News & Events

The 2013 NECA NSW Excellence Awards will be held on Friday 6 September 2013 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

NECA, as the voice of the industry, is dedicated to promoting the significant achievements of our industry and rewarding the excellence and professionalism continually demonstrated by our members. The NECA members who nominate for, and win these awards, are quite literally at the cutting edge of the industry, pushing boundaries and striving for consistently higher standards.

Details of the Excellence Awards luncheon are as follows:

To register, simply complete and return the
2013 Registration Form

For further information, contact Marie Jones at NECA on marie.jones@neca.asn.au.

Click here to see the winners from the 2012 NECA NSW Excellence Awards.

Platinum Business Partners

Gold Business Partners
 

Silver Sponsors
 

Associate Business Partners
 

The Energise Oz – Managing Apprentice Progression (MAP) pilot was developed by the industry to improve apprentice completion rates.

This modernised apprenticeship offers a flexible system, recognising individual needs.

This nationally consistent program aims to address the future demand for electricians and produce a healthier, productive workforce.

MAP pilot overview

Readiness Assessment
• Candidates sit an assessment to ensure they are ‘ready’ for the trade

Industry Mentors
• Facilitate success of the Apprentice, Employer and Training Provider

National Apprentice Register (NAR)
• Employers access candidate details for employment
• Tracks apprentice progression

Benchmark Progression Points and Assessment
• The phases and assessments are set by the industry

Blended Learning
• Delivered by the Training Providers and support apprentice engagement and progression

What’s in it for your business
Save time and money on your recruitment process:
• Utilise the free NAR as your new recruitment tool
• Select attractive future employees who have passed the industry set assessment
• Skip the first round interview and start at the second round interview. No need for aptitude testing.

Engage an apprentice who has a sharp aptitude and a high probability of successfully completing.
Instant access to apprentice trade school and profiling results.
Have confidence that your apprentice progression is based on safe workplace skills and attitude.
Take advantage of an independent Mentor-Adviser to keep your apprentice and yourself on track and geared towards progression points and completion.

To register your business, click here.

For further information click here or phone 1300 11 EMAP.

The NECA Illawarra Branch has organised its annual Golf Day for the 24 May 2013. It is being held at Kembla Grange Golf Club and all proceeds for the event are being donated to Camp Quality.
A very worthwile cause!

Click here to download the Event Flyer.

Any members that are interested in attending should contact Jay Williams on 0403 552 658.

The branch is also calling for support from NECA's Business Partners and again all interest should be directed to Jay.

Penrith and Southern Highlands Industry Briefing Nights

NECA will be holding the following 2 Industry Briefing Nights in the month of June.

Penrith- 12 June 2013
Wednesday 12 June 2013 - 6.00pm
Penrith Panthers
Mulgoa Road, Penrith

Come along and hear the latest information on topics relevent to your industry.

6.00pm Pre-dinner drinks
6.30pm Introduction by Dave NECAs spokesperson
6.35pm Sponsor Presentations
6.45pm Mentor Advisor Project Outline – Rod Mackinnon
6.55pm Workers Compensation Reforms – Marion Tynan
7.20pm Calculating Charge Out Rates – Gus Fernando
7.35pm Dinner – Networking
8.35pm Electrical Testing – Gidley McCullagh

Sponsored by NHP and TLE

Please RSVP:
By completing the attached Registration Form advising of attendees and returning to Pamela Renneberg by Thursday 6 June 2013.
This is essential for catering purposes.

Southern Highlands- 27 June 2013
Thursday 27 June 2013 - 6.00pm
Moss Vale Golf Club
Arthur Street, Moss Vale

Come along and hear the latest information on topics relevent to your industry.

6.00pm Pre-dinner drinks
6.30pm Introduction by Dave NECAs spokesperson
6.35pm Sponsor Presentations
6.45pm Mentor Advisor Project Outline – Ted Wilkens
6.55pm Workers Compensation Reforms – Marion Tynan
7.20pm Calculating Charge Out Rates – Gus Fernando
7.35pm Dinner – Networking
8.35pm Electrical Testing – Gidley McCullagh

Sponsored by NHP and TLE

Please RSVP:
By completing the attached Registration Form advising of attendees and returning to Pamela Renneberg by Thursday 20 June 2013.
This is essential for catering purposes

These events are open to the entire Electrical Contracting Industry, including members, non-members, wholesalers and manufacturers.

Registration is essential as places are limited.

We hope to see you there.

NECA has no higher objective than to protect the health and safety of everybody working in our industry. We have developed an online interactive resource that demonstrates electrical testing and verification procedures. The program provides clear demonstrations of standard electrical tests described in AS/NZS 3017:2007.

The online program has been developed to provide an interactive and engaging presentation of each test. It is an aid to training, designed to be used as a training resource in a ‘blended’ training regime (it is not designed as a replacement for practical training and assessment).

For each test, the program presents an explanation of why the test is required, and then takes the trainee on a step-by-step presentation of the testing procedures. Switching and other operations are
animated on screen. Trainees are required to use probes to touch different parts of the circuit to test for voltage or resistance.

Click here to download the Information Flyer.

For more information about the NECA WHS Online Training Programs  prices and bulk discounts please go to http://nsw.neca.asn.au/electrical-circuit-training or call Gus Fernando on 02 9744 1099

From 15 to 20 April nearly 50 delegates and their partners will be visiting beautiful Langkawi Island,Malaysia to soak up sun, fun and industry insights at the 2013 NECA Conference.

The one-and-a-half day Conference agenda with concurrent Partner
Workshops by Yasemin Trollope on health and beauty topics promise to be
stimulating and an excellent opportunity to mingle with mates and pick up
industry buzz from peers.

A fun social calendar is also planned with a Golf Day sponsored by TLE, Go Karting sponsored by Go Electrical, a Pool Party sponsored by Simpro, and a Gala Dinner featuring Keynote Speaker Glenn McGrath sponsored by NHP. Clipsal by Schneider and Lawrence and Hanson are also Platinum Sponsors.

New speakers added
Damir Pletikosa, Marketing Manager Voltimum ANZ will speak following Glenn McGrath’s Keynote Speech. Electrical contractors will see how to easily identify non compliant electrical components with Damir’s topic, “Does it comply?”

Special guest from TEEAM (The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia) Vice President Ir Chew Shee Fuee will add to the program with a look at the industry’s past, present and future.

NECA NSW Executive Director Oliver Judd will close the conference at the Gala Dinner.

Charity Auction
NECA will support the McGrath Foundation with a Charity Auction at the
conference where delegates can grab a fabulous buy with proceeds going to the Foundation. Special items to fall under a lively live auction hammer include:

• 51" Samsung LCD Plasma TV - donated by Bill Lianos at NOS Group
• $1,000 travel voucher - donated by Flight Centre and Malaysia Airlines
• Framed cricket showpiece signed by Shane Watson donated by the
  McGrath Foundation
• An Italian holiday for 10 people in a Tuscan Villa this summer or autumn with stunning views of Cortona
• Andy Warhol’s ‘Marilyn’ high quality screen print, 91.4cm x 91.4cm
• Phuket Hideaway - 7 nights for 10 guests with airfares from August 2013 with luxury Villa appointments
• Private Chef’s dinner in Sydney Enjoy the luxury of a fine restaurant in
  the privacy and comfort of your own home for 8 guests with your personal Chef, attentive waiter, all crockery, cutlery, linen napkins, tea and coffee.
• Bruce Springsteen Signed Fender guitar - amazing 3D Box frame and
  beautifully presented guitar with ‘Born in the USA’ backdrop.
  
  A sealed bid auction will also entice delegates on 16 items as varied as a bottle of Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1970 to a Hunter Valley Lodge Escape. Truly a very special opportunity for all our NECA Conference delegates.
  
   
  ...and many more
  
  Register here or call 1300 690 687 today.
  
  Looking forward to seeing you there.
  
  
  
  

Employers face multiple challenges when dealing with workers whose lack of attendance at work or inability to perform the full range of their duties becomes problematic.

Employees with genuine illnesses or injuries have a number of rights under workplace and anti discrimination legislation. An employer who disadvantages or dismisses such an employee runs the risk of breaching these laws.  

NECA will be conducting a one hour webinar/breakfast briefing at its premises in Burwood on 19 March 2013 to provide employers with insights into how to properly deal with employees who are either off work for prolonged periods, take multiple short absences or who are on extended “light duties". NECAs IR Manager, Gordon Jervis will explain the laws that apply in these cases.  He will also discuss the steps employers can take to manage these employees back to work or, if the case requires it, to ending the employment relationship.

The briefing is free to members.

Details

Managing Ill and Injured Workers Breakfast Briefing
Date:                    Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Where:                 Level 3, Burwood Road, Burwood NSW
Time:                    8.00 am to 9.00 am
If you are attending the NECA office at Burwood, please RSVP to pamela.renneberg@neca.asn.au

Please register for the webinar by clicking the link below:

Registration URL:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1335174701943692544
Webinar ID: 106-982-091

For further Information, please contact Gordon Jervis in Industrial Relations on 02 9744 1099.

NECA will release an updated Human Resources manual. Designed as a guide to best HR practice for employers in the Electrical Contracting Industry, the manual contains a series of notes, policies and template forms for use by small electrical contractors to major corporations.

Policies and associated documentation contained in the manual include:
•    Recruitment and engagement
•    Managing performance
•    Dealing with disputes and grievances
•    Protecting the Company’s property
•    Occupational health and safety
•    Equal Employment Opportunity
•    Harassment, discrimination and bullying

NECA NSW HR and IR Manager, Gordon Jervis will conduct a seminar on the new manual at NECA’s premises at Burwood at 8.00 am on Wednesday 24 April 2013. The briefing will be particularly relevant to your HR Managers or other managers and admin staff who deal with HR issues.

Each member attending the free seminar will be provided with a draft copy of the manual. Gordon will explain its significant features and relevant policies. This is an opportunity for members to familiarise themselves with the manual before its release.

The cost of the manual in hard copy and saved on CD for members will be $120 + GST. The cost of the manual for non-members will be $250 + GST.

Purchasers of the manual may also elect to subscribed to receive regular updates to the manual, which will keep it current and compliant with legislation, for an additional fee for members of $120 per annum and $250 per annum for non members.

Details of the HR Manual Breakfast Briefing are

Where:                NECA NSW, Level 3, 28 Burwood Road Burwood
Date:                   24 April 2013
Time:                   8.00 am to 10.00 am
    

For further Information, please contact Gordon Jervis in Industrial Relations on 02 9744 1099.

The 2013 NECA NSW Apprentice Awards are now open for nominations.

The awards recognise excellence and the achievements of apprentices in the Electrotechnology industry in Australia. 

NECA has been involved with apprentice awards for over three decades and we will continue to work to ensure a high level of awareness and respect for electrical and communications apprentices in the future.

The awards are designed to recognise and reward apprentices and their employers for outstanding performance and commitment to the industry.  This is an excellent opportunity for employers who have dedicated time, effort and resources to the future of our industry to gain recognition from their peers and from the community.

Nominations are open to fourth year apprentices, or recently graduated apprentices, who have completed their TAFE or other RTO training and who have excelled in any area of their training. The awards acknowledge achievement in personal development, effort, academic attainment and workplace competency.

Entrants will be assessed in the following categories (please note that an employee can only enter in one category and not have been previously nominated):

1.    Industrial Award
2.    Commercial/Domestic Award
3.    Communications Award

The Apprentice Awards will be presented at the 2013 NECA NSW Excellence Awards Presentation and Industry Luncheon to be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour on Friday, 6 September 2013. 

All nominees will be presented with a certificate. Apprentices successful in gaining either 1st, 2nd or 3rd place will be presented with a prize and an additional certificate. If your apprentice is successful in gaining a place, you will also be presented with certificates on stage.

State winners for each category will be invited to submit a project into the National Apprentice Awards.

A short list of finalists from each category will then be selected to attend a formal interview in early November 2013. 

Overall winners and placegetters for each category will be selected at this final stage, with winners, finalists and their employers or hosts invited to receive their award at the NECA National Apprentice Awards to be held in Sydney on 27 November 2013.

Winners and finalists from each category will also be invited to the National Excellence Awards to be held in Sydney on 28 November 2013.

Click here to download the nomination guide. Please note that we have combined the Excellence and Apprentice Awards into one nomination guide. The Apprentices Awards are not submitted on-line.

Click here to download the application form.

Click here to download the criteria.

Completed nomination must be received by Friday 14 June 2013.

Please contact Marie Jones at NECA NSW on marie.jones@neca.asn.au or 02 9744 1099 if you require further information.

The NECA New South Wales Excellence Awards are open to all current members of NECA NSW.

Now in their 25th year, the NECA Excellence Awards are the ultimate recognition of outstanding contribution and are the most prestigious award offered in the industry.  They celebrate excellence in quality, technology, innovation, management and commercial expertise.  Importantly the Awards provide contractors with the opportunity to demonstrate their top projects to peers, clients, industry and the community.

So why not enter a project?  Just think about the benefits of having your company being showcased at the Awards presentation luncheon in front of 550 key people from our industry.  Think about what this exposure will do for your business and in particular how this will benefit your relationship with your clients and employees.  The best part is that it is free to enter.

About the Awards
As in previous years, there are categories to suit all types and sizes of projects and you don’t have to be a large company or have a big project to win.  The categories are as follows:
 
1.    Domestic Residence - Contract value is less than $1 million
2.    Small Contracting Business
3.    Energy Efficiency and Environment
4.    Work Health and Safety
5.    Industrial - Small Project - Contract value is less than $2 million
6.    Industrial - Large Project - Contract value is more than $2 million
7.    Voice/Data
8.    Commercial - Small Project  - Contract value is less than $500,000
9.    Commercial - Medium Project - Contract value is between $500,000 and $2 million
10.    Commercial - Large Project - Contract value is greater than $2 million

Submitting Nominations - On-Line System



The nomination process is being managed by an on-line system. Find a category that best suits your project and start the online nomination process. 
To nominate visit the 2013 NECA NSW Excellence Awards online nomination system:
http://www.e-awards.com.au/2013/neca/nsw/intro.php

You are guaranteed that the on-line system is flexible, secure and user focused.  The nomination guide can be downloaded by clicking here.
Please note that there is no application form for the Excellence Awards - this nomination guide includes the Apprentice Awards also.

Criteria
A detailed guide to the criteria, which the judges will consider for each category is available for download from the 2013 NECA NSW Excellence Awards online nomination system:
http://www.e-awards.com.au/2013/neca/nsw/intro.php

NECA suggests that all applicants refer to the criteria before making a submission.

Conditions of entry
Conditions of entry can also be accessed from the 2013 NECA NSW Excellence Awards online nomination system:
http://www.e-awards.com.au/2013/neca/nsw/intro.php

Judging
A panel of independent judges access your submission where details are provided on the company profile, project overview, commercial factors, technical and innovation, quality, management, WH&S and training.  An on-site inspection of the project is also performed to verify the quality of the project.

Presentation Luncheon
If you are one of the finalists, your project will be displayed at the Excellence Awards luncheon to be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour on Friday, 6 September 2013.

Completed submissions must be received by NECA NSW by Friday 26 April, 2013.

The judges and NECA reserve the right to transfer entries into the category they deem appropriate, withhold an award in a category if it is deemed the nominations do not meet the standard required or reject incomplete applications.

Neither the judges nor NECA will enter into any correspondence regarding the judging process.

Please contact Marie Jones at NECA NSW marie.jones@neca.asn.au or 02 9744 1099 if you require further information.