fix two in a day because they were so simple.these days with the internet of everything (IOe), smart wiring in a house makes up half of the job scope for the middle to high-end project builds with automation. Commercial projects aren’t far behind either when it comes to network systems, Wi-Fi, access control, security, closed circuit television etc.”

It’s not just what we are installing that’s changed. the way we go about our day-to-day work has changed dramatically too.

“there have been big changes in safety requirements since the 1980s,” said Jim ramsay from Lakewood electrical Services in NSW. “We have new techniques, new knowledge, new equipment. Safety is constantly at the forefront, no matter what sector we work in.”

“Australian Standards have also changed the way we work,” said Jim. “As our industry grows its knowledge and understanding, we develop more industry standards that ensure we install equipment and materials consistently, effectively and safely. Whether we are talking commercial, industry or domestic – it has made our industry more professional.”

As industry evolves, so too has the training it provides for both its existing and new workforce. there is strong recognition of the need to balance time-honoured skills with new developments and fresh thinking.

“As electricians we have a lot to keep up with,” said Dan. “the simplicity of running a cable for a switch or power point will never change, but stepping into the realms of automation, solar and consumer technology means constantly being involved with new products and educating ourselves. these days we need good It skills, not just the ability to install a cable.”

“I think the last ten to fifteen years have been one of the best times in industry. We’ve seen more industry awareness, better quality products, new technology and more training opportunities for apprentices,” said Jim. “We need to engage the young apprentices coming through, and we need our senior industry experts to stay in the industry longer so we can continue to benefit from their experience.”

both Jim and Dan have taken over businesses that were established by their fathers over 50 years ago, with Lakewood electrical Services having been a NeCA member since 1958, and rayton electrical since 1973. When we asked for their advice for those thinking about becoming an electrical contractor, their responses reflected the values that our industry is grounded in. Long-term relationships, employing the right people, a commitment to learning. Strong work ethics and providing the highest quality service.

these qualities give businesses a solid ground to build on, standing the test of time regardless of how much change is swirling around us.

technology and our ways of working may be on the move, but the principles of running a successful business remain constant. they have seen NeCA members flourish, since the first NeCA branch (Victoria) opened its doors in 1916.

Our thanks to Dan and Jim for sharing their thoughts, and we wish them every success with their ongoing business journeys.