NECA News June 2024

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In THIS ISSue JuNE 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

AI – OR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – IS THE LATEST Bu ZZWORD, NOT Ju ST IN OuR INDu STRY, Bu T EVERYWHERE. Bu T WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN? ON THE ONE HAND, IT OFFERS SOME EXCITING POSSIBILITIES, Bu T AT THE SAME TIME, IT ALSO RAISES CONCERNS ABOu T ETHICS, PRIVACY AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE F u T uRE OF WORK.

For some, these issues might be theoretical, but for us, they’re very real. Whether we like it or not, AI is already a part of our industry, and its importance is only going to grow. According to Kevin Chetty, Technology Transformation Specialist (quoted in ‘unlocking the potential of AI) ‘the implementation of AI into SME operations is not merely a trend, but a necessity for staying competitive in today’s market.’

That’s why we’ve dedicated this issue to all the facets of dealing with AI. We explore the current and future applications, address the opportunities and issues, and even cover the emotional side of dealing with new technologies. Whether you’re

already using it, or just taking your first steps into this brave new world, there’s an article (or several) for you.

AI is never going to replace people; not any time soon, anyway! Wherever there is a large amount of data, there is an equally large scope for error, so trained oversight is essential. But used to its capacity, AI can help to streamline data management – in smart grids, predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and even safety and compliance – freeing the humans to do the more creative parts of building a better energy future.

Our NECA branches are constantly working to ensure members have the

latest information. When it comes to leveraging the exciting – if sometimes daunting – landscape of new technology, we have the tools and services to keep you on top of your game. Make sure you take advantage of them!

As always, we’d like to thank our sponsors for their generous support, and all of our members, large and small, for your continued support of NECA and our industry. If you have something to share about your corner of the country, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

The NECA News team

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NECA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM SPEARHEADS PROCUREMENT REFORMS AND ADVOCACY EFFORTS

IN THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE OF A u STRALIAN POLICY AND REGuLATION, NECA’S GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM HAS BEEN Bu SY, CHAMPIONING KEY INITIATIVES TO ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND THE COMMuNICATIONS SECTOR NATIONWIDE.

At the forefront of NECA’s recent endeavours lies a concerted push for significant and meaningful procurement reforms, aimed at addressing pressing issues, such as security of payments and, crucially, unfair contracts and unfair contract terms in contracts often forced upon our members.

Leveraging direct engagement with ministers and policymakers at the highest levels of government across the nation, NECA has been instrumental in advocating for fairer procurement protocols and the removal of unjust contract terms. Moreover, the association has emphasised the need for improved

provisions for subcontractors, particularly in instances beyond their control, and the cascading of beneficial head contract clauses down to subcontractors. For example, if there is an extension of time clause in any head contract, the same beneficial clause in the same terms should be passed on to our members and all subcontractors more broadly.

NECA’s advocacy efforts will be ongoing and extend far beyond procurement reforms, encompassing a wide array of industry-specific concerns. With an economy showing some initial signs of weakness, NECA has been a vocal proponent for

robust infrastructure investments, emphasising the indispensable role of electrical contractors in modernisation and expansion projects, particularly in renewables. Through strategic dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders, NECA

has underscored the importance of policies that facilitate investment in cutting-edge electrical systems and technologies. As Australia embarks on a transformative energy transition, NECA has been at the forefront of promoting renewable energy, grid infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. By advocating for incentives and regulatory frameworks that support the adoption of renewable technologies, NECA aims to position electrical contractors as leaders in building a more sustainable future.

Collaboration lies at the heart of NECA’s advocacy playbook, with the NECA team forging strong alliances with industry peers, trade associations, and stakeholders to amplify their impact. By fostering robust relationships and coalitions, NECA has strengthened its advocacy efforts and bolstered its capacity to shape policy outcomes.

In addition to its proactive stance on procurement reforms and infrastructure investment, NECA remains vigilant in monitoring legislative and regulatory developments that impact the electrical contracting sector.

From labour laws to taxation reforms, the association is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of its members and ensuring their voices

are heard in the policymaking process. NECA engaged directly with government for the recent budget, to ensure that our members’ concerns are heard, including cost of living pressures and training and skills improvement, as well as taxation reform, to ease the burden on contractors.

Looking ahead, NECA remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the interests of electrical contractors and navigating the evolving policy landscape. With infrastructure investment and the energy transition poised to shape the industry’s trajectory, NECA’s advocacy will continue to drive positive change and create opportunities for growth and innovation.

The workforce in our sector must grow and be well trained. Our industry does indeed have a bright future, but we must be vigilant, to ensure our members succeed while growing, and that the sector remains safe, viable and accessible to the members of NECA.

NECA’s recent initiatives and ongoing work with government at all levels underscore its unwavering dedication to advocating for policies that empower electrical contractors and propel the industry forward. Through strategic advocacy, collaborative partnerships, and direct engagement with policymakers, NECA is paving the way for a brighter future for Australia’s electrical contracting sector.

Kent Johns NECA Head of Government Relations and Policy

2024 NECA ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

THE NECA ELECTRICAL INDu STRY CONFERENCE MADE ITS RET uRN THIS YEAR, WITH OVER 200 DELEGATES CONVERGING ON THE CITY OF HOBART FROM THE 22ND TO THE 26TH OF MARCH.

Over the course of the four days, the nation’s electrical and communications contractors were not only treated to some thought-provoking workshops, discussion panels, and keynote presentations, but had the opportunity to discuss many of the challenges and trends that are currently emerging within the sector.

Our delegates also had the opportunity to sample a selection of Tasmania’s finest

produce and visit some of the Apple Isle’s most scenic sights, with optional day trips to Bruny Island, Port Arthur, and MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).

NECA industry partners, Clipsal Schneider Electric and NHP, generously sponsored the conference’s opening and closing events respectively, where attendees had the chance to catch up with friends old and

new and be entertained with some fabulous live music.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks for an announcement on NECA’s 2025 Electrical Industry Conference. This one will definitely be something worth getting excited about and is sure to have an equally impressive speaker line-up, covering a range of the industry’s hottest topics.

NAVIGATING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING

IN THE RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORLD OF THE 21ST CENT uRY, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IS OFTEN HAILED AS THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE. HOWEVER, IT’S CRuCIAL TO REMEMBER THAT TECHNOLOGICAL DISRuPTION HAS BEEN A REC uRRING THEME THROuGHOu T HuMAN HISTORY. THE INDu STRIAL REVOL u TION SERVES AS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THIS, MARKING A SERIES OF SIGNIFICANT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS THAT HAVE RESHAPED SOCIETIES AND HAD FAR-REACHING EFFECTS OVER THE PAST FEW CENT uRIES.

The Dawn of Industrialisation: Industry 1.0

The First Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 1.0, began in the 18th century. This era signalled a substantial shift from manual labour to mechanisation, fundamentally changing the way societies functioned. The inception of the factory system, and groundbreaking inventions such as the steam engine, revolutionised transportation and industry. The steam engine, in particular, became a symbol of this era, powering factories, railways, and ships, and laying the foundation for the modern industrial landscape.

The Rise of Electricity: Industry 2.0

As we transitioned into the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the Second Industrial Revolution, or Industry 2.0, emerged. This period was characterised by the emergence of electricity and the internal combustion engine. These advancements enabled mass production, the widespread use of electricity, and significant developments in car manufacturing. The introduction of assembly lines, popularised by Henry Ford, allowed for the efficient production of goods on an unprecedented scale, transforming the way people lived and worked.

The Digital Revolution: Industry 3.0

The mid-20th century marked the rise of Industry 3.0, the digital revolution. This era saw the rise of computers and automation, transforming manufacturing processes through robotics and digital technology. The digital revolution also led to advancements in communications, with the internet and cellular networks becoming ubiquitous. Industry 3.0 continues to influence modern-day factories and production industries, which are still evolving and adapting to new technologies.

The Era of Interconnectivity: Industry 4.0

Building on the advancements of Industry 3.0, we are progressing further into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which many agree began in 2011. Industry 4.0 represents a more interconnected and intelligent manufacturing approach, integrating cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. This era is characterised by smart factories that leverage data analytics, machine learning, and advanced robotics to optimise production processes and create highly customised products.

Industry 4.0 has democratised access to sophisticated and advanced devices, making what was once considered specialist equipment widely available. The focus on environmental sustainability has also driven the adoption of green and renewable energy sources, necessitating new technologies and skills to manage them. Advancements in communication technologies have driven further innovations for both residential and commercial use cases.

The Changing Landscape of Skills

As a result of these rapid changes, traditional skills alone are not enough to remain competitive. Electricians increasingly face jobs that involve multifaceted tasks requiring a deep knowledge of digital technology and the ability to work with complex systems. Devices such as IoT and smart sensors are widespread, enhancing functionality, but also demanding evolving expertise from those who design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot them, which in turn highlight the need for continuous upskilling.

The most significant disruptor in Industry 4.0, however, is Artificial Intelligence (AI). With its ability to analyse and learn from data, AI enables smart devices to predict failures, automate routine tasks, and make decisions that were once the sole preserve of humans. This shift does not replace the need for electricians, but rather elevates their role, to one that requires a more analytical and proactive approach to their work.

The Role of Critical Thinking in Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is not just about technological advancements; it necessitates the continual development and application of soft skills, such as critical thinking. Critical thinking is not a dormant skill for electricians, as the trade constantly requires analysing situations, solving problems, and making informed decisions. However, with AI, and possible biases or errors in their outputs, electricians need to evaluate information more critically. With the proliferation of smart devices and AI technologies, electricians are increasingly presented with vast amounts of data. Being able to discern relevant information, question its validity, and make informed decisions based on this data is a crucial skill. It’s a process of careful consideration, reflection, and sound reasoning.

Another important facet of critical thinking in this context is the ability to anticipate potential problems. With the increasing complexity of

electrical systems, electricians need to be able to foresee issues that might arise and devise strategies to prevent or mitigate them. This requires not only a deep understanding of the systems they are working with, but also the ability to think creatively and innovatively. Furthermore, to harness the full potential of AI while ensuring safety, ethical considerations, and sound decision-making, it’s essential to foster critical thinking skills to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and practice healthy scepticism towards AI-generated data.

As history has shown, disruptive technologies change job demands and required skills. By adapting to changes and refining critical thinking, electricians can navigate the challenges of Industry 4.0 and leverage its transformative advancements to their fullest potential. This is not just a necessity for electricians, but for all professionals navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and critical thinking, we can ensure that we are not just passive observers of technological advancements but active participants in shaping our future.

Alex Kim IT Manager, NECA Group

AI IN OUR ELECTRICAL AND DATA AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRIES

HOW OFTEN HAVE YOu HEARD OR SEEN THE PHRASE ‘THIS IS THE NEXT BIG THING’ OR ‘THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?’

IN OuR ELECTRICAL AND DATA AND TELECOMMuNICATIONS INDu STRIES, WE HAVE HEARD THESE PHRASES MANY TIMES.

The stand-alone computer, laptops, mobile phones, the nbn, 5G, solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart wiring, are just a few of the ‘next big things.’ The list goes on, and, yes, each of these has made significant differences to our lives and been at the forefront of technological development.

The latest buzz word is AI or Artificial Intelligence. So, what is AI? In simple terms, AI is an evolving technology that uses computers to try to simulate human intelligence. AI technology can process large amounts of data in order to recognise patterns, make decisions and judge an outcome, just like the human brain.

AI has been around for some 25 years, but it has only been in the last 5 years that technology has advanced to a stage of bringing AI into the mainstream. Some simple examples of AI are face recognition technology on your phone, and smart maps in your car that can predict journey times based on different routes and traffic conditions.

AI is already being used more and more frequently in the electrical industry, particularly in regard to circuit design, component selections, error checking, predictive maintenance, and the operation of power grids.

AI uses algorithms that can analyse vast datasets of electrical components and design rules to generate optimised circuit layouts in a fraction of the time that it takes for manual design and checking. AI also ensures adherence to relevant industry standards and reduces the risk of errors occurring.

AI maintenance tools can also continuously monitor electrical systems, analyse data from sensors, and incorporate historical records into the data analysis, to identify potential faults and predict maintenance requirements, or even upcoming failures, before they occur. This thereby improves safety, reduces maintenance costs and improves reliability.

AI can also be used to create virtual simulations of electrical systems, so that the simulations can be tested against multiple designs for the best efficiency, reliability and safety, thereby saving time, effort and money.

AI is also already being used in the data and telecommunications industry, to monitor electronic systems and to create virtual simulations, that are likewise used to test multiple designs.

In addition, the data and telecommunications industry is critical to the use of AI. Mobile connectivity is a lynchpin that enables efficient data transmission to the AI application, with highspeed low-latency connections required. Also, the data and telecommunications industry must have in place the infrastructure that is needed to ensure the security and resilience of this critical data.

All this illustrates that AI is already being used with great benefits within our electrical and data and telecommunications industries. This is particularly so for the work

Peter Lamont Director ACRS and Senior Policy Advisor

of electrical and electronic engineering roles, as well as electrical transmission and distribution authorities and large telecommunications companies. But the big question is, when will AI be of benefit to small and medium enterprises?

Well, the future benefits may not be as far away as you may think. For SME, the benefits will come as technology improves the various applications we can use on our mobile phones and laptops. There will come a time when AI will help with small scale job design, assist to determine which products to use, prepare quotes and invoices and help our SME’s with promotion and in seeking jobs.

Remember that we already have AI applications on our phones, and they will only get better, more accessible and more complex in nature.

In conclusion, let’s remember the movie Wall Street, that was released in 1987, when Michael Douglas pulled out his ‘new and wonderful mobile phone,’ that was the size of a large brick and could only be used to make and receive phone calls.

Less than 40 years later, we now have pocket-sized mobile phones, with multiple applications, including AI, and with a computer more powerful than what NASA had back when man first walked on the moon in 1969. What will the next 40 years bring?

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THE NEXT FRONTIER IN LOW-VOLTAGE NETWORK MANAGEMENT

HuMANITY HAS SOuGHT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR MORE THAN TWO MILLENNIA. THE GREEK WRITER HESIOD FIRST WROTE

ABOu

T TALOS – A GIANT BRONZE MAN BuILT BY HEPHAEST u S, THE GREEK GOD OF INVENTION AND BLACKSMITHING, IN 700 BC. TODAY, AI IS NO LONGER A DISTANT DREAM OR A WORK OF FICTION. IT’S REALITY, AND IT PROMISES TRANSFORMATION.

Generative artificial intelligence is arguably our most powerful tool in grid decarbonisation and combatting climate change. It systematically collects and learns from vast datasets on emissions, weather patterns, population movements, and efficiency in lowvoltage power networks. Its algorithms optimize energy generation, distribution, and consumption based on demand, enhancing efficiency and cutting carbon emissions. It predicts equipment failures, forecasts loads, detects faults, and integrates renewable energy sources. This empowers stakeholders, by providing comprehensive, high-quality data analysis.

AI’s ascendancy in LV network management

Integrating AI with LV network management is a seismic shift in our approach to energy systems. Machine learning has evolved, from basic rulebased systems to sophisticated dynamic modeling systems, learning and adapting based on the data they process.

This evolution isn’t a random occurrence. It follows a clear trajectory. First, establishing rules through machine learning, then, model creation using regression analysis and mathematical grid modelling, and finally, a generative AI system that continually learns and adapts.

For example, managing load flow becomes more complex due to increased Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). AI improves lowvoltage electrical network management by creating digital twins. These twins allow operators to test scenarios without physical intervention, make informed decisions, optimise grid performance, and anticipate issues. AI is crucial for demand forecasting and infrastructure planning. Generative AI’s advanced analytics offer real-time visibility into the network, aiding efficient grid management, automating the supply chain, and ensuring a reliable power supply.

Prosumer behaviour will continue to change

Tomorrow’s energy prosumer (a combination of producer and consumer) behaviour will be very different from today. The acceleration of renewable penetration (e.g., solar rooftops), electrification of heating systems, the increase of EV usage, and wider spread of storage, will radically change consumer participation in the energy market. Due to this evolution, digitised low-voltage networks are starting to generate huge data streams, that will reshape prosumer decisions. Generative AI can manage these growing datasets to provide more effective, dynamic insights on real-time energy usage and better capacity to model and forecast

prosumer behaviours and their impact on electrical grids. This will turn prosumers into active participants in grid efficiency, stability, and decarbonisation, either directly, or through an ecosystem of stakeholders (energy trading platforms).

Who is accountable?

Generative AI holds significant potential for automating decision-making on crucial infrastructure. It also raises important questions about regulation and accountability. Who takes responsibility for the automatic decisions made by an AI system? Does it lie with the manufacturer, the operator of the system, or even the AI system itself? If decisions don’t go as planned, who is held accountable?

This topic has been widely discussed in the context of autonomous transportation. But it is equally critical in the context of grid management. Imagine AI making the autonomous decision to switch off a part of a national electrical grid, putting hospitals and network systems in the dark, jeopardising lives and economic systems. Who would take responsibility for the prevention and/or consequences of a situation like this?

Various initiatives are addressing AI’s legal and ethical framework. For example, governments now propose an AI bill of rights for ethical, safe use. The Eu has also studied AI’s legal issues, including liability for tortious, criminal, and contractual misconduct. These critical factors need addressing as we go forward.

Contributing to a sustainable future

and resilience of low-voltage electrical networks, making them more efficient and less carbon-intensive, by integrating renewable energy sources and better forecasting prosumer energy behaviour.

In the next decade, we will see an increasing focus on environmental sustainability. And as our understanding and awareness of climate change improves, it will drive new prosumer behaviours that we don’t yet see today.

A practical example of AI

The road ahead

We know AI models can analyse vast quantities of data, which helps us with our net zero objectives. Data that includes population density, transportation patterns, energy consumption, and environmental factors helps to predict energy demand, optimise energy distribution, and reduce waste. It also enhances the reliability

In our fast-evolving energy landscape, the capacity to share accurate representation of networks and assets across all energy stakeholders will become critical. At Schneider Electric, we leverage AI to validate data quality and topology model accuracy, helping to significantly reduce labour-intensive human activities. AI is becoming one of the major tools to enable high data quality and, therefore, address one of the critical challenges of grid digitisation.

Automation and efficiency aside, AI integration will reimagine and reshape how we produce, distribute, and consume energy. It’s more than an add-on or a nice-to-have feature – it’s a game changer. It’s the critical component of the future energy landscape. With increasing clarity, we see that the future of grid decarbonisation lies in our ability to leverage this technology. By creating dynamic, self-evolving models that adapt to our changing behaviours, we can achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, and reduce harmful CO2 emissions.

The journey ahead promises to be enlightening, disruptive, and a milestone in our pursuit of sustainable energy ecosystems. Those who fail to recognise its significance, or delay its adoption, risk being left behind.

Alexis Grenon Senior Vice President for Digital Grids Business, Schneider Electric

Breaking barriers: AI modelling is revolutionizing grid decarbonization efforts in low-voltage networks.

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THE INTELLIGENT APPROACH TO AI

ND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

(AI) RIGHT NOW; ALL SORTS OF APPLICATIONS ARE PON, MANY, ALLEGEDLY, WITH STRY AND COST SANDS OF PEOPLE THEIR JOBS.

Our team understand that this is not about replacing jobs, but about identifying the areas of AI that will be most beneficial to the business, and trialling new tools to better manage some of the opportunities and challenges that exist within NHP, such that we can better serve our customers.

In a brief period, we’ve already witnessed the ability to speed up the collection of information, and present this in clear and simple formats for staff and customers. We’ve found ways for AI to help guide our staff on how to use their time effectively, think more creatively, and help customers in ways they never could have before.

In the consumer space, expect to see AI being incorporated into smarter home automation products. Services such as Alexa or Siri could completely shift within the next year, due to the advent of AI, creating opportunities for contractors in the installation and implementation of this technology into smart homes.

The industrial landscape will change too, with equipment such as variable speed drives, motors and pumps implementing AI-based predictive maintenance technology. This will enable equipment to predict a breakdown or malfunction and take

appropriate remedial action or send an alert that it will soon require attention. Automation and software development are also changing fast, enabling easier programming, lowering barriers to entry in what used to be specialised fields.

AI will affect many things, but it won’t alter the main way electrical contractors work any time soon. The benefits of AI are more about helping you improve the way you run your business, rather than doing the electrical contracting work for you. It’s a matter of looking at the potential, realising the opportunities, and asking yourself: how do I want AI to work for me?

Just as 30 years ago, we all had to learn to use a mouse and a keyboard, we must now learn to interact with AI. It’s a journey that you need to be on if you hope to keep up with your competitors.

No matter the size of your business, opportunities exist to utilise AI to help streamline operations and relieve some of those pain points that every business experiences. It may be as simple as

having AI assist with minute taking in meetings, looking after some of the more menial administration tasks, or keeping up with changes to standards and regulations. More complex applications of AI could exist in helping to facilitate quoting and estimating tasks, or in driving some of your marketing efforts, helping your business to grow its customer base.

The advice here is not to go hard and throw everything at AI straight away. Whilst there is potential for this technology to help improve systems and processes, and potentially increase your bottom line, it is more important to familiarise yourself with AI and keep an eye on emerging applications and trends. Become familiar with the technology, celebrate the small wins, and be ready to take advantage of newer applications as they arrive. The old term FOMO (fear of missing out) is now being replaced with

JOMO (joy of missing out) as a reminder to people that it’s OK to sit back and let others trial the new technology, and only adopt it fully once it has matured.

Whilst there are many areas that AI can assist with, the information that this technology can provide and the tasks that it can perform are only as good as the data they have access to. Just as Google can return results that may be inaccurate, out of context, or not completely fit for purpose, the same can apply with AI. Critical thinking is now more important than ever, to ensure that output of any AI tool is valid. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our work, and rather than seeing AI as the font of all knowledge, we should utilise AI tools as a partner.

Nicholas O’Connor Chief Digital Officer, NHP

THE USE OF AI IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY

BENEFITS, RISKS AND CHALLENGES

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) HAS BEEN A GAME-CHANGER IN VARIOu S INDu STRIES, AND THE ELECTRICAL INDu STRY IS NO EXCEPTION. IT IS u SED IN SMART GRIDS AND PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE AND PLAYS A ROLE IN ANALYSING ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE.

Not only is AI revolutionising the way we generate, distribute, and consume electricity, but it can also be useful to electricians and electrical companies to monitor their safety and compliance framework. This article examines some of the benefits of AI in the electrical industry and some of the challenges faced with its ongoing use and development as its popularity, and reliance on it, continues to grow.

AI and Smart Grids

Smart grids are one of the most significant applications of AI in the electrical industry, and use AI algorithms to optimise the generation, distribution, and consumption of electricity. They can predict demand, adjust supply in real-time, and even detect and respond to outages faster than traditional systems. This leads to more efficient use of resources, lower energy costs, and improved reliability.

Predictive Maintenance

AI is also being used for predictive maintenance in the electrical industry. Traditional maintenance schedules are based on estimated lifetimes and can lead to unnecessary downtime or unexpected failures. AI algorithms can analyse data from sensors to predict when a component is likely to fail. This allows for maintenance to be performed just in time, reducing downtime and costs.

Energy Efficiency

AI can also help improve energy efficiency. By analysing patterns in energy use, AI can provide recommendations for reducing energy consumption. This could be as simple as

suggesting the optimal temperature for a thermostat, or as complex as optimising the operation of an entire factory.

Safety and Compliance

AI can also improve safety and compliance, by monitoring operations in real-time to detect unsafe conditions or violations of regulations. When an issue is detected, AI can alert human operators, or even take corrective action automatically.

AI and Compliance Framework

Compliance with electrical codes and standards is essential to ensure safety and quality of work. AI can assist in monitoring compliance in several ways. For example, AI-powered inspection systems can analyse images or videos of electrical installations to check for code violations. These systems use machine learning algorithms to recognise different components and their configurations, comparing them with the standards.

Additionally, AI can help in documentation and reporting. It can automatically generate reports based on the data collected during inspections, reducing the paperwork for electricians and ensuring that the records are accurate and up to date. However, whilst it may be tempting to ask ChatGPT to draft workplace health and safety policies for you, it is important to ensure that these policies are checked by a compliance professional and that they ‘tick the box’ of meeting legislative and regulatory requirements.

Risks in the use of AI in the electrical industry

Data Privacy and Security

One of the primary risks associated with the use of AI in the electrical industry is data privacy and security. AI systems often require access to large amounts of data, which may include sensitive information. If this data is not properly protected, it could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, leading to significant privacy and security issues. It is important for all businesses to have a robust data and privacy security policy framework in place to ensure that the data collected and used in its day-to-day operations is properly protected against unauthorised access and use. It is also important to have the right plans in place to manage any data breaches if they occur.

Dependence on AI

Another risk is the potential overreliance on AI systems. While AI can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity, there is a risk that business owners or managers could become complacent and overly dependent on these systems. This could lead to a lack of human oversight and the potential for errors if the AI system malfunctions or makes incorrect predictions. Whilst the use of AI within the electrical sector could result in improved productivity and efficiency, it is important to keep the human factor and always check the output of an AI-generated process or document to ensure that vital pieces of information have not been missed and that the output is fit-for purpose for its intended use.

Challenges and Future Directions

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be misused if not properly protected.

Despite the promising benefits, the use of AI also presents challenges. These include the need for large amounts of data, the risk of cyberattacks, and the need for transparency and explainability in AI decisions.

Record Keeping & Repor ting <Tou

One of the main challenges is the need for high-quality data. AI systems require large amounts of data to learn and make accurate predictions. However, collecting and labelling this data can be time-consuming and expensive.

Another challenge is the reliability of AI systems. While AI can help identify risks and violations, it may not always be 100% accurate. There is a risk of false positives, where the system identifies a problem that does not exist, or false negatives, where it fails to detect a real issue.

Finally, as mentioned above, there are concerns about privacy and security. The use of AI involves collecting and processing sensitive data, which could

However, with ongoing research and development, the role of AI in the electrical industry is expected to continue to grow. Future directions may include more advanced smart grids, autonomous electrical systems, and AI-driven design and manufacturing processes.

In conclusion, AI is transforming the electrical industry, bringing benefits in areas such as smart grids, predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and safety. As we continue to innovate and overcome

challenges, the future of the electrical industry looks bright with AI.

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If we can assist your organisation with implementing and using AI, please contact us.

Evyenia Walton Partner, Lynch Meyer Lawyers

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< Installation Verification & Compliance Testing

< Site Schematics & Installation Reports Save test results to the Site Schematic or Tree Structure

Pass/Fail limits and “Auto Sequences” set to AS/NZS3017 and AS/NZS3019.

Start with Site Name and Address Test reports output to PDF or Excel

< Single Test Functions

< High Volume RCD Testing System Complete

Voltage, Mohm & Ohms, RCD, Loop Impedance, Line Impedance, Earth Resistance, Power & Harmonics, Light, Wire Tracing

< Site Schematics & Installation Reports

Save test results to the Site Schematic or Tree Structure. Start with Site Name and Address. Test reports output to PDF or Excel

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF AI

HOW CAN SMEs HARNESS THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY IN ELECTROTECHNOLOGY?

AS AI BECOMES INCREASINGLY INTERTWINED WITH SME DAILY Bu SINESS ACTIVITIES, LINA ALTARIFI, EXEC u TIVE GENERAL MANAGER, Bu SINESS SOL u TIONS HuB, SAT DOWN WITH KEVIN CHETTY, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION SPECIALIST TO Bu SINESS SOL u TIONS HuB AND EXEC u TIVE CHAIRMAN OF STANDPOINT HuB, TO EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF AI AND HuMANITY, AS WELL AS THE ONGOING DEBATES AROuND ETHICS, RESPONSIBILITY AND THE F u T uRE OF HOW WE GO ABOu T OuR WORK.

AI integration: navigating necessity for competitive advantage

According to Kevin, the implementation of AI into SME operations is not merely a trend, but a necessity for staying competitive in today’s market.

“Looking at other sectors, such as financial analysis, we are already seeing AI playing a crucial role in building pricing models and predicting cash flow. There is also the personalisation of marketing activities and promotional and training videos, which adds a human touch to customer interactions, while enhancing engagement and loyalty,” Kevin says.

“There is also routine automation, such as onboarding customers and virtual assistants, which streamlines processes, allowing SMEs to focus on core business activities. AI is also being used in leveraging connected devices to predict production, maintenance, and temperature controls to optimise operations, ensuring efficiency and reliability.

“AI not only helps make business operations more efficient but opens new job opportunities in the electrotechnology sector. By investing in training and education, businesses can ensure their employees stay skilled and ready to use AI effectively, staying competitive in today’s evolving market.

“SMEs in this sector are increasingly recognising the importance of adopting AI-driven solutions, even if they aren’t directly involved in building them. While developing AI technology may not be feasible for all SMEs, integrating existing AI-driven products into current services can significantly enhance these offerings and competitiveness.” Kevin adds.

AI in electrotechnology: empowering SME workforce

understanding AI’s impact on employability is crucial for SMEs, including those in electrotechnology.

While AI can boost productivity and streamline processes for electricians and apprentices, it may also mean upskilling for certain staff members as automation is introduced into certain tasks. For electrotechnology businesses, AI tools like analytical pricing software and onsite assessments can enhance efficiency. Integrating AI with virtual training can further improve employability by facilitating skill development.

upskilling staff, introducing new roles, and harnessing AI for process optimisation are essential strategies for maintaining competitiveness in a swiftly evolving technological landscape. By prioritising these adaptations and

investments in workforce development, SMEs can strengthen their competitive advantages, whilst empowering their electricians and apprentices to thrive in an AI-driven environment.

AI adoption policy: safeguarding electrotechnology sector

Creating clear rules for adopting AI is crucial for protecting small electrotechnology businesses. This means developing policies that follow regulations and focus on safety and reliability, as AI can pose cyber risks such as facial/voice replication. By carefully planning the implementation and use of AI solutions, businesses can use them safely and effectively, reducing the chance of problems.

Workplace policies can also help promote transparency and fairness, and provide a framework around how AI is introduced and used within an organisation. This involves making sure everyone understands how AI works and how decisions are made. It also means setting up ways to check AI systems regularly for mistakes or biases, so they’re fair for everyone.

Driving innovation and differentiation

“Agility and scalability afforded by AI enable SMEs, along with their electricians and apprentices, to carve out unique market niches and lead industry disruption,” says Kevin. With AI-driven tools, these professionals can enhance accuracy in their tasks,

allowing SMEs to compete effectively, while fostering growth opportunities.

With AI, these SMEs can explore new revenue streams and diversify their offerings beyond traditional services. For example, they could use AI to predict when equipment might break down, helping their clients avoid costly downtime. AI can also help analyse data and give smart advice to their customers, offering even more value.

Unlocking opportunities

AI-powered smart home systems represent a growing market globally, allowing manufacturers to offer cuttingedge solutions that automate and optimise household energy usage, security, and convenience. These systems can range from intelligent lighting and temperature controls to advanced home monitoring and automation technologies, catering to the growing demand for smart home solutions among consumers.

AI-powered virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri enable hands-free control of smart home devices through voice commands. Language algorithms allow users to communicate naturally with their smart home systems, making interactions intuitive and seamless.

By harnessing AI-driven insights, SMEs can implement proactive energy-saving measures and strategies, improving their sustainability credentials while enhancing operational efficiency. Smart homes will be analysing usage patterns, minimising waste and reducing utility bills. AIpowered security systems will enhance safety, through machine learning algorithms that detect suspicious activities and identify potential threats, granting homeowners peace of mind.

AI-driven smart appliances and devices are revolutionising households, offering self-diagnosis capabilities, adaptive settings, and remote-control features. For instance, refrigerators equipped with AI can not only monitor food stock, but also recommend recipes based on available ingredients, while optimising cooling settings for freshness.

“As electricians adapt to this technological landscape, they will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless integration and efficient maintenance of AI-driven systems, safeguarding the comfort and security of modern homes.” Kevin added.

Choosing the right partners

“It’s not just about finding any partner, but about finding the right one. When evaluating potential technology partners or service providers, SMEs must carefully assess various criteria to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. This includes identifying specific problems or challenges that AI solutions can address, considering budget constraints, and evaluating how well the proposed solutions align with their long-term business objectives and values.” Kevin says.

Aligning AI solutions with the business direction of the SME ensures that investments in technology are not only strategic but also sustainable.

If you need assistance integrating AI and guidance on workplace policies into your business operations, give the experts at the Business Solutions Hub a call on 1300 445 687.

Lina Altarifi Executive General Manager, Business Solutions Hub

Kevin Chetty Technology Transformation Specialist, StandPointHub

SELECTIVITY SATISFYING THE REQUIREMENTS OF AS/NZ 3000

SELECTIVITY REFERS TO THE COORDINATION OF PROTECTIVE DEVICES, MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF A FAILuRE ON THE NETWORK BY ENSuRING THAT A FAuLT IN THE INSTALLATION IS CLEARED BY THE PROTECTION DEVICE LOCATED IMMEDIATELY uPSTREAM OF THE FA uLT. OTHER LOWER-RATED, AND THEREFORE LOWER-COST, CIRC uIT BREAKERS DOWNSTREAM ARE PROTECTED.

AS/NZ 3000 requires that all installations have reliability of supply and refers to ‘selectivity,’ or back up/cascading protection, for the electrical installation. The only way we can achieve reliability of supply is to have one main incoming protective device feeding multiple distribution devices, which separates the electrical network within the building into individual components.

For instance, if equipment failure causes a fault in the kitchen area of a building, the circuit breaker that was protecting that part of the building is the only breaker that operates, so we avoid a waterfall effect through the network that trips the main incoming breaker, which would result in the entire building losing power.

Below 250 Amps, AS/NZ 3000 includes a ‘deemed to comply’ section, where you can multiply the ratings of the breakers by 1.5. If every breaker’s setting has a differential of 1.5, AS/ NZ 3000 deems that selectivity has been achieved. However, in larger buildings, it is more suitable to use the manufacturer’s software (or third party software containing the manufacturer’s data) to simulate the setting of these breakers to achieve the requirements for selectivity.

How can NHP help you to understand and achieve selectivity?

NHP publishes detailed documents on the availability and setting of circuit breakers, as well as cascading and selectivity tables, as well as providing TemCurve 6, NHP’s selectivity analysis software, which simulates a CAD layout of the reticulation system within a building. TemCurve 6 allows the user to model combinations of circuit breakers to achieve selectivity. It is fully featured and extremely easy to use software, including fault level calculations and product technical data.

To get the most out of TemCurve 6, NHP recommends attending a TemCurve 6 training course, which are held periodically at our many training centres throughout Australia and New Zealand, free of charge.

For more assistance, you can call your local NHP Account Representative and take one of three courses of action:

1. Ask your rep to direct you to the tables or software, which you can download for free;

2. Engage NHP to help you complete a selectivity report for your electrical inspector; or

3. In some cases, you can arrange for NHP to provide a half-day education session, along with documentation that will equip you to complete these studies in future.

Jeff Davis Business Development Consultant, NHP Electrical Engineering Products

What options are available?

■ Concept One (IP40) – light grey

■ Concept Plus (IP42) – grey or orange (including single or dual metering and extra row DIN rail models)

■ Concept Premier (IP66) – grey or orange

Circuit protection:

■ MOD6 6kA C-curve†

■ DinT 6kA or 10kA C-curve

Optional value adds:

■ Main switch options 160A/250A Concept isolator or 63A – 200A MCCB

■ Surge diverter

■ Emergency lighting test kit (push button or key switch)

■ Security/external lighting kits

■ Different door handle locking options

■ Different options for gland plates (steel, aluminum, brass, bakelite)

RCD SELECTION FOR EV CHARGING APPLICATIONS

We ran a workshop at a recent meeting of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 23E, to consider emerging global trends that fall within the scope of IEC 23E. It was comforting to see that other countries are facing similar challenges as we are in Australia. Two key trends that emerged were increased d.c. within electrical installations, and electric vehicles. Particularly, the future deployment of V2x EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).

I recently received an email from an electrical contractor regarding the installation of Type B RCDs in EV charging applications. What was apparent from the email is that there may be some confusion regarding various types of RCDs and where they should be used. We need to be careful not to mix up the letters that we use to categorise RCD Types – AC, A, B, and F – with circuit breaker instantaneous tripping current types – B, C, and D. I see how this could easily happen. AS/NZS 60898.1, the product standard for circuit breakers for overcurrent protection defines three types of circuit breakers based on their range of instantaneous tripping current – B, C, and D. RCD Types are not to be confused with circuit breaker types.

While this may be a refresher for some, it is important that everyone installing RCDs is aware of the fundamental differences between RCD types. Figure 1 categorises the four RCD types, the faults they detect, and their suitability for various loads.

Type AC

Type AC RCDs detect residual sinusoidal alternating currents. While commonplace in existing installations, AS/NZS 3000:2018 now prohibits the installation of Type AC RCDs.

Type A

In addition to the detection characteristics of type AC RCDs, Type A RCDs detect pulsating DC residual current. Such waveforms can be caused by diode or thyristor rectifier circuit in electronic loads. Type A RCDs are now the most commonly installed type of RCD. AS/NZS 61008.1 and AS/NZS 61009.1 are the most relevant product standards for Type A RCDs.

Type F

Type F RCDs are a new RCD type recently introduced in IEC 62423 and in IEC 60755. In addition to the detection characteristics of type A RCDs, type F RCDs are specially designed for circuit protection where single-phase variable speed drives could be used. In these circuits, the waveform of residual current could be a composite of multi-frequencies, including motor frequency, convertor switching frequency and line frequency. For the reason of energy efficiency, the use of frequency converters in certain loads (washing machines, air conditioners, etc…) is increasing, and type F RCDs will cover those new applications. Type F RCDs also have enhanced disturbance withstand characteristics (non-tripping on surge current). They are capable of tripping even if a pure direct current of 10 mA is superimposed on a sinusoidal or pulsed DC differential current.

Type B

Type B RCDs can detect sinusoidal AC, pulsating DC, composite of multifrequency as well as smooth DC residual currents. In addition, tripping conditions are defined with different frequencies from 50Hz to 1kHz. In an AC electrical distribution network, a

pure DC residual current can be mainly generated from three-phase rectifying circuits, but also from some specific single-phase rectifiers. Type B RCDs are intended to be used for loads with a three-phase rectifier, such as variable speed drives, PV systems, EV charging stations and medical equipment.

IEC 62423 is the most relevant product standard for Type F and Type B RCDs. As the use of these two types of RCDs are continuing to grow, Standards Australia is considering a local adoption of this standard.

Coming back to electric vehicle charging applications, while informative, AS/NZS 3000:2018 Appendix P does provide an insight into potential future normative requirements for the installation and location of electrical vehicles socket outlets and charging stations. When it comes to EV charging stations, otherwise known as mode 3 or mode 4 charging, Appendix P requires protective measures against d.c. fault currents. This can be done through either a Type B RCD or a Type A RCD, used in conjunction with appropriate equipment that disconnects the supply if the d.c. fault current rises above 6 mA.

For mode 3 charging, this ‘appropriate equipment’ is often referred to as an RDC-DD (Residual Direct Current Detecting Device). Typically, this functionality is incorporated within the mode 3 EV charger. It is worthwhile checking if the EV charger that you are installing claims RDC-DD compliance with IEC 62955:2018. While a Type B RCD is more expensive than a Type A RCD + RDC-DD, the Type B RCD will provide a higher level of immunity to unwanted tripping on an EV charging sub circuit.

We will hopefully see a new edition of AS/NZS 4777.1 published, is anticipated to give specific consideration to the future role of V2x and the role of RCDs in grid tied inverter applications. The role that RCDs will play in supporting the energy transition will be an important one and one that is likely to change as we continue to change the way we generate, store, transmit, and use energy.

Lucy is Australia’s delegate to IEC 23E, the international committee responsible for the development of standards relating to low voltage circuit protection and protection against electric shock.

Lucy Finlay Standardisation & Regulation Manager, Pacific, Schneider Electric

Type AC A F B

Linear Single phase rectifier

Figure 1 Different Types of RCDs

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CONTROL AT EVERY LEVEL

MOTOR CONTROL AND PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

CONTINuOu S OPERATION IN INDu STRIAL, A u TOMOTIVE, AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS REQuIRES ADVANCED MOTOR CONTROL AND PROTECTION SOL u TIONS. LACKING THESE ESSENTIAL SAFEGu ARDS CAN LEAD TO PREMAT uRE SYSTEM FAIL uRES AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISKS. THE RES uLT IS COSTLY DOWNTIME AND REPAIRS.

Motor control and protection systems are designed to match the motor’s performance with the task at hand so you can fine-tune the operation for maximum efficiency. They help prevent overload, electrical faults, and other operational threats that could damage the motor and the broader network it serves.

As technology advances, motor control systems have become more sophisticated. They are now capable of integrating comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics to preemptively address issues before they escalate. Protection systems have also evolved, with advanced algorithms and circuitry that respond dynamically to the demands of the motor’s operating environment. IPD’s range includes robust motor protection products like the ABB AF series of contactors, which provide a wider control voltage range and reduce coil energy consumption by up to 80%.

excessive heat build-up, often an early warning sign of overexertion or mechanical issues. Electronic overload relays offer even higher precision in monitoring motor current and temperature to maintain their optimal efficiency range.

Manual motor starters give operators direct control to start and stop motor operations through user-friendly switches. It also comes with a built-in protective component to shield against overloads. The ABB MS manual motor starter series offered by IPD covers up to 45kW (400V) and 80A, with a built-in disconnect function and

rely on uninterrupted operation. ABB manual motor starters can cater to diverse motor control requirements, regardless of motor size or type.

The future of motor management lies in making sure that every component works together effectively to maintain system performance. IPD’s motor control and protection systems prepare you for today’s challenges, while looking ahead to future demands. From basic manual starters to complex automated systems, the goal remains to improve operations while protecting critical motor components.

For more information on motor protection solutions or to discover the best fit for your needs, please get in touch with us at 1300 556 601 or visit our website www.bit.ly/neca-motorcontrolprotection

In high-demand industrial settings, no piece of equipment can afford to fail. Here, intelligent motor controllers work silently in the background, adjusting operational parameters in real time to match the process requirements. Complementing the suite of controls, IPD’s overload relays monitor the current flowing in the circuit and are Phase loss sensitive according to IEC/EN 60947-4-1. Thermal overload relays respond to

IPD and ABB offer a range of products that can be tailor-made to suit your electrical needs. Total Control, Maximum Productivity customerservice@ipd.com.au | 1300 556 601 | ipd.com.au Easy to install Safety and protection Continuous Operation Compact and economical range available

BRANCH UPDATE

Nataisha Martin NECA ACT & Southern NSW Member Manager

Welcome to the June 2024 edition of NECA News. As we find ourselves at the midpoint of the year, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on our progress and look forward to the exciting activities we have planned. Keep an eye on your email inbox for further details.

Better Business Support with NECA

At NECA, our aim is to assist members with the everyday running of their businesses, including overcoming any challenges that emerge. Your membership fees enable us to employ skilled professionals who are equipped to provide you with the advice, tools and assistance you need to run your business. So, when you have a query or issue, we encourage you to connect with us, so that you and your business receive the right specialist and expert advice. As a NECA member you receive support and advice from in-house experts in technical, work health and safety, legal and workplace relations issues. You also have access to a wide range of free resources through NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB) plus annual Confidential Safety and Wage Audits.

NECA Awards 2024

With all Awards nominations submitted, I would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who are nominated. We wish you all the best of luck with the announcement of the winners at our annual dinner on Friday 26 July at QT Canberra.

On the topic of Awards, we are excited to announce that ticket sales for the NECA Awards are officially open! To ensure you secure the best seats for you and your colleagues, we highly recommend purchasing your table as early as possible. This event is a wonderful opportunity for professional networking and celebrating achievements within our industry. We look forward to seeing everyone there and sharing this special occasion together.

Scan the QR code here to purchase your ticket.

ACT BRANCH

SIMPLIFY YOUR RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESSES WITH NECA’S MONTHLY TOOLBOX TALKS

NECA’s Safety Experts have developed a Toolbox Talks program to simplify risk management processes in electrical contractor businesses of all sizes, supporting the way your business manages risks, training, legislative updates and risk assessments. Each month, the NECASafe team will take a deep dive into a specific set of risks of working in the electrotechnology industry and provide your business with a toolkit of documents related to that risk category.

These toolkits will ensure that your business has complete support to manage and mitigate risks, ensuring you remain compliant with the ever-changing state and federal regulations.

½ Recorded video toolbox talks

½ Management system and templates

½ Risk Register updates

½ Safety Inspection checklists

½ Multiple safety policies

½ Member requested forms

½ Safe working procedures

½ Operational procedures and

½ Safe Work Method Statements

NECA Members can access these resources via the NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB). To learn more about NECA’s Toolbox Talks, visit NECA’s YouTube channel @NECA_Membership.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR CABLE WORKERS

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY IS F uNDAMENTAL

TO ALL INDu STRIES. EVERYONE WANTS TO DO THEIR DAY’S WORK IN A SAFE MANNER AND RET uRN HOME TO THEIR LOVED ONES EVERY NIGHT. uNFORT uNATELY, WE SEE A LOT OF uNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS OCC uRRING THAT COuLD BE EASILY PREVENTED WITH ADEQu ATE SAFE WORK PRACTICES.

Given the potentially hazardous nature of the work carried out by our data and telecommunications industry employees engaged in construction, maintenance or installation work on properties, safety should always be a workplace priority.

Data and telecommunications workers often need to drill holes in walls and benches, crawl through ceiling spaces, dig trenches, or try and manoeuvre cables in wall cavities. This can result in dangers for workers through: exposure to live electricity; loose fill or bonded asbestos; hazards such as slips, trips and falls; being hit by falling objects; major cuts from sharp objects; crystalline silica exposure; gas piping and; the risks associated with noncompliant products.

While considerable work has been undertaken across all industries to make workplaces safer, it is concerning that fatalities are still occurring. All Australian Health & Safety regulators are staunch believers that all fatalities can be avoided with adequate planning, appropriate risk management and with continual safe work practices.

The Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) recently released a report titled Electrical Fatal Incident Data Australia and New Zealand 2022-23. In this report, ERAC noted that in the 23 years from 2000-01 to 2022-23, there were 366 electrical fatalities in Australia. This is an average of 16 fatalities in Australia each year. The number for individual years jumps all over, however, with a low of 5 (in 2017/18) and a high of 37 (in 2000/01). While it is encouraging to see the number of deaths in 2022/23 down to eight in Australia, what is

most concerning is that only one of these deaths was an electrical worker. four of the deaths were non-electrical workers and three were members of the general public. The main contributing factors to these fatalities related to deterioration of equipment or wiring; misuse or interference with equipment or wiring; installation failures, or; poor work practices.

Additionally, Safe Work Australia (SWA) releases periodic fatality statistics across all occupations in its report titled Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities, Australia. In its most recent report, SWA notes that between 2017 and 2021 across Australia, there were six fatalities of Electronics and Telecommunications Trade Workers.

These statistical reports highlight the fact that our data and telecommunications industry workers are operating in at-risk work environments. While coming into contact with live electricity is probably the greatest risk, it is far from the only risk.

It is true that electrical risks are somewhat lower when a safety switch has been installed on the premises you are working on. But don’t be fooled into thinking that if safety switches are in place you cannot receive a fatal electric shock.

NECA has made it clear on many occasions that while safety switches significantly reduce the risk of electric

shock, they do not provide protection in all circumstances. For example, a safety switch will not disconnect the supply if a person contacts both the active and neutral conductors while handling faulty electrical equipment and the electricity flows through the person’s body, unless there is also a current flow to earth.

While AS/NZS3000 Wiring Rules (for electricians), requiring that safety switches be installed in new buildings began back in 2000, it was not until 2018 that it became mandatory to install safety switches on all final subcircuits in new domestic and residential installations (this includes anywhere that people live, including hotels).

While this is a tremendously positive step, there is no national requirement to retrofit safety switches into domestic and residential installations that were built prior to 1 January 2019. This does leave a legacy of domestic and residential premises with many having either no safety switches, or limited safety switches, for many decades to come.

Then, when it comes to commercial premises and other workplaces, the legal requirements for safety switches vary considerably. Construction sites

are governed by strict laws, including the use of portable safety switches. However, when you look at other workplace premises, such as office blocks, warehouses, factory production lines, shopping centers, and so on, the electrical safety obligations are that a person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that any electrical risk associated with the supply of electricity to ‘plug in’ electrical equipment is minimised by the use of an appropriate safety switch in higher-risk workplaces. This normally means where plug-in electrical equipment is used in conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust.

In the end, this results in significant ongoing electrical risks, as there are many building locations in which telecommunications workers are likely to install cabling, where there are no mandatory requirements regarding the use of safety switches.

The introduction of AS/CA 2009 Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling (Wiring Rules for cablers) has also opened a debate over who should be allowed to install ES3 cables. The electrical safety laws across the country stipulate that the installation of any cabling, including communications cabling, that operates above Extra Low Voltage (ELV), which is deemed to be above 50 Volt ac and above 120 Volt dc (ripple free) is considered to be electrical work and requires an electrical work license.

We all know that ES3 cables can sustain voltage levels significantly greater than ELV, at up 1,000 volts. Even when ACMA

last undertook a comprehensive audit of data and telecommunications cabling work back in 2017, they found that 35% of the 178 sites they visited had noncompliant cabling. Of this, 63% related to Wiring Rule breaches (AS/CA S009), with the main breach being inadequate separation from the LV electrical cables.

The majority of the non-compliance found by ACMA was found to be in low-rise building sites. Over the years, there has been a litany of unnecessary fatalities where electrical currents have arced from one electrical source to another (such as copper wiring) through a process of induction, where the wires have been placed too close together. This can easily include induction into communications cabling.

It is worth noting that, on 12th December 2012, young Dale Kennedy died from electrocution while installing data cables for a PA system in the ceiling space of Bentley Park College in Edmonton in Far North Queensland. This tragic incident illustrates the dangers surrounding work anywhere near electrical cables. In this case, Mr Kennedy inadvertently pierced an electrical cable, livening metallic parts of an air-conditioning system that he then came into contact with. Electricity, by its very nature, is extremely hazardous and often does not give an individual a second chance.

But it is not just electricity that is a danger to data and telecommunications workers. For many decades now we have also seen the dangers associated with asbestos, particularly mesothelioma. The Cancer Council has released data that shows that, in 2020, 701 people died from mesothelioma and that the estimated number of newly diagnosed cases in 2022

was 904. Mesothelioma can be caused by a single fiber sticking to your lungs. While mesothelioma has a long-term latency, the prognosis is generally terminal. While use of asbestos has been completely banned in Australia since 2003 and in building materials since 1990, there is still a significant legacy of asbestos in many homes across Australia today. This heightens the dangers of drilling holes in wall cavities, particularly in older homes.

We now also have considerable risks with drilling holes into silica-based materials, such as engineered stone bench tops, which can release crystalline silica dust, which can cause serious illness such as silicosis and lung cancer. The Cancer Council has estimated that around 230 people each year are developing lung cancer or silicosis due to exposure to silica dust.

Dangers are also present with falls from heights, being hit by falling objects or being hit by moving objects. Safe Work Australia data shows that, in 2022, across the construction sector, there were 17 deaths from falls from heights, 26 deaths from being hit by moving objects and 17 deaths from being hit by falling objects.

All of this illustrates the range of dangers that data and telecommunications workers face on a daily basis. Work Health and Safety laws require that prior to all workplace jobs you need to conduct a risk assessment, to identify the dangers or hazards you will encounter and how you will mitigate or eliminate those risks.

Finally, the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 (Part 4 section 4.1(2)) requires that all data and telecommunications work job supervisors must:

½ be registered for the type of work you are doing (open, restricted or lift);

½ take full responsibility for the standard of work you complete;

½ ensure all work complies with the rules and requirements for cablers ;

½ complete the cabling advice forms at the end of the job.

Do yourself and your family a favour and work safely, so that you can return home at the end of each day. Please stay safe, and remember WHS is everyone’s responsibility, if you see someone taking unnecessary risks, remind them that life is worth more than any shortcut.

QLD BRANCH

BRANCH UPDATE

Christopher Gradwell NECA QLD Member Manager

Welcome to the June edition of NECA NEWS

As we find ourselves at the midpoint of the year, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on our progress and look forward to the exciting activities we have planned. In the coming months, our Industry Dinners and Lunch n Learns will be expanding to various regions across Queensland. We encourage you to keep an eye on your email inbox for further details.

NECA Safety Systems

When it comes to safety, taking control of your Safety Management System is crucial. As a business owner or employer in Queensland, it is your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for your employees, and anyone else who may be affected by your operations.

Having a well-managed Safety Management System helps you achieve this goal, by identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures to prevent accidents and injuries. It also shows your commitment to safety, which can boost employee morale and productivity.

NECA recently introduced four new safety systems to support member businesses of all sizes and management styles, by allowing them to easily add on modules as they grow. Flick to page 37 of this issue to learn more.

NECAGuard update

Does your insurance cover both tools and accidental damage?

Maintaining and growing a business requires time, energy and money; however, some circumstances lie beyond our control. To reduce risk in unforeseen situations, it is essential to consider your business obligations and select the appropriate insurance coverage.

Designed for small electrical businesses and sole contractors, NECAGuard’s ‘The Essentials’ package offers comprehensive protection for both tools and accidental damage. This tier of cover can provide much-needed peace of mind as your business grows.

Learn more about how NECAGuard can tailor your business insurance coverage – scan the QR code to connect with a NECAGuard representative today!

Update on Energy Queensland’s Network Tariff Pricing proposals

In February 2024, Energy Queensland submitted Ergon Energy Network’s and Energex’s Regulatory Proposals and Tariff Structure Statements for 2025-30 to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

Every five years, Energy Queensland must submit Regulatory Proposals and Tariff Structure Statements outlining their proposed investment plans, revenue allowances, and tariff structures for the next five-year regulatory control period.

The AER is currently evaluating Energy Queensland’s Regulatory Proposals, aiming to balance prudent and efficient investment with supporting the energy transition, while ensuring affordability for customers facing cost-of-living pressures.

Energy Queensland has advised that the AER will issue their Draft Decisions in September 2024 and that Energy Queensland will then need to submit their Ergon Energy Network and Energex Revised Regulatory Proposals and Tariff Structure Statements, incorporating any changes, or addressing any matters, raised by the Draft Decisions, to the AER in December 2024.

NECA is an active participant in ongoing discussions with Energy Queensland through participation on the Energy Queensland Network Pricing Working Group. This is important to NECA, because our members do a lot of contractual and related work for Energy Queensland, much of which is an embedded component in the network price setting. This work includes stringing electric lines, maintenance work and hanging customer meters.

NECA is well represented on the Working Group by David Lethbridge, who is a licensed electrician and a QLD NECA Councilor.

NECA QLD RACE DAY

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, THE NECA QuEENSLAND TEAM DELIVERED AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE AT THIS YEAR’S QLD RACE DAY, HELD AT THE BRISBANE RACING CL uB, DOOMBEN RACECOuRSE.

This memorable day featured exclusive dining experiences and a generous offering of unlimited beverages. The event provided ample opportunities for both NECA members and nonmembers to network and revel in the day’s exciting atmosphere.

A key highlight was the electrifying atmosphere surrounding the horse races—where the excitement of cheering for favorite horses and the anticipation of placing bets kept spirits high. Beyond the races, the event was rich with opportunities for networking and forming new business relationships.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our NECA Sponsors for their steadfast support, and to every person who participated in race day. Your presence truly made the day exceptional.

Keep an eye out for upcoming NECA events in the second half of this year!

CONTROL YOUR SAFETY MANAGEMENT

NECA’S NEW SAFETY SYSTEMS

NECASafe is a dedicated internal department within NECA that offers specialist electrical contractor safetyrelated assistance to NECA members.

The NECASafe Team has developed four safety systems, supporting member businesses of all sizes and management styles by allowing them to easily add on modules as they grow.

One low-cost safety system that NECA QLD members are signing up for is NECASafe Digital.

VAs a low-cost system, that helps electrical business workers to complete traditionally paper based WHS tasks quickly and effortlessly on a phone or tablet, this affordable, electrical contractor designed safety app will help your business to:

½ Log hazards

½ Report Incidents

½ Complete risk assessments

½ Compile checklists

½ Document toolbox talks

½ Take actions

½ Quickly access documentation

Digital Modules

½ My Library provides efficient management and instant access to safety documents

½ Hazard Management guides users through a proactive process for continuous improvement

½ Dashboards provides intelligent visual representations of HSEQ data

½ Access Security users can be permissions and additional access based on their responsibilities

½ Incident Reporting allows for logging, investigation, corrective actions and confidentiality

½ Checklists access over 40 NECA checklist templates

For more information on NECA’s new Safety Systems, scan the QR code.

½ Actions allows for the creation, assignment and tracking of tasks to ensure completion within a specified timeframe

½ Meetings allows convenient scheduling, note-taking and document storage

NSW BRANCH

BRANCH UPDATE

Welcome to the June 2024 edition of NECA News. We’ve reached the middle of the year—a perfect moment to look ahead and gear up for what’s next. Exciting events are on the horizon, including Industry Dinners and Industry Nights. Stay tuned to your emails for all the details you won’t want to miss.

NECA Safety Systems

When it comes to safety, taking control of your safety system is crucial. As a business owner or employer, it is your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for your employees and anyone else who may be affected by your operations.

Having a well-managed safety system helps you achieve this goal, by identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures to prevent accidents and injuries. It also shows your commitment to safety, which can boost employee morale and productivity.

NECA recently introduced four new safety systems to support member businesses of all sizes and management styles, by allowing them to easily add on modules as they grow.

NECASafe Empower for the business seeking complete workplace safety protection

NECASafe Generator no more cut, copy and paste

NECASafe Digital your safety, digitalised and streamlined

NECASafe Light developed to help start your safety management

Visit NECA’s website to learn more, or scan QR code on page 39.

NECA Awards 2024

With all Awards nominations submitted, I would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who are nominated. We wish you all the best of luck with the announcement of the winners at our annual lunch on Friday 20 September at The Star.

On the topic of Awards, we are excited to announce that ticket sales for the NECA Awards are officially open! To ensure you secure the best seats for you and your colleagues, we highly recommend

purchasing your table as early as possible. This event is a wonderful opportunity for professional networking and celebrating achievements within our industry. We look forward to seeing everyone there and sharing this special occasion together.

Scan the QR code here to purchase your ticket.

Technical Advice & Support

At NECA, we understand how crucial it is to remain aligned with industry standards. That’s why we emphasise the importance of leveraging our comprehensive inhouse Technical Support services with the latest Australian Standards, including Wiring Rules and State Electricity Rules.

Recognising the critical nature of staying compliant, our advice not only adheres to but also cross-references the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and regulations, safeguarding against potential legal repercussions.

Awareness and adherence to the WHS legislation are paramount. Non-compliance could lead to prohibitive notices, improvement directives, penalties, or even prosecution. We aim to arm you with the knowledge and support to avoid such outcomes.

All NECA Members are reminded that they receive unlimited phone and email support for all technical issues unique to your situation.

We are also thrilled to announce that Hannah Grantham has joined the NECA team as our new Technical Manager. With an extensive knowledge of industry Australian Standards and electrical compliance, Hannah brings valuable experience from both the private and public sectors including with NSW Health and as NSW Government Inspector. Hannah is deeply motivated by a commitment to support compliance across the industry, so that workers in our industry produce high quality work and return home safely each day. Hannah is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of industry leaders, guiding those at the start of their careers, or launching their businesses, with her wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Mynas Leontios NECA Sydney Metro Member Manager

Julia Cassar NECA Sydney Metro Member Manager

CONTROL YOUR SAFETY MANAGEMENT

NECA’S NEW SAFETY SYSTEMS

NECASafe is a dedicated internal department within NECA that offers specialist electrical contractor safetyrelated assistance to NECA members.

The NECASafe Team has developed four safety systems, supporting member businesses of all sizes and management styles by allowing them to easily add on modules as they grow.

NECASafe Empower is one safety system that is proving very popular with NECA members in NSW. A premium system, that offers a comprehensive safety management solution for electrical contractor businesses, it provides access to valuable support resources, such as business improvement sessions and safety culture coaching.

With NECA’s in-house specialist team by your side, embracing these improvements allows your organisation to thrive in terms of safety, efficiency, and overall performance.

Manage

control

and

your HSEQ and HR environment

NECASafe Empower is a userfriendly digital platform.

The customisable dashboard enables you to manage and control your:

½ Health, safety, quality and environment

½ Human resources

½ Technical compliance

½ Industrial relations resources

Additional Support

Health, Safety, Quality & Environment

½ Technical support via email and phone calls

½ Pre-qualification assistance (CM3, Avetta, Pegasus, etc)

½ Document development

½ Workplace audits and site inspections

½ WHS committee support

½ Electrical safety advice

Achieve your company’s objectives

½ Support in obtaining JAZ/ ANZ certification in:

½ AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 OH&S Management Systems,

½ ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems

½ ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems

½ Safeguard your business against the threat of a liability crisis. NECASafe Empower shields you from fines, legal action and imprisonment, ensuring you enjoy peace of mind.

½ ASP accreditation or upgrade for contestable works application support

½ Nurture and attract talented employees

½ Improve or resolve organisation behaviour conflicts

½ Develop your commercial terms so that contractual parties understand duties, rights and roles

½ Support your organisation’s overall HSEQ & HR Management

½ Centralise your HSEQ & HR Systems, to maximise your team’s compliance and efficiencies

½ Legal templates and resources

NECASafe Empower has been designed to tailor and centralise your governance system into a paperless, cloud-based compliance software to enable effective management across all platforms

Additional Inclusions

½ Software: 30 modules of powerful, data rich HSEQ & HR.

½ Mobile Phone App: Capture safety management data in the field at anytime.

½ NECA Resource Library: Professional pre-written HSEQ & HR documentation.

½ NECA Membership: Access services vital to the operation of your business.

½ NECA On-track Setup: Face-to-face training, data entry and support to set you up for success.

½ NECA Legal, HR & IR: 12 hours per year of human resources, industrial relations and/or legal advice.

½ NECASafe: 16 hours per year of HSEQ professional consultation and administrative support

½ Arc flash risk assessment and programs

½ Toolbox Talks

½ Review of safety notices and non-conformances

Legal, Industrial Relations or Human Resources

½ Onboarding, induction and performance management

½ Payroll audit

½ Review standard terms and conditions and other contract templates

½ Legal compliance health check

½ Position description reviews

½ Employment contract reviews

½ Modern Award classifications

½ Employee survey/staff turnover review – improvement of retention

½ Disciplinary action letters/dismissals

½ Annual performance management

½ Procurement/onboarding

½ Contract reviews

½ Exit surveys

½ Dispute resolution with clients

½ Mediation with internal employee disputes

For more information on NECA’s new Safety Systems, scan the QR code.

INSURANCE ADVICE FOR SOLAR INSTALLERS

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE WITH NECAGUARD

Five key questions solar installers should ask when seeking an insurance policy:

1. Have you updated your business description?

Make sure the business description on your public liability policy covers all the elements of solar you are involved in. Our recommended business description is: sale, installation, design, maintenance of PV solar and battery systems, including off-grid. Each of these activities has a different risk profile, so it is important that each service you provide is noted.

2. Does your Public Liability policy have any working at height restrictions?

Some insurers impose limitations on electricians working at heights. It is important to check your policy and make sure you comply with any restrictions that apply. Due to the high safety standards followed by NECA Members, our NECAGuard combined liability insurer doesn’t apply any working at heights limitations

3. Do you have professional indemnity?

NECAGuard recommends that those involved in solar take out professional indemnity. Professional indemnity provides cover for financial losses suffered by your customers due to an error or emission you make when providing a professional service. For solar, this includes both the design and specification of systems. Claims related to solar are one of the most common professional indemnity claims we see.

4. Do you use subcontractors?

If you use subcontractors, in most cases, they will need to have their own insurance. Request certificates

of currency for public liability, professional indemnity and workers compensation. Check that each certificate has a business description that specifies the type of work you have asked them to perform.

5. Have you considered contract works?

Public liability provides cover if you damage customer property (such as their roof) or injure a customer. Typically, though, it doesn’t cover damage to the solar installation itself. The installation (‘the works’) isn’t usually considered third party property until installation is completed. Contract works is a property cover that provides cover while things are being constructed or installed. It can cover against common perils such as fire, hail, wind and water damage.

Contract works also covers theft or damage to solar panels and equipment before, during, and after installation. It can also cover the panels during transit and storage.

Do

you know what you are really covered for?

We understand how vital it is that your business is well-protected, which is why we offer tailored solutions to help you safeguard your assets. Whether you need protection from property damage and theft, to public liability and professional indemnity, NECAGuard has the right policy for your business.

Scan the QR code to Request a Quote with NECAGuard

NSW TECHNICAL UPDATE

Metering Installation Rules

Early in the year, NECA started hearing some concerns from members about the recently published Metering Installation Rules, as published by the newly formed Building Commission (formerly Dept of Fair Trading).

This document is intended to replace the annexure to the NSW Service and Installation Rules (also under review) and articulate the requirements and arrangements for compliant connections and metering arrangements at an electrical installation.

The concerns included conflicting information and requirements between DNSP’s and the Building Commission regarding ‘service equipment,’ the short lead time between publication and intended enforcement of the MIR’s, and the practical and cost implications of some the requirements in the MIR’s.

NECA’s technical and policy and advocacy staff were participants in the consultation for the MIR’s, however they felt that the concerns

raised at that time were not adequately considered, or addressed.

When it became clear that the presiding authorities were providing opposing and confusing views of connection requirements, NECA wrote to the responsible ministers to seek immediate clarification and/or relief from enforcement of the MIR’s until the parties held a consistent position and the industry stakeholders had signed-off on the final version of the MIR’s.

At the time of writing this article, the MIR’s have been withdrawn from publication and NECA understands that meetings and correspondence are underway to resolve the problem. In the meantime, members are advised to comply with the connection requirements of the DNSP’s and NSW Service & Installation Rules 2019.

NECA members requiring advice are encouraged to connect with NECA’s technical experts.

HOME BUILDING ACT REPLACEMENT

The Home Building Act and associated regulation holds the legislated requirements for general and specialist trades licensing in the construction industry. The building commission continues to consult widely with stakeholders with respect to the construction and provisions of the new Building Act. NECA is regularly receiving consultation papers, position papers and invitations to participate in round table discussions and/or make formal submissions on specific topics, mostly related to the regulation, licensing, and supervision of electrical or electrical related work.

ARE UNPAID INVOICES STANDING IN THE WAY OF YOUR BUSINESS’S HEALTH?

All electrical contractors conducting work or providing goods or services under a construction contract have the right to receive ‘progress payments’ for work delivered. This is to support cash flow to contractors.

There are various ways to deal with overdue payments. NECA’s legal team are well experienced in these matters and can assist you with:

1. Letter of Demand

2. Statement of Claim

3. Security of Payment

4. Statutory Demand

NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB) holds resources, including templates, webinars and guides to assist members.

With NECA, drafting Letters of Demand is a service included as part of your membership. Our legal team handles everything from drafting the letter, all the way to sending it to a debtor. Scan the QR code to connect.

NSW TRAINING UPDATE

The New Energy Apprenticeship Program will give apprentices up to $10,000 in support over the duration of their apprenticeship, helping to offset cost-of-living challenges.

With ongoing financial incentives, and an opportunity to build a career in an evolving, dynamic industry, we can expect to see more young people choosing an electrical apprenticeship as a foundation for a successful and rewarding career.

What’s inside an Electrical Qualification?

NECA members employ thousands of electrical apprentices across Australia, both directly and through Group Training. Many members choose to take advantage of NECA Training and Apprenticeships’ expertise in recruitment and ongoing apprenticeship management. This takes out the risks of finding and employing an apprentice, managing them through quiet periods and dealing with many of the challenges that can arise.

Apprentices will be required to obtain experience in a range of competencies throughout their apprenticeship and will need to be able to demonstrate this through a logged list of experiences.

Typically, these will need to include WHS, hand tools, circuits, fixings, cable terminating, lighting, protection devices, communications, power and transformers.

Requirements of the Cert III Electrotechnology Qualification

The Commonwealth Government oversees the development and maintenance of National Training Packages through peak bodies called Jobs and Skills Councils

THE A u STRALIAN GOVERNMENT HAS Ju ST ANNOuNCED IT WILL BE EXPANDING ITS NEW ENERGY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, PROVIDING INCENTIVES TO ENCOuRAGE MORE PEOPLE INTO INDu STRIES S uPPORTING A u STRALIA’S TRANSITION TO A NET ZERO ECONOMY.

(JSCs). Powering Skills Organisation is the JSC for our industry and is responsible for maintaining the curriculum for the skills NECA members need in their workforce.

They build the qualifications that specify what skills and knowledge apprentices must attain and how these must be demonstrated to prove they’re competent. This includes theory and practical skills and whether they must be learned on-the-job (at work) or can be taught off-the-job (in Tech/TAFE).

Does work experience have to be completed with domestic wiring?

The answer to this is a good example of how the system works: our ‘package’ requires an apprentice to demonstrate competency in the selection, installation, termination and commissioning of a range of different cables. Crucially, though, the package does NOT require that these competencies be completed in a domestic environment. Many electricians have gained their qualification legitimately on industrial or commercial projects. To express it another way, there are no mandatory competencies in the electrician qualification that can only be completed in a domestic workplace, and it is the National Training Package that clarifies that.

How on-the-job experience is recorded and contributes to training

The Training Contract is a three-way agreement between the employer, the RTO (TAFE/Tech) and the apprentice. It requires the employer to provide the work experience necessary to complete the on-the-job requirement of the qualification. On the job skills need to be tracked throughout the apprenticeship in a ‘profiling’ system. Profiling ensures apprentices gain enough exposure to all the required skills to meet the requirements of the package. A licensed electrician, usually a tradesperson working for the employer,

needs to sign off on a record of the work the apprentice has completed. For example, if your apprentice claims in their profiling that they’ve installed control wiring and their supervisor signs that record, then the TAFE/Tech will accept that, and it will form part of their evidence, along with their theory tests.

How on-the-job experience contributes to

a license

There are some variances between states and territories, but all require a detailed review of an apprentice’s experience, signed by a licensed electrician, to confirm that a graduating apprentice is ready to hold their own license. This, along with their qualification, triggers a license. If the state/territory government authority that issues the license has any doubts, they can refer the applicant to a review panel. Some states have additional steps to sign off on a trade, such as an independently run exam, or an industry panel reviewing the record of work experience.

Interpreting the Training Plan

If you employ an apprentice, you should have been asked to sign their Training Plan, which is produced by the RTO (Tech/TAFE). It shows you which units of competence they’re going to teach, how, and when.

Further advice

If you would like to know more, or if you would like to know how you can work with us to find suitable, reliable apprentices to help build your business, please feel free to contact us on the numbers below. In addition to offering our group training and RTO services, we’re happy to assist NECA members with questions about the training system. For further information, call your local NECA EA office via the details below, or email us at contact@necatraining.com.au.

NECA Electrical Apprenticeships employ quality apprentices and place them with host companies for any amount of time from 3 months to 4 years.

NECA employ quality apprentices and place them with host companies for any amount of time from 3 months to 4

Becoming a host company means that you pay a fixed charge out rate, whilst we take on all the added costs, responsibilities and risk.

Becoming a host company means that you pay a fixed charge out rate, whilst we take on all

Build your future: 97% of our graduating apprentices are employed by their host on completion.

Build your future: 97% entices are employed by their host on completion

NECA ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS PROVIDE

 Advertising

NECA ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS PROVIDE Advertising Recruitment

 Recruitment

Interviews and selection

 Interviews and selection

 Medicals including colour blindness test

 Payroll

Medicals including colour blindness test Payroll

 On-going monitoring and mentoring by licensed electrical field staff

On-going monitoring and mentoring by licensed electrical field staff

 All administration and paperwork

All administration and paperwork

 TAFE (monitoring results)

TAFE (monitoring results)

COSTS INCLUDED IN THE CHARGE OUT RATE

COSTS INCLUDED IN THE CHARGE OUT RATE

 Annual Leave days

 Sick days

 Public holidays

 TAFE days (36/yr)

Public holidays TAFE days (36/yr)

 TAFE fees

TAFE fees

 Superannuation

Superannuation

 Uniforms and PPE

Uniforms and PPE

 Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation

WE ARE NOT-FOR-PROFIT | PASSING THE BENEFITS ON TO YOU

WE ARE NOT-FOR-PROFIT | PASSING THE BENEFITS ON TO YOU

Connect with your local NECA centre

Connect with your local NECA centre

ACT Brett McIntyre T (02) 6280 5580

ACT Mick Apps T (02) 5580

NSW Brad Hoffman T (02) 9744 2754

NSW Brad Hoffman T (02) 9744 2754

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS

QLD Mark Wood T (07) 3276 7950 necatraining.com.au

QLD Mark Wood T (07) 3276 7950 necatraining.com.au

CABLE JOINTING TRAINING

POLYMERIC

AND TRANSITION

TO MEET THE DISTRIBu TOR REQuIREMENTS IN NSW AS A CABLE JOINER, AND BE A u THORISED TO WORK ON THE NETWORK, YOu Mu ST HAVE A SPECIFIC CABLE JOINER Qu ALIFICATION. Qu ALIFIED ELECTRICIANS ARE NOT A u TOMATICALLY A u THORISED TO COMPLETE THIS WORK. NECA TRAINING CAN PROVIDE YOu WITH EXPERT TRAINING IN BOTH POLYMERIC AND TRANSITION CABLE JOINTING, AT EITHER OF OuR TWO LOCATIONS, AT FYSHWICK IN THE ACT OR CHuLLORA IN SYDNEY.

What is polymeric cable jointing?

In the context of an electrical service provider, polymeric cable jointing typically refers to the process of connecting or splicing together sections of electrical cables to establish or repair underground or overhead power distribution networks. This process is crucial for ensuring the continuity and reliability of electrical supply to homes, businesses, and other facilities.

Cable jointing involves several steps:

1. Preparation: This involves cleaning and stripping the insulation from the ends of the cables to be joined. The conductors are then prepared for connection.

2. Connection: The prepared cable ends are joined together using appropriate techniques and materials. This involves crimping, soldering, or using specialised connectors, depending on the type of cables and the specifications of the joint.

3. Insulation: Once the connection is made, the joint is insulated to protect it from environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and physical damage. Insulation materials such as heat shrink tubing, cold shrink tubing, or resin are commonly used to provide electrical insulation and mechanical protection.

4. Testing: After the joint is completed, it undergoes testing to ensure that it meets safety and performance standards. This will include testing of the insulation resistance, continuity, and voltage testing.

Proper cable jointing is essential to maintain the integrity of the electrical distribution system and prevent power outages or safety hazards. It requires skilled technicians and adheres to industry regulations and best practices.

Cable jointing (polymeric)

Units of Competency

uETDREL001

Apply environmental requirements

uETDREL005

Work safely in the vicinity of live electrical apparatus

uETDRDu016

Lay power cables

uETDRDu015

Joint, terminate and maintain low voltage underground polymeric cable

uETDRDu013

Joint, terminate and maintain high voltage underground polymeric cable

What is transition cable jointing?

Cable jointing (transition paper lead to polymeric)

Transition cable jointing refers to the process of joining cables of different types or sizes together. This is often necessary when connecting sections of electrical cables that have different specifications, or when upgrading or expanding existing electrical systems. The joint must be carefully designed and installed to ensure electrical polarity, continuity, insulation, and mechanical integrity. Transition cable jointing can involve various techniques and materials depending on the specific requirements of the application, such as heat shrink tubing, cold shrink tubing, resin-based joints, or mechanical connectors. The goal is to create a reliable connection that maintains the reliability and performance of the electrical system.

Units of Competency

uETDRDu019

Transition joint high voltage paper insulated cable to high voltage polymeric cable

Description

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to transition joint High Voltage (HV) paper insulated cable to HV polymeric cable in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI).

It includes confirming that the cables are de-energised, and the testing of cables, using a range of specialised tools, equipment and materials.

You have the option to enrol in your course through our online registration platform, accessible at necatraining.com.au

UPGRADE YOUR SKILLS NEW DATA & TELECOMMUNICATION COURSES

NECA – delivering first class training in an evolving industry

NECA Training has purpose built state-of-the-art facilities in Fyshwick (ACT) and Chullora (Sydney) providing the latest digital IP equipment and HANDS-ON training with high end technical resources.

If you wish to gain the ACMA registration, by choosing to train with NECA you’ll have access to our holistic facility. Experienced trainers deliver the courses so you can be up to date in this exciting and ever evolving industry. Learn best practices, improve your productivity, expand your knowledge and grow your career.

NECA TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDE

Nationally recognised training

TELECOMMUNICATIONS COURSES AVAILABLE

Open Registration Courses

Structured Cabling (Cat 5-7)

Specialists in the telecommunications and electrical industries

Train with professionals, someone you can trust NECA provides training for the industry by the industry

Anyone can enrol (including non-members)

Coaxial Cabling

Optic Fibre Terminations

Open Registration Exam for Electricians

Working Near Electricity Network – Initial

Working New Electricity Network – Refresher

More courses available

WE ARE NOT-FOR-PROFIT | PASSING THE BENEFITS ON TO YOU

Anyone can enrol (including non-members)

Visit our website for more details, course times and costs.

Working New Electricity Network – Refresher

More courses available

WE ARE NOT-FOR-PROFIT | PASSING THE BENEFITS ON TO YOU

ONLINE necatraining.com.au

NSW (02) 9288 4424

skills@necatraining.com.au

skills@necatraining.com.au

ACT (02) 6280 5580

ACT (02) 6280 5580 act@necatraining.com.au

act@necatraining.com.au

Visit our website for more details, course times and costs.

SA/NT BRANCH

BRANCH UPDATE

Larry Moore NECA SA/NT Executive Director

WE ARE HALFWAY THROuGH THE YEAR, AND IT FEELS LIKE ONE OF THE Bu SIEST YET! IT IS FANTASTIC TO HEAR THAT SO MANY OF OuR MEMBERS ARE INuNDATED WITH WORK – IT APPEARS THAT THE INDu STRY IS BOOMING, WHICH IS FANTASTIC FOR Bu SINESSES, SMALL AND LARGE.

Important Changes to NECA Careers & Apprenticeships (NCA)

Our group training organisation, NCA, has recently undergone a brand refresh and with this comes a name change; introducing Electro Careers and Apprenticeships (ECA)! This makeover was done primarily to ensure the organisation was seen to have a holistic approach, covering all of industry, and is not restricted to a single cohort of contractors.

It is important to note that this change of name and branding will commence from 1 July 2024. There will be no change to any current arrangements, with our NECA SA/NT and RACCA SA members still receiving a subsidised charge-out rate on apprentices. Finally, there will be no change to personnel – the dedicated team will continue to focus on delivering quality apprentices and, ultimately, tradespeople.

We are in our seventh year of group training, with 150 apprentices currently employed, and we are looking forward to many more successful years under our new name!

HSEQ Management System Updates

We continue to grow and expand our health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ) product offerings, and have recently made a couple of updates. Firstly, the smoking policy has now been updated to include vaping, and,

secondly, an incident notification policy has been added, attributable to several members having recently had workers receive electric shocks.

The NECA SA/NT HSEQ Management System is an extremely affordable option, when compared with others on the market, and comes with advice and support from our Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager, Ben Simpson.

For further information about any of our safety products, please scan the QR code or contact Ben on (08) 8272 2966.

Save The Date! Specialist Contractors Association Annual Business Luncheon

After the roaring success that was the 2023 Specialist Contractors Association Annual Business Luncheon, we have just locked away the date and venue for this year’s event. This year’s luncheon will be held on Friday 8 November 2024 at the National Wine Centre. This event will be a brilliant opportunity to hear from some inspiring guest speakers, listen to an intellectual Q&A with an expert panel, and network with your peers. This event is not one to be missed, so we highly recommend you pencil this date into your calendars now and keep an eye on our fortnightly eNews and social media channels for further information.

For further information or assistance with any of the above, please contact the NECA SA/NT office on (08) 8272 2966.

2024 Excellence, Small Business, and Apprentice Awards

Our Excellence, Small Business, and Apprentice Awards nominations for 2024 have now closed. We are currently working through the judging process and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the fantastic projects, hearing about your small businesses, and interviewing your outstanding apprentices.

The Excellence, Small Business, and Apprentice Awards celebrations will be held at our Industry Gala Dinner on Friday 30 August 2024 in the beautiful Halls CD at the Adelaide Convention Centre. We certainly hope our members, sponsors, and industry representatives will join us for this excellent event, that showcases some of the brilliant work being completed in our industry, as well as our fabulous small businesses and highachieving apprentices. It also provides a great opportunity to enjoy some fantastic food, wine, and live entertainment with your peers.

If you would like to attend the Industry Gala Dinner, please do not hesitate to contact Jamie Phillips, Marketing, Communications and Membership Manager, on (08) 8272 2966, who will ensure you receive an invitation to the event.

2024 Specialist Contractors Association Women in Construction Annual Networking Event

On Wednesday 10 April 2024, the Specialist Contractors Association (of which NECA SA/NT is a member and provides the secretariat), held their Women in Construction Annual Networking Event at The Cumberland Arms Hotel, with the theme, ‘creating cultural change in the construction industry.’ The event saw 150 attendees come together to celebrate the wonderful women who are a crucial part of the businesses they work for within the South Australian building and construction industry.

The keynote speaker, Christina Coleiro, Associate Director of Major Projects Facilities Management at the university of South Australia, gave an excellent presentation on how to create the best working team, the importance of considering a project’s lasting impact, and that there is no ‘I’ in team. Subsequently, the audience heard from a panel of experts including Emma Clark, from Built, Irma Beganovic, from NECA National, and Emily Wilson, from NSG Boffa.

The event was an outstanding success, with all attendees providing great feedback on the quality of the content and the fantastic networking opportunities available. We thank those who attended for taking the time to be there, and we sincerely thank our presenters and panel for their invaluable input.

ROADSHOW SEMINAR SERIES WRAP UP

THE 2024 NECA SA/NT ROADSHOW SEMINARS HAVE COME TO A CLOSE, WITH THE TEAM, EVENT SPONSORS AND PRESENTERS RET uRNING TO ADELAIDE AT THE END OF MAY, AFTER PRESENTING 15 SHOWS TO OVER 1,000 ELECTRICIANS ACROSS METROPOLITAN AND REGIONAL SOu TH A u STRALIA.

Once again, the NECA SA/NT Roadshow Seminars have been a fantastic opportunity for contractors and their employees to receive invaluable information and assistance from NECA SA/NT, SA Power Networks, and the Office of the Technical Regulator, on a range of topics, in addition to viewing the latest and greatest products and services available from our dedicated sponsors. Topics covered during the seminars included:

½ Industrial manslaughter legislation

½ Standards Australia mobile application

½ Changes to our group training organisation, NECA Careers & Apprenticeships (NCA)

½ SA Power Networks Service and Installation Rules (SIR)

½ DER compliance

½ Flexible exports rollout

½ EV strategies and compliance

½ Equipotential bonding

½ Metropolitan Fire Service and their stance on EV chargers

½ Recent recalls

½ RCDs

½ Recent safety issues found and expiations

NECA SA/NT would like to thank you members for your support of this year’s event, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year. If you did not get the chance to attend, copies of the presentation can be acquired by visiting our roadshow website, by scanning the QR code.

These events are a large commitment for those involved and a huge thank must go to our sponsors and presenters for their dedication and contribution. The 2024 NECA SA/NT Roadshow Seminars were another successful event for the NECA SA/NT team, and we certainly hope that our members got as much out of them as we did.

Please do not hesitate to call or email us with your feedback, questions, or comments regarding the change of time, locations, and format of this year’s roadshows. This helps NECA SA/NT to improve and continually grow the Roadshow Seminar Series, to ensure you are getting the most out of the event. We appreciate your feedback and any other comments you may have.

TAS BRANCH

BRANCH UPDATE

Ben Shaw NECA TAS Member Manager

WELCOME TO THE JuNE EDITION OF NECA NEWS

It has been an eventful first half of 2024 for NECA Tasmania, filled with significant milestones, such as an early state election, numerous engaging training opportunities, and a National Electrical conference, all before June.

The Liberal Government called a snap election in March; this always throws a whole lot of balls in the air and is very interesting. However, through proactive relationship building and advocacy, NECA members and our industry have emerged with promising initiatives aimed at workforce development. These initiatives are expected to receive funding, paving the way for our sector to lead in training and development for the renewable energy future.

In other exciting news, NECA has been added to the government’s highly successful Hi-Vis Army program, ensuring our sector is now able to look at workforce development, and promotion of our industry as a career pathway for all. We will also be pushing to be the lead in renewable energy training.

I extend my congratulations to Premier Jeremy Rockliff on forming government once again. Key to our industry, Minister the Hon Madeliene Ogilvie MP will oversee licensing, through consumer affairs, and also manage the women’s and small business portfolios—both vital to our sector. Minister Felix Ellis will continue his role in skills and training, which is crucial as we advocate for superior training in Tasmania and seize the opportunity for industry-led advancements.

I have been continuing to strongly advocate to CBOS for a better Professional Development Program and I am pleased to say that we have been

successful in our push. We look forward to sharing more details, in collaboration with the government. Progress is also being made toward implementing an Electronic CEC system, a long-awaited and welcome development for our sector. Advocacy remains a pillar of our work at NECA, as we tirelessly represent the interests of our industry.

On election weekend, Tasmania played host to its first ever National Electrical Industry conference. This event brought together hundreds of electrical professionals from across the country to Hobart, offering industry insights, networking opportunities, and the chance to experience our state’s exceptional food, drinks, and scenery. It was a privilege to showcase Tasmania to our nationwide colleagues.

In April, we supported our sector through the popular state-wide Industry series, providing updates from CBOS, TasNetworks, and NECASafe Advisor Shaun Beet. Attended by nearly 500 practitioners across Tasmania’s three main regions, and awarded three CPD points, these events were a resounding success, thanks to our attendees and invaluable sponsors. Stay tuned for our next series.

We continue to expand and kick goals in the post-trade training space, with more critical training provided to members in recent months, including Solar & Grid connect and Test & Verification.

The recent addition of the highly skilled Kylie Murphy to our NECA Education and Careers Tasmania team marks a step forward in identifying and addressing gaps in post-trade training. We welcome your feedback and inquiries about training opportunities.

SIMPLIFY YOUR RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESSES WITH NECA’S MONTHLY TOOLBOX TALKS

NECA’s Safety Experts have developed a Toolbox Talks program to simplify risk management processes in electrical contractor businesses of all sizes, supporting the way your business manages risks, training, legislative updates and risk assessments. Each month, the NECASafe team will take a deep dive into a specific set of risks of working in the electrotechnology industry and provide your business with a toolkit of documents related to that risk category.

These toolkits will ensure that your business has complete support to manage and mitigate risks, ensuring you remain compliant with the ever-changing state and federal regulations.

½ Recorded video toolbox talks

½ Management system and templates

½ Risk Register updates

½ Safety Inspection checklists

½ Multiple safety policies

½ Member requested forms

½ Safe working procedures

½ Operational procedures and

½ Safe Work Method Statements

NECA Members can access these resources via the NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB). To learn more about NECA’s Toolbox Talks, visit NECA’s YouTube channel @NECA_Membership.

NECA Awards 2024

With all Excellence Awards Nominations submitted, I would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who are nominated. We wish you all the best of luck with the announcement of winners at our annual dinner on Saturday 7 September at the Wrest Point.

On the topic of Awards, we are excited to announce that ticket sales for the NECA Awards are officially open! To ensure you secure the best seats for you and your colleagues, we highly recommend purchasing your table as early as possible. This event is a wonderful opportunity for professional networking and celebrating achievements within our industry. We look forward to seeing everyone there and sharing this special occasion together.

Scan the QR code here to purchase your ticket.

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH CHANGING WORKPLACE REGULATIONS

At NECA, we understand the complexities of running a business and staying upto-date with ever-changing workplace regulations. In our NECA Member’s Knowledge Base, you will find legislation and resources to assist you, including:

½ Electrical, electronic and communications contracting Award

½ NECA’s HR manual

½ Expense claim forms

½ Best practice guides for redundancy

½ Contract of employment

½ 2024 RDO and public holidays calendar

½ Award wage rates bulletins

½ Temporary workplace shutdown templates

½ Informational webinars

NECA members can log into NECA Member’s Knowledge Base (MKB) to access these free resources.

NECA members have access to expert advice on all workplace relation matters, including pay rates, award rates, terminations, travel allowances, and leave entitlements specific to your business.

If you would like to know more about how NECA Legal can assist your business in these matters, scan the QR code to submit your details and one of in-house legal experts will be in contact.

CELEBRATING AND EMPOWERING THE REMARKABLE WOMEN IN OUR INDUSTRY

On Friday 8 March, NECA held its first International Women’s Day event in Tasmania, dedicated to the electrical sector. Our guest speakers, MC, and the room full of people, made this day something special. Our esteemed guests were truly inspiring, showcasing their drive and passion for the industry they deeply cherish.

This event served as a platform for anyone in our industry looking to celebrate, learn, and engage in the ongoing conversation about gender inclusivity and empowerment. We celebrated the amazing women within our sector and made a collective pledge to ensure this event marks not only a moment of celebration, but also the beginning of a committed journey towards fostering inclusion.

We are proud to have hosted this event and we look forward to more opportunities for open dialogue, learning, and growth within the electrical industry.

NECA TAS INDUSTRY NIGHTS

In April, NECA Tasmania successfully hosted its industry nights across Sandy Bay, Launceston and Devonport. These events welcomed close to 500 electricians, providing an invaluable platform for networking and knowledgesharing. The remarkable attendance demonstrated the collective recognition of the importance of keeping up-todate with industry developments.

Thanks to its valuable content, CBOS qualified the Industry Nights with three CPD points, acknowledging their educational significance.

Throughout the evenings, attendees received crucial updates on:

½ CBOS: regulations and compliance requirements

½ TasNetworks SIR’s and other requisites

½ NECA WHS: u nderstanding the risks and preventative measures associated with arc flash incidents and energised work

Additionally, the sessions provided insight into the extensive range of tools and resources available to NECA members that are designed to support their business better, including:

½ NECA confidential compliance review

½ NECA safety systems

½ Access to NECA’s in-house technical experts

½ Customised support and advice from NECA’s workplace relations experts

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CBOS and the Tasmanian Government for their steadfast support of NECA, and the electrotechnology industry at large.

VIC BRANCH

BRANCH UPDATE

Rob’s Reflection

Firstly, a very warm welcome to all our new members that have joined us over the last couple of months.

Rob Selymesi NECA VIC Executive Director Dean Spicer NECA VIC President

Note on membership fees

I’ve enjoyed my first few months here, particularly getting to know the team and gaining a better understanding of the significant work that goes on behind the scenes in supporting you, our members.

Reflecting on the past six months, the industry nights have been a highlight for me, meeting amazing people, sharing stories about business, and contracting in general, including discussing the challenges you face week-to-week, then seeking to understand where NECA can help.

The NECA Education & Careers Annual Awards at the MCG celebrated the next generation of our leaders. International Women’s Day at the Melbourne Arts Centre was also such a memorable event; we were all awe inspired by Christine Nixon.

The National Conference in Hobart had a line-up of speakers that I wish all Victorian contractors got to hear from. We are already planning the 2025 conference, and I encourage everyone to consider attending, as the conferences offer not only rich content, but also vital networking opportunities.

We continue to grow and develop our services offered through NECA Education and Careers, deliver technical support across our industry, and support those seeking advice and guidance on Enterprise Agreements and Workplace Relations through our legal arm, Constructive Legal Solutions. My message to you all is, if you need help or guidance, you are not alone. Reach out to myself or the amazing team here NECA Vic, and let us support you and your business.

NECA Victoria is committed to supporting our members as we head into the new financial year. With the challenges faced by many across the industry, we are pleased to announce membership fees will remain the same going into the new financial year, including our 7.5% discount offer for early settlement (before due date), applied to annual memberships.

Additionally, we remind all members to use the benefits and services offered as part of your membership, including attending any of our scheduled networking opportunities across Melbourne and throughout Victoria. The NECA team is committed to providing members with all the support and resources you need to succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with one of our team.

Free technical mentoring being extended

NECA Victoria is excited to announce the extension of the successful Solar Victoria mentoring program until the end of the year. Funded by Solar Victoria, this program provides free, on-site, face-to-face mentoring sessions for LEIs and installers throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Each two-hour mentoring session is designed to enhance skills in the renewable industry and covers a range of topics, including compliance standards, documentation, and technical feedback. Additionally, participants benefit from 30 days of post-session technical assistance via email or phone, ensuring continued professional support.

Due to its popularity, spots are strictly limited. Scan the QR code to express your interest.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly reshaped various industries, and the electrical contracting sector is no exception. From construction sites to building management systems, AI is transforming how electrical contractors operate, deliver efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

These are just some of the things we’ve witnessed here in Victoria.

AI in Construction

½ Predictive maintenance: By analysing sensor data embedded in electrical equipment, AI predicts potential failures before they happen. Contractors can proactively schedule repairs, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

½ Optimised energy consumption: AI algorithms analyse historical energy usage patterns and environmental factors to optimise energy consumption in buildings. This reduces client operational costs, while supporting sustainability by lowering carbon footprints.

½ Autonomous vehicles and equipment: Construction sites are increasingly deploying AI-powered autonomous vehicles and equipment for tasks like material handling and site monitoring. These technologies enhance productivity, improve safety, and streamline operations, by minimising the need for manual intervention.

AI in Building Management Systems (BMS)

½ Smart lighting systems: AI-driven lighting systems adjust brightness and colour temperature based on occupancy patterns, daylight levels, and user preferences. By optimising lighting conditions, these systems enhance occupant comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency.

Victoria Government Unveils 2024-25 Budget

The 2024-25 Victorian Budget was delivered on 7 May 2024 by Tim Pallas MP, Treasurer of the State of Victoria. The Victorian Government has stated that its Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is squarely aimed at supporting families.

From the perspective of our industry and the construction sector, the Budget promises significant infrastructure development, including the completion of 100 schools by 2026, with funding allocated for the final 16 schools and additional classroom upgrades. Moreover, substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure feature prominently, with a focus on enhancing hospital facilities.

The budget has set strict local content requirements on more than 333 Strategic

½ Predictive HVAC control: AI analyses sensor data and weather forecasts to predict heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs, dynamically adjusting settings to minimise energy use while keeping indoor comfort optimal.

½ Occupancy analytics: Sensors and surveillance cameras feed AI systems to provide insights into space utilisation patterns, enabling better space allocation, traffic flow, and user experience.

Challenges and Opportunities

AI is reshaping our industry by transforming construction processes and building management systems. Leveraging AI-powered solutions allows contractors to improve efficiency and deliver smart, sustainable buildings that cater to present and future needs. With the ongoing rise of AI adoption, the electrical contracting industry’s future is poised to become more intelligent and interconnected.

Despite the benefits that AI brings to our industry, challenges such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and workforce reskilling cannot be overlooked. By proactively adopting AI technologies and investing in training, contractors can access new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness.

If your business is implementing AI-powered solutions, we’d love to connect with you! Reach out for a chat—this is a topic we’re truly fascinated by.

Projects, with a combined total value of more than $170.4 billion, engaging Victorian businesses and supporting Victorian jobs.

The Budget acknowledges the challenges posed by inflation and workforce constraints, emphasising the need for disciplined responses and modest adjustments to project timelines. This approach aims to ensure sustainable economic growth, while supporting the residential construction sector and addressing skill shortages.

For regional communities, the Budget outlines substantial investments in essential services, including healthcare, education, and emergency management.

Highlights that are noteworthy for members can be read at www.bit.ly/3uNAsaV

Business Support Flood Recovery Program

Resilience isn’t just beneficial; it’s crucial.

The Business Support Flood Recovery program is designed to help businesses build resilience in their operations and company culture. If your business employs fewer than 20 people, is based in the City of Greater Shepparton, Bendigo, or the Shires of Buloke, Strathbogie, Campaspe, Gannawarra, or the City of Swan Hill, and was significantly affected by the 2022/23 Victorian floods, you may be eligible for a complimentary 12-month subscription to the Business Solutions Hub. Learn more at www.bit.ly/4bPwcyC

ENERGY SAFE VICTORIA UPDATE

ENERGY SAFE VICTORIA KEEPS PACE WITH CHANGING TECHNOLOGY, ENS uRING WE’RE DATA DRIVEN AND C u STOMER CENTRIC IN OuR REGuLATORY APPROACH. THIS NOW INCL uDES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND GENERATIVE MEDIA.

Like many government agencies, we anticipate seeing AI used in all jurisdictions. It is expected to help people navigate complexity and increase personalised services. It also has the potential to enhance risk assessment and help safeguard the Victorian community in new ways.

We do, however, believe in a measured approach. The application of assurance frameworks to the use of AI is important. We’re aligning with government best practices as we shape our own AI policies – following recommendations from the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) and Public Records Office Victoria (PROV), alongside other state government entities.

At Energy Safe, we believe the human element will always be important. Victorian community members reporting safety issues deserve human action. As with any tool, we will avoid overuse and reliance on this new technology.

Energy Safe must also consider – and prepare to address – the implications of

HSEQ PLUS

AI technologies on the energy landscape. AI’s large ‘energy appetite’ is one factor. We’ve already seen people go to great lengths for other tech-related energy needs, such as crypto mining, which can consume a large amount of electricity.

In the first four months of this year, we directed two people in separate cases to disconnect illegal battery energy storage systems (BESSs) installed to power bitcoin mining. These homemade BESSs had high explosion, fire and electrocution risks, with one ultimately starting a fire.

Sometimes, registered electrical contractors (RECs) come across noncompliant electrical work, such as illegal homemade BESSs. We encourage RECs to notify customers of any defects and

potential safety risks they identify. To help them do this, a sample letter is available at www.bit.ly/esvsampleletter

AI brings benefits but it also raises new concerns. Energy Safe is considering community benefit, security, and privacy in its thinking around AI. As always, transparency and accountability are key, which includes internal training and guidance. Our staff are assessing and planning for a world-class approach to these exciting new tools.

Leanne Hughson

ESV Chief Executive Officer www.esv.vic.gov.au

Imagine a workplace where safety is at the forefront, not an afterthought. With the HSEQ Plus Management System, this vision has become a reality. Invest in a solution that protects your employees and your business.

Benefits of adopting the HSEQ Plus Management System include:

½ Enhanced safety protocols with advanced tracking and incident management.

½ Ensure your operations align with the latest safety standards and regulations.

½ Engage your employees with comprehensive safety training that promotes a proactive safety culture.

Transitioning to a safety-first approach safeguards your team and solidifies your reputation as a responsible business. The HSEQ Plus Management System is your gateway to achieving these pivotal safety objectives.

To learn more, scan this QR code.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NECA VICTORIA PRESENTS A CAREFuLLY CRAFTED EVENTS CALENDAR, TAILORED FOR INDu STRY PROFESSIONALS LOOKING TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS.

Take advantage of networking opportunities at local industry nights and community events. Soak up knowledge and insights at a business builder workshop, or tune into a webinar, and leave feeling inspired to elevate your career or business.

Industry Nights

Echuca Wednesday 26 June

Swan Hill Thursday 27 June

Mornington Wednesday 3 July

Bendigo Wednesday 24 July

Tullamarine/West Wednesday 31 July

Ballarat Wednesday 14 August

NECA VIC Awards Friday 30 August 2024

Tickets are on sale now, scan the QR code to book or for more info.

Business Builder Workshops

The Business Builder Workshops are designed to provide practical and actionable solutions to real-world problems faced by electrical contractors and businesses. Our expert presenters will share their knowledge, experience, and best practices in an interactive and engaging format.

MIKE PURNELL - Protect Group Director Employer Representative

upcoming topics:

Recruitment and Onboarding

Friday 5 July

 Full list of NECA Victoria’s events can be found at www.bit.ly/necavicevents

Culture and Performance

Friday 2 August

Help Us Craft Next Year’s Agenda

As we map out the coming year, we want to hear from you. What are the topics that excite you? What events have captured your imagination? Which discussions have sparked your curiosity? Be part of our creative journey — your feedback will help us design an event calendar that truly reflects the diverse interests and desires of our community. Write to us at events.victoria@neca.asn.au

When severance contributions are defined your industrial agreement, choosing the security Protect provides the surety that your business competitive in recruiting the best trades staff.

When severance contributions are defined in your industrial agreement, choosing the security of Protect provides the surety that your business is competitive in recruiting the best trades staff.

Enhancing your employee value proposition through a Protect account provides workers with financial security and stability, increasing engagement, retention and organisational performance.

Enhancing your employee value proposition through a Protect account provides workers with financial

and

increasing engagement, retention and organisational performance.

PURNELL

NECA VICTORIA’S REFER A FRIEND PROGRAM

At NECA Victoria, we believe in the power of community and shared success.

That’s why we’re thrilled to offer our members the ‘Refer a Friend’ program.

Here’s your chance to make a difference in the electrical industry, while earning fantastic rewards for yourself!

It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3

1. Refer a Contractor

Know someone in the industry who could benefit from NECA’s exceptional resources, support, and community? Refer them to become a NECA member!

2. They Sign Up

When your referred friend joins NECA, you both win! They unlock the countless benefits of NECA membership, and you get to enjoy the rewards.

3. You Choose a Reward

As a token of our appreciation, you can choose from one of three amazing rewards!

Rewards to choose from 1 Hour Toolbox Talk

Valued at $350; up to 6 people

Boost safety or technical knowledge with a complimentary toolbox talk.

$150 NECA Credit Voucher

Applicable on any NECA Vic’s fee-based services designed to enhance your professional and business growth.

$100 Prezee Card

Enjoy the freedom to spend this prepaid card on whatever you like.

It’s a win-win for you, your peers, the NECA community and the broader electrical industry. To learn more, visit www.bit.ly/necavicrefer This initiative is only offered by NECA Victoria.

Shape the future of the electrical industry

Shape the future of the electrical industry

Shape the future of the electrical industry

Experienced electrical

practical and digital training at our purpose-built trade schools in Carlton North and Dandenong.

NECA Education & Careers is seeking electricians to deliver industry-focused practical and digital training at our purpose-built trade schools in Carlton North and Dandenong.

We pride ourselves on developing apprentices to have the best skills and attitudes in the industry by drawing on the talents of qualified teachers.

e xperienced electrical trade teacher? Or an electrician thinking of getting off the tools?

NECA

We pride ourselves on developing apprentices to have the best skills and attitudes in the industry by drawing on the talents of qualified teachers.

We want to hear from you if you have:

We want to hear from you if you have:

• A current A Grade Victorian electrical licence

Not a trade teacher?

Not a trade teacher?

NECA Education & Careers is seeking electricians to deliver industry-focused practical and digital training at our purpose-built trade schools in Carlton North and Dandenong. We pride ourselves on developing apprentices to have the best skills and attitudes in the industry by drawing on the talents of qualified teachers.

• A current A Grade Victorian electrical licence

• Extensive industry experience

We want to hear from you if you have:

We pride ourselves on developing apprentices to have the best skills and attitudes in the industry by drawing on the talents of qualified teachers.

• Extensive industry experience

½ a current A Grade Victorian electrical licence;

• A passion for sharing your knowledge and skills

• A passion for sharing your knowledge and skills

Our pipeline teacher program is designed to turn tradies into successful electrical teachers.

not a trade teacher?

This program allows you to learn on the job while completing your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – and be paid while you do!

We want to hear from you if you have:

½ extensive industry experience;

• A TAE 40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

• A TAE 40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Our EDGE teacher program is designed to turn tradies into successful electrical teachers. This program allows you to learn on the job while completing your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – and be paid while you do!

• A current A Grade Victorian electrical licence

½ a passion for sharing knowledge and skills;

½ a TAE 40116 Certific ate IV in Training and Assessment.

• Extensive industry experience

• A passion for sharing your knowledge and skills

• A TAE 40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

With the Electrotechnology industry constantly evolving, it’s important to enhance your knowledge and professional status as much as possible to give yourself a competitive edge.

The NECA Certified Contractor program highlights NECA Members that show ongoing commitment to safety, insurance and continuous improvement.

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A NECA CERTIFIED CONTRACTOR

Stand out from competitors

Raise industry profile

Be listed in the Find an Electrician directory for increased job opportunities

Utilise branded assets for self promotion

Leverage NECA’s cross-channel marketing activities

WA BRANCH

BRANCH UPDATE

Charlie Terranova NECA WA Branch President

Welcome to NECA WA’s new Membership Manager

NECA WA is delighted to introduce Adam Hoes as the new Membership Manager. With over 16 years of experience in the electrical sector, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role. Having commenced his career as an electrician, Adam has traversed through various sectors, including domestic and commercial construction and maintenance projects. Additionally, his tenure as a representative for an electrical test tool company has provided a solid understanding of industry requirements. Adam’s primary focus is to support and educate both existing and new NECA members, ensuring they have access to NECA’s extensive services and support.

2024 NECA WA Awards

The anticipation is building up for the 2024 NECA WA Awards, scheduled to take place on 16 August at The Westin. NECA extends its gratitude to all apprentices and businesses who participated in the nomination process, showcasing remarkable talent and dedication. Sponsored by Clipsal and Schneider Electric, this prestigious event aims to recognise excellence and innovation within the WA electrical industry. Finalists and winners will be unveiled during the ceremony, highlighting outstanding achievements across a range of categories. To secure your attendance at this years’ event, reach out to events@necawa.asn.au for tickets. NECA would also like to extend their appreciation to all state award judges, for their invaluable contribution to NECA and the broader industry.

Construction Migration Office: Supporting Skilled Visa Pathways

In a bid to bolster the WA building and construction sector, the WA Government launched the Construction Migration Office, offering subsidised support to employers seeking to recruit skilled migrant workers. Businesses may be eligible for up to $10,000 in financial assistance through the Construction Visa Support Program (CVSP) when sponsoring skilled migrants under visa subclasses 482, 494, or 186. The CVSP, administered by the Construction Training Fund (CTF), aims to address skill shortages and promote workforce diversity within the industry. To find out more visit www.bit.ly/wamigrationvisa

Cash boost for construction apprentices

Recognising the pivotal role of apprentices in the building and construction industry, the state government has allocated $52.3 million to incentivise apprenticeship completion. The Apprentice Completion Grant (ACG), a one-time payment of $2,000, coupled with a $500 reimbursement for tools and safety equipment, aims to encourage apprentices to successfully conclude their training. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future of the construction sector. Scan the QR code below to learn more.

2024 NECA WA WOMEN’S INDUSTRY FORUM

Celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, NECA WA hosted the Women’s Industry Forum, drawing together 140 individuals from across the WA electrical sector at Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park. The event served as a platform to honour women leaders, driving inclusivity and empowerment within the industry. Distinguished speakers shared their insights and narratives, inspiring attendees with their remarkable journeys. NECA acknowledges the generous support of sponsors, particularly Schneider Electric and Simpro, whose contributions were instrumental in orchestrating this impactful event. The forum fostered meaningful dialogues and emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in the electrical sector.

Horizon Power’s Smart Connect solar expansion

Horizon Power has expanded its Smart Connect Solar initiative to include 20 additional regional towns. By removing hosting capacity limits, Smart Connect Solar enables more households to harness the benefits of solar energy.

Members in these areas should be aware of the new technical requirements and changes in the application process for solar connection. More information is available at www.bit.ly/3yEBf6n

Mandatory reporting reminder – electric shocks

Members are reminded that, according to sections 35 and 37(e) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, any dangerous incident which poses a serious risk to an individual’s health or safety, including electric shock, must be reported to WorkSafe. Prompt notification enables swift intervention and mitigation measures to prevent further harm. By adhering to reporting requirements, employers uphold their duty of care

and contribute to the overarching goal of fostering a safe and secure working environment for all. For more information, please review WorkSafe’s interpretive guideline – Incident Notification at www.bit.ly/4aDJWeQ

College of Electrical Training launches Split Air-con

CET recently launched the uEE20120 - Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems. Facilitated and certified by SkillBuild Training through an established partnership with CET, this comprehensive course provides training regarding the installation, maintenance, and repair of single head split systems. Whether you’re seeking to embark on a rewarding career path, enhance your existing skill set, or stay ahead of industry demand, this course will provide learners with invaluable skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Limited spaces available - enrol now at www.bit.ly/3K8uDem

PACIFIC ENERGY LEADING THE CHARGE TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

IN THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE OF THE ENERGY INDu STRY, PACIFIC ENERGY STANDS TALL AS A PIONEER OF S u STAINABLE DISTRIBu TED ENERGY SOL u TIONS. WITH OVER FOuR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE AND AN ONGOING

COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, PACIFIC ENERGY HAS EMERGED AS A MARKET LEADER, DRIVING THE TRANSITION TOWARDS CLEAN, RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION ACROSS A u STRALIA.

From its headquarters in Perth, Western Australia, the company has expanded its operations nationally, with assets at 49 sites and 929MW of contracted capacity under management. Since 2009, Pacific Energy has evolved through a series of strategic acquisitions, transitioning from a small, WA-based independent power provider to a thriving, vertically integrated, full-service provider, with nearly 600 employees across its national footprint.

Jamie Cullen, Pacific Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, said the company’s business model, which is unique to the Australian market, offers clients a complete in-house experience that covers the full project lifecycle, from design and manufacturing, to construction, commissioning, operations and maintenance, and beyond.

“Our integrated approach means we can offer clients a single point of contact across an asset’s life. One of the central benefits to this model is the ability to share information and insights transparently between each phase of the delivery process, retaining all projectcritical details, that are often lost with a multi-partner approach, ensuring we deliver exactly what we’ve committed to,” Cullen said.

He said the company’s renewables journey has been marked by its innovative, client-oriented response to the decarbonisation challenges its clients face in a climate-changing world.

“By taking on industry-first projects and rethinking the status quo, we’ve positioned Pacific Energy as a leader in renewable power generation. We’ve established a diverse portfolio, that includes solar, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hydrogen refuelling, and hybrid power systems, that are decarbonising client operations, enhancing energy security and reducing operational costs,” he said.

Winner of the green energy category in the 2023 WA NECA Excellence Awards, Pacific Energy was recognised for delivering the first microgrid to power an Australian mine site, using 100% solar energy at Tellus’ Sandy Ridge facility.

“Our Sandy Ridge system uses specialised energy management software that we engineered in house to provide hydrocarbonsoff (HOFF) energy to the facility during daylight hours, which has saved our client over half a million litres of diesel since operations commenced in November 2020,” Cullen said.

More recently, Pacific Energy delivered four industry-leading hybrid power systems for goldmining client Westgold in WA’s Mid-West. The systems have a combined capacity of 82MW and comprise 28MW of solar, 11.5MW of BESS, and 42.5MW of high-efficiency gas generation.

“The systems were designed around our unique virtual generator BESS technology, which acts as the backbone of the power systems and marks a fundamental shift away from thermal generation as the primary source of system stability,” Cullen said.

The systems also feature emergency HOFF functionality, so Westgold’s facilities can continue to operate during system outages and other critical situations.

“The four hybrid systems replaced six diesel-fired plants and they are expected to cut carbon emissions by up to 57,000 tonnes annually, so we really are starting to see some excellent results from these more sophisticated systems,” Cullen said.

Among other large-scale hybrid projects, Pacific Energy is now working on the 62MW renewables expansion of its existing 54MW power station at AngloGold Ashanti Australia’s Tropicana gold mine. The expansion will incorporate four 6MW wind turbines, a 24MW solar farm and a 14MW BESS.

“When it’s completed, the 116MW power station will be the largest off-grid hybrid investment in our portfolio, and one of the largest off-grid hybrid systems in the Australian resources sector,” Cullen said.

The renewables integration is expected to reduce Tropicana’s diesel and gas consumption for power generation by 96% and 50% respectively, slashing carbon emissions by an average of 65,000 tonnes per annum over the life of the agreement.

Cullen said these projects, and many others, are underpinned by Pacific Energy’s keen commitment to local manufacturing, investment in skill development and rethinking sustainable energy solutions. The company’s technical experts and tradespeople manufacture its custom technologies, including BESS, standalone power systems, switchrooms and

switchgear, inverter platforms, intelligent control systems and more, entirely in house, from front-end engineering and design right through to the fabrication of wind-rated enclosures, wiring, assembly, and factory acceptance testing.

In fact, Pacific Energy’s industry-leading BESS are playing an increasingly pivotal role in its future-focused power systems. Known as virtual generator BESS, these systems seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources and mimic the characteristics of rotating thermal generators, providing, for the first time, the ability to stabilise large-scale power systems without burning fuel or using legacy technologies like synchronous condensers.

“We’re rethinking traditional systems design so we can support the increasing sophistication of renewable energy technologies, accommodate future advancements, and meet our clients’ decarbonisation outcomes. It’s really challenging, but we have an excellent team of engineers, techs and tradespeople that we can rely on, and the backing from the business to get the job done,” Cullen said.

Pacific Energy’s flagship technology, its standalone power systems (SPS), are designed, manufactured and tested at the company’s purpose-built workshop in Perth, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The systems comprise solar panels, battery storage, inverters and back-up diesel generators, and can be custom sized to suit various applications.

Pacific Energy has so far been contracted to deliver more than 300 of the units for Western Power’s SPS rollout programme across the South West Interconnected System, with more than 120 already providing farmers and communities with a utility-grade clean energy alternative to poles-and-wires and thermal power generation.

“We’ve also recently developed relocatable, rapidly deployable modules—our RD-SPS—as a part of our SPS offering,” Cullen said.

Available in three sizes, these models are being deployed across mine sites to replace small diesel generators and reduce fossil fuel related costs and carbon emissions.

ABOUT PACIFIC ENERGY

“The RD-20, the smallest model in our RD-SPS series, takes less than 60 minutes to deploy and, because of this, it’s also being considered for use in emergency response scenarios like floods and fires, to keep communities and emergency personnel connected,” he said.

Pacific Energy is also playing an increasingly important role in Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry. Combining its partnerships with world-leading hydrogen tech specialists, like Nel, PowerCell, PDC Machines and IVYS Energy Solutions with its unmatched experience, the company is becoming the go-to provider for custom hydrogen systems and technologies.

“The hydrogen space is not without its challenges, because it is still relatively uncharted waters, but we understand the best way to progress the industry is to get involved and then improve our processes based on the lessons learned,” Cullen said.

Due to the unprecedented nature of the Denham Hydrogen Demonstration Plant that Pacific Energy delivered for Horizon Power, there were no established Australian standards relating to hydrogen plants. Now, the company is working with CSIRO and Horizon Power to create standards that will guide future projects and establish a best-practice approach.

“We learned a lot on the Denham project that we can bring forward with us, and we’re already implementing learnings across other active projects. So much of this project relied on first principle thinking and developing deliverables, like drawings, engineering studies, manuals and procedures, from scratch. Now we’ve got the template, and we’re able to share some of our insights with the broader industry too,” Cullen said.

In 2023, the company also signed a memorandum of understanding with Toyota, Hyundai Australia and Ampol to jointly develop hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in Canberra, with the view to expand beyond the national capital.

Since then, Pacific Energy has acquired the Canberra Hydrogen Refuelling Facility from ActewAGL, which was the first publicly available hydrogen refuelling station in Australia when it launched in 2021. Originally designed and constructed by Pacific Energy’s specialist hydrogen subsidiary, this facility will continue to service the ACT’s growing fleets of FCEVs and privately-owned hydrogen vehicles.

“The Canberra Hydrogen Refuelling Facility acquisition really underpins our strategy to develop the hydrogen mobility ecosystem by providing reliable and safe hydrogen refuelling stations. We’re also delivering smaller hydrogen refuelling stations, like the one we designed and delivered for CSIRO late last year, to support on-site refuelling and research and development of the infrastructure,” Cullen said.

Looking ahead, the future continues to be bright for Pacific Energy. With teams strategically located across Darwin, Brisbane and Melbourne, the company is poised to expand its footprint on the east coast and explore new opportunities for growth.

“We have a lot going on, and a huge amount of opportunity for people looking to get involved in the clean energy transition. It’s our ongoing commitment to tech innovation and developing expertise that ensures we can continue to push the known boundaries and pioneer new solutions,” Cullen said.

“And that’s what’s driving positive change for the energy sector, but also for our planet and the generations to come.”

Pacific Energy is an Australian market leader in the provision of sustainable distributed energy, operating for over four decades, with owned-and-operated assets at 49 sites nationally and more than 929MW of contracted capacity under management. A trusted partner at the forefront of the clean energy transition, Pacific Energy is uniquely positioned to offer clients a complete in-house experience that delivers renewable and traditional power generation solutions from design, manufacturing and construction through to commissioning and operations and maintenance. With unrivalled capability across all energy technologies, Pacific Energy has demonstrated experience integrating solar, wind, green hydrogen and battery energy storage into new and existing remote power systems, with an end goal to maximise efficiencies and minimise emissions. Pacific Energy is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia and has operations in Kalgoorlie, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. It is owned by QIC, a globally diversified investment manager with more than A$100 billion in funds under management.

POLYSTYRENE AND POLYURETHANE PANEL WIRING

With the increase introduction of polystyrene and polyurethane panelling in general and domestic construction, it is worth noting that, if wiring a fixed installation with standard TPS, there is no rule requiring the use a non-migratory cable.

However, as per AS/NZS

3001.2.2022 Electrical

Installations-Connectable Electrical Installations

and Supply Arrangements (Part 2 : Connectable Electrical Installations), which covers installations such as dongers, caravans and trailers, Clause 3.7.4.2 specifies the requirement for non-migratory cable to be used.

When working on a building with polystyrene and polyurethane panels, it’s advisable to inform the builder about potential long-term issues that may arise from using standard TPS cable. While non-migratory cable is slightly pricier than standard TPS cable, its usage could prevent future complications.

LEGAL UPDATE AN EMPLOYEE’S ‘RIGHT TO DISCONNECT’;

WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW

A new ‘right to disconnect’ is now enshrined in the Fair Work Act and will take effect from 26 August 2024. An employee will be entitled to refuse contact from their employer (or from a third party where the contact relates to their work) outside the employee’s working hours.

The right to refuse contact will not apply if refusal is unreasonable. Whether refusal is unreasonable will depend on a range of circumstances including:

½ the reason for the contact or attempted contact;

½ how the contact or attempted contact is made, and the level of disruption it causes the employee;

½ the extent to which the employee is to remain available outside their ordinary hours;

½ the nature of the employee’s role and their level of responsibility; and

½ their personal circumstances (including family or caring responsibilities).

Small business will be exempt from these provisions for 12 months following commencement of the new laws.

If employers and employees cannot resolve disputes about the right to disconnect, the Fair Work Commission will be able to deal with disputes, including by making ‘Stop Orders,’ as under the current anti-bullying jurisdiction. Breaching a ‘Stop Order’ may attract civil penalties.

This new right does not prevent employers from sending emails to employees after hours, but it will form part of the ‘protected attributes’ for the purposes of the General Protections regime in the Fair Work Act.

whether a compensation package includes compensation for out-of-hours contact.

The Fair Work Commission is currently in the process of formulating the right to disconnect provisions to be incorporated in all modern Awards.

We recommend that employers train managers on the new right, and review employment contracts and policies to clarify

Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For more information, call ECA Legal on (08) 6241 6129 or email ecalegalwa@ecawa.org.au.

UPDATED UDS MANUAL

NOW AVAILABLE

NEW

REQuIREMENTS FOR NETWORK ADMINISTRATION, DESIGN AND INSTALLATION IN LAND DEVELOPMENT AND S uBDIVISION PROJECTS HAVE Ju ST BEEN RELEASED IN WESTERN A u STRALIA.

The updated underground Distribution Schemes (uDS) Manual, now in its 12th edition, details a range of changes set to take effect from 1 July 2024.

Western Power Head of Grid Transformation, Ben Bristow, said the updated uDS manual was the result of significant consultation, drawing from more than 600 feedback submissions, internal workshops and industry forums.

“Thank you to the urban Development Institute of Australia, the Property Council of Australia, participants of the Subdivision Design Forum and other industry stakeholders for their valuable input into these changes,” Ben said.

“We’ll continue to work closely with these stakeholders to continually update the manual to ensure it

contains the latest advice and we can meet the evolving needs of our customers, community and industry.”

Changes to the uDS manual include:

½ new guidelines for existing overhead network assets within road reserves and properties

½ revised developer responsibilities and clarifications

½ enhanced focus on network safety in design requirements

½ updated requirements for network reliability, to advance fault finding and restoration

½ amendments to flood and water table considerations, as well as point of supply connections

½ modified cable placement near retaining walls and service pillar locations

½ a new option allowing developers to conduct a simplified connection service subdivision where the project involves civil works

½ removal of Serviced u ncleared De-Energised Lots option and clarified clearance conditions

½ new u DS Structure diagram, highlighting stakeholder roles and how they collaborate.

A two-month transition period will be provided to help industry align with the new requirements.

View the uDS manual at www.bit.ly/westernpoweruds

TRIPLE THREAT: WA LAUNCHES SAFETY CAMPAIGNS

BuILDING AND ENERGY’S CONS uMER ELECTRICAL SAFETY CAMPAIGNS ARE TARGETING THREE HIGH-PRIORITY TOPICS THIS YEAR: RCD TESTING, DON’T DIY, AND SAFE APPLIANCES.

Boosting community awareness of electrical safety is a core function of Building and Energy. Recent activities include a high-profile campaign about reporting all shocks and tingles to the network operator – “You can’t see an electrical fault, but you can feel one” – and stickers reminding everyone to turn off the mains power before entering a roof space.

This year, WA’s electrical safety regulator is rolling out three campaigns to provide potentially life-saving advice to consumers. The subjects were determined by analysis of accidents, investigations, inquiries, and website activity.

Testing RCDs

Building and Energy is sharing messages on social media, streaming services and other platforms to encourage testing of residual current devices (RCDs) and awareness of their vital role in electric shock protection.

A new video (available at DEMIRS’ YouTube channel) and handy guide (at demirs.wa.gov.au) show how to check an RCD by pressing the test button in the meter box.

Related media interviews highlighted that, although the widespread installation of RCDs has markedly reduced electric shocks, the switches must be regularly tested, to ensure they work mechanically and electrically when they are needed the most.

Don’t DIY

The tragic death of a WA father after handling a homemade highvoltage appliance was a stark reminder of the risks of DIY electrical work. The person who constructed the wood art device later pleaded guilty to breaching WA’s electricity licensing regulations, following prosecution by Building and Energy.

A campaign over winter and early spring will advise consumers to never do their own electrical

STICKERS TARGET LIVE WORK

or gas fitting work and instead engage a licensed electrical contractor or a licensed gasfitter.

The community will be reminded that DIY electrical and gas work can result in injuries and deaths, as well as property damage and liability issues.

Safe appliances

The final campaign, due to start in October, focuses on the risks of unapproved and potentially dangerous electrical appliances.

Advice for consumers will include being cautious about purchasing electrical items from overseas and checking for the regulatory compliance mark, showing independent approval for use in Australia.

“Working live kills” is the simple but vital message on new stickers produced by Building and Energy to remind WA electricians about the importance of turning off the mains power before starting work. Regulation 55 of WA’s Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 prohibits electrical work on or near an energised part of an electrical installation, except under certain specific situations.

The stickers are part of Building and Energy’s ongoing efforts to highlight the dangers of live work, which has tragically led to the death or serious injury of 15 WA electricians in the past six years. The stickers are a convenient size for vehicles, toolboxes and other equipment. They are available from Building and Energy (egpgeneraladmin@dmirs.wa.gov.au or 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington) or at TAFE campuses, NECA WA events and other industry meetings.

Saj Abdoolakhan WA’s Director of Energy Safety

www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy

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Brighter Super is 100% member owned, so we work hard to keep our fees and costs as low as possible. That is why we are proud to

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ACRS NEWS

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Peter Lamont

Director ACRS and Senior Policy Advisor peter.lamont@neca.asn.au

IN MARCH 2024, NECA HELD ITS FIRST NATIONAL CONFERENCE SINCE THE ADVENT OF COVID. HELD IN HOBART, THE GATHERING WAS A WELCOME RET uRN TO THE OPPORT uNITY TO NETWORK AND LISTEN TO ENGAGING SPEAKERS ON A RANGE OF TOPICS.

It was terrific that ACRS was well represented at the conference as a business partner and that we were able to pass on valuable information about cabling work. This conference also helped to highlight the future impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to have on our work environment.

As you will read in this edition of NECA News, AI is an evolving technology that can process large amounts of data to recognise patterns, make decisions, and judge an outcome. AI is already being used in our data and telecommunications industry to monitor electronic systems and to create virtual simulations to test multiple designs.

The data and telecommunications industry is also critical to the use of AI, as mobile connectivity is a lynchpin that enables efficient data transmission to the AI application. The use of AI is

developing at a phenomenal rate, and it is exciting to think about where this technological development will take us.

ACRS, along with all cable registrars, is also involved in helping to broaden the education and information available to our data and telecommunications workforce, through webinars and information on the Australian Registered Cablers website. In particular, our webinar series is going extremely well. To date, we have held three webinars, with 260 registrations for the most recent webinar, on Beyond Basics of AV, in April 2024. Our webinars are also loaded onto the website for future viewing. This has proved to be very popular, with almost 1,600 people viewing the webinar on deploying WiFi in residential premises, and over 600 viewing the webinar on the importance of applying S009. These webinars are tremendously informative, and a great educational tool

ACRS maintain quarterly meetings with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and continues to work with them on a range of issues. Of note is that ACMA is currently undertaking a review of the Cabling Provider Rules, as the legal instrument is sunsetting in 2025. Industry consultation is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2024, and ACRS will keep members informed on the process.

FAKE EMAIL PRODUCT SCAMS ON THE RISE

IS YOUR BUSINESS COMPLIANT FOR CABLING?

IS YOUR BUSINESS COMPLIANT FOR CABLING?

ACMA has been warning people that emails advertising fake products are on the rise. They are the latest type of scam, designed to tempt the reader, by offering products that are too good or too cheap to be true.

usually have a different address to the real brand’s website, although they may look similar.

potentially vulnerable circumstances – about how to identify scams.

Thinking about a move into data and communications as a way to diversify your contracting business? Here are a few critical questions to ask before you get started.

Thinking about a move into data and communications as a way to diversify your contracting business? Here are a few critical questions to ask before you get started.

Am I registered to do the work?

Am I registered to do the work?

ACMA advises that these scams will often impersonate known brands and products and that the scammers are trying to deceive you into handing over money or your financial details.

According to ACMA, signs that an email may be a fake product scam include:

In Australia, all cabling work, including telephone, data, fire and security alarm system cabling, that connects with the telecommunications network must be performed by a registered cabler, or under the direct supervision of a registered cabler.

In Australia, all cabling work, including telephone, data, fire and security alarm system cabling, that connects with the telecommunications network must be performed by a registered cabler, or under the direct supervision of a registered cabler.

What is required to become a registered cabler?

What is required to become a registered cabler?

½ A sense of urgency – they may tell you that time is running out, offer you a massive discount, or claim it is your last chance to buy.

To become a registered cabler you must complete the appropriate training course for the work to be undertaken through a Registered Training Organisations (RTO).

To become a registered cabler you must complete the appropriate training course for the work to be undertaken through a Registered Training Organisations (RTO).

½ An unusual-looking email address – these often start with random letters, include misspellings, or have a domain name that is not related to the product in the email.

½ An incorrect website address – the website linked in the email will

An Open Registration is required for commercial and domestic premises work. For work in domestic premises you only require a Restricted Registration.

An Open Registration is required for commercial and domestic premises work. For work in domestic premises you only require a Restricted Registration.

You must also have a minimum of 80 hours cabling experience for Restricted

You must also have a minimum of 80 hours cabling experience for Restricted

Registration and 360 hours for Open Registration. Holding an electrical licence, Security licence or enAbleTM NBN Card will suffice.

If you are unsure if a message is genuine – stop and think. Don’t rush to act.

Registration and 360 hours for Open Registration. Holding an electrical licence, Security licence or enAbleTM NBN Card will suffice.

Once I’ve completed the training, who do I register with?

Once I’ve completed the training, who do I register with?

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your financial institution immediately to stop any payments and make a report to Scamwatch. The Scamwatch website also has helpful information about other steps you can take.

What are the consequences of doing cabling work without being registered?

What are the consequences of doing cabling work without being registered?

There are a number of Cabling Registrars authorised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in Australia, including ACRS, that can verify a cabler’s eligibility for registration.

There are a number of Cabling Registrars authorised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in Australia, including ACRS, that can verify a cabler’s eligibility for registration.

Do all my staff need to be registered?

Never click on any links or provide any personal or financial details if the sender is unknown or suspicious. If you need to check a message is genuine, contact the business using details you confirm yourself –for example, via an official website, bill or app.

Do all my staff need to be registered?

No. To ensure compliance with the ACMA guidelines, cablers must be either registered or, directly supervised at all times by a cabler who is registered for the type of work being done.

No. To ensure compliance with the ACMA guidelines, cablers must be either registered or, directly supervised at all times by a cabler who is registered for the type of work being done.

Scammers target everyone. Talk with your friends and family –especially if

The ACMA has a range of options available to enforce compliance. These include: formal warnings; non-compliance notices to the telecommunications carrier, which may result in disconnection from the network; telecommunications infringement notices

action, which may result in a conviction

The ACMA has a range of options available to enforce compliance. These include: formal warnings; non-compliance notices to the telecommunications carrier, which may result in disconnection from the network; telecommunications infringement notices action, which may result in a conviction

The biggest consequence is that, should anything go wrong or your work is found to be faulty, your business insurance is unlikely to cover you. This could lead to litigation and substantial financial loss

The biggest consequence is that, should anything go wrong or your work is found to be faulty, your business insurance is unlikely to cover you. This could lead to litigation and substantial financial loss

Not being registered is not worth the risk.

Not being registered is not worth the risk.

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

Cabling Registration run by the industry, for the industry

The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry.

The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry.

The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry.

The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry.

The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry.

The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines –you need a current cabling registration.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines –you need a current cabling registration.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration.

It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration.

For more information visit www.acrs.com.au or call 1300 667 771.

For more information visit www.acrs.com.au or call 1300 667 771.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer s expectations.

Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

Peter Lamont Director, ACRS www.acrs.com.au

Peter Lamont Director, ACRS www.acrs.com.au

NATIONAL TECHNICAL UPDATE

Challenges of Electrification in Australia

Australia’s regulatory environments are fostering the rapid uptake of Consumer Energy Resources (CER) technologies, while DNSPs encounter challenges in acquiring Distribution System Operator (DSO) capabilities and real-time energy data to manage safe and reliable supply to our communities and businesses. Here’s an elaboration on the need for greater technical leadership, alignment with international standards, and addressing the poor rollout of advanced metering:

Technical Leadership and Expertise

Enhanced technical leadership is imperative to equip DNSPs with the requisite capabilities for integrating CER technologies effectively. This encompasses developing DSO capabilities to manage the intricate interactions between distributed energy resources and the grid. Access to real-time energy data is crucial for informed decision-making. Technical leadership fosters innovation, knowledge dissemination, and capacity building within the energy sector, empowering DNSPs to navigate challenges and optimise electrification benefits.

Alignment with International Standards

Alignment with international CER, DSO, and Home Energy Management System (HEMS) standards is pivotal for fostering interoperability, compatibility, and best practices adoption. International standards provide a framework for technology deployment, ensuring consistency, reliability, and quality across systems and stakeholders. By adhering to these standards, Australia can leverage global expertise to expedite the adoption of effective technologies while enhancing energy infrastructure resilience and efficiency.

Addressing Poor Rollout of Advanced Metering

Inadequate rollout of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in some jurisdictions presents challenges in securing realtime energy data access, vital for grid integration and optimisation. Addressing this requires targeted efforts to accelerate AMI deployment across all regions. This may involve regulatory reforms, financial incentives, and collaborative initiatives to overcome barriers and ensure widespread real-time energy data access for DNSPs and stakeholders.

Improved Regulatory Frameworks

Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in incentivising and guiding electrification technology adoption by DNSPs. Regulatory reforms prioritising technical excellence, innovation, and international standards alignment are essential. This includes updating mechanisms to encourage investment in DSO capabilities, realtime energy data infrastructure, and grid modernisation. Clear guidelines, incentives, and support mechanisms empower DNSPs to tackle integration challenges and deliver optimal outcomes for consumers and the community.

In conclusion, addressing challenges related to CER technology integration necessitates comprehensive action focusing on technical leadership, international standards alignment, addressing poor AMI rollout, and regulatory framework improvements. By embracing best practices, leveraging global expertise, and fostering an enabling regulatory environment, Australia can expedite its transition to a sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy system, benefiting all stakeholders.

Access to Australian Standards

until very recently, discussions with Standards Australia regarding access to standards critical to NECA members have failed to obtain any concession or movement with respect to their intention to discontinue NECA’s ability (or that of any industry association) to provide collective access to standards to our members.

NECA have now been informed that we may continue to offer the current suite of standards via our members Technical Knowledge Base (TKB) whilst we negotiate further. Standards Australia have modified their website and launched a new app to provide curated sets of standards and/or individual standards via a subscription or paywall service.

NECA are continuing to advocate for a better access regime that ensures access to legislated and critical standards in ways that are genuinely accessible to the industry.

Observations on battery farms

Recent interactions with members suggest that private commercial (sub-grid scale) battery farms are being installed at selected locations and being connected to local DNSP’s. The battery arrangements are such that high fault and/or voltage levels are apparent within the installation.

Members have also reported that, in some cases, the imported battery products come with minimal or unclear instructions

for installation or safe working procedures for maintenance and operation.

Where members are confronted with inadequate OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) information, NECA strongly suggests that the member –

½ Press their client for complete and understandable information, and/or

½ Contact NECA technical for advice, and/or

½ Seek the assistance of the local safety regulator to address the failed duty of the equipment supplier.

Powering Skills Organisation

With the establishment of the Powering Skills Organisation (PSO), there is an opportunity to strategically cluster and develop training products for the energy industries, under the leadership of industry participants. This approach can lead to the creation of cohesive and fit-for-purpose training packages that address the specific needs of the energy sector. Here are some key advantages of this approach:

Industry Expertise

Industry participants bring valuable expertise, insights, and firsthand knowledge of the challenges and requirements within the energy sector and sub-sectors. By involving industry leaders in the development process, PSO can ensure that training products are relevant, practical, and aligned with industry standards and best practices.

Focused Prioritisation

By identifying key areas of focus and strategic priorities, the PSO can allocate resources effectively and develop training packages that address critical skills gaps, and support the growth and innovation of the energy industries.

Holistic Approach

By considering the interconnectedness of different roles, technologies, and skills within the industries, the PSO can develop comprehensive training packages that cover a wide range of

Neil Roberts Director: Policy, Technical and Safety

competencies and job roles, ensuring that workers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed.

Innovation and Adaptability

With industry participants at the helm, the PSO can foster innovation and adaptability in training product development. By staying abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving workforce needs, the PSO can continuously update and improve training packages to remain relevant and responsive to changing demands within the energy sector.

Stakeholder Engagement

By consulting with employers, workers, unions, educators, and other stakeholders, the PSO can ensure that training products are tailored to meet the diverse needs and perspectives of the industry, promoting flexibility and collaboration.

Suited to competency and safety

Given the inherent hazards in our associated industries, the ownership of the training products by an organisation directed by practitioners from those industries is obviously of benefit in ensuring that the products engender the right competency and safety culture for those hazards.

In summary, the leadership of industry participants in clustering and developing training products for the energy industries under the PSO can result in cohesive, relevant, and effective training packages that support the skills development and workforce readiness needs of the sector.

LESS iROBOT AND MORE R2D2?

HOW AI WILL CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE VET SECTOR

IF YOu ’RE A GEN X ELECTRICIAN LIKE ME, YOu WILL LIKELY REMEMBER SITTING IN TRADE SCHOOL ONE DAY, AND THE TEACHER ROLLING IN THE OLD VHS AND TV ON A TROLLEY.

The scratchy sound and tracking lines across the screen gave way to our introduction to the ‘Allen Bradley SLC500 PLC platform.’ My introduction to early ‘intelligence’ feels decidedly prehistoric compared to what is happening now. In the trade workshops, VHS has given way to YouTube, and the SLC500, launched in 1990 with the then impressive “1-4k” memory, was finally retired from service in March 2024. It’s replacement is Graphical user Interfaces on HMI devices. From uni-Tape to touch screen.

Thinking back to those days, the home PC market was already ushering in a new era of skills and knowledge. Many of us weren’t frightened by the technology, as we’d been using Commodore 64s, Apple Macs, and other consumer PCs for years. In my industry sector, Fire Protection, the microprocessor-controlled Fire Indicator Panels were the latest and greatest. Being handed an old MS-DOS laptop, I felt like I had been granted a superpower, as I was not only able to use the laptop, but I could also program with it.

So, in some way, AI has been with us for decades. Sure, we still had to reach deep into Boolean logic to tell

the PLC what to do, but ultimately, once we told it what inputs to look for and what outputs it needed to turn on or off, it did the thinking. Over the last 40 years, we’ve seen variations of AI finding its way into so many things. Fuzzy logic in washing machines is just one example, where simplicity in operation is afforded by letting the machine do the thinking.

Should we feel threatened by AI? Are we already seeing iRobot, or worse, Skynet? I tend to think it’s more R2D2. AI powering automation and robotics is akin to the time saving, and in the case of many Star Wars characters, lifesaving, antics of R2. PLCs changed motor control in industry, allowing for efficiency and greater flexibility in the way we do things in the industrial space. With home-based AI systems, like Google Home and Alexa, our smart watches and devices are now able to suggest actions based on our behaviours.

Like R2 ejecting Luke Skywalker’s lightsabre on the sail barge on

Tatooine, maybe our tradies of the future will have their own ‘droid’ who can pass tools, or even suggest what action to take. With advanced sensing technology, maybe they could even save our lives, seeing the danger before it happens? Fanciful maybe, but 34 years ago, I was looking at SLC500 the same way many current apprentices are looking at the future. The question remains – what will that look like for apprentices and their training?

Despite concerns about the pace of AI, the trusty SLC500 platform ran for 34 years. Not everything changes overnight, and that allows us to ensure that training of apprentices embraces the best parts of an AI future, while ensuring that the base trade skills migrate without losing them altogether. Let’s not forget, R2 didn’t replace Luke, just helped him on his way to becoming a Jedi Master. And face it – aren’t we sparkies the Jedis of the trades?

Steve Hall GM Projects - Powering Skills Organisation Ltd

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STRESS… WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

A LITTLE BIT OF STRESS IS PRETTY MuCH INEVITABLE AS A FuNCTIONING HuMAN AND AS PART OF A FAMILY, COMMuNITY, WORKPLACE OR LIFE GENERALLY. STRESS CAN BE A MOTIVATOR, GET YOu uP IN THE MORNING, STRETCH YOu TO DO YOuR BEST, CHALLENGE YOu TO REACH YOuR GOALS AND POTENTIALLY MAKE YOu SMARTER, HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER.

However, stress is not good for you if it is excessive, prolonged and disproportionate to what we can cope with day to day. However, we all respond to stress differently – what can be very stressful to one person, may be a simple part of normal life for another. The key to managing your stress and setting up coping mechanisms is to identify your potential sources of stress early and share those with those close to you, so they too can recognise what stress looks like for you.

Here’s some helpful tips to try and manage and reduce your stress:

½ Make a List – of the events or times where you been stressed and emotionally burnt out to try and know ahead of time the situations that may be challenging for you and the ways you have reduced those feelings that worked for you

½ Don’t try and be everything to everyone – family, work, friends; they can all need you all of the time. Don’t over commit and don’t feel like you always have to say yes to everyone else’s needs. Learn to say “no” and get comfortable with not always having the approval of others.

½ Slow down – high speed living leads to mistakes, errors, regrets and more stress. Ask people to wait, press back their timelines, do it tomorrow or next week and do not drive on the road like you are in a hurry. Take your time, it will be ok if people wait for you.

½ Focus on you – as we often say in this article, take time to exercise and to remain active. Exercise can

be gentle and does not need to be a two-hour weights session at the gym. Swimming, walking, spending time with the dog or loved ones, can put a lot into perspective and bring you back to where you need to be.

½ Smile – a lot. It always works and makes you look better. Smiling increases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, all chemicals in our body that makes us feel happy and more relaxed and increase your blood flow, improving your circulation and…it’s free.

Stress can be a positive impact on our life, but not too much and not for too long. Know your stressors and work on stepping back and being kind to yourself.

Michael Stoddart General Manager Mining Energy and Manufacturing, Mates in Energy

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