DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY OF NEWS SERVICE 98 – HERE
1. APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES 2021 NUMBERS DOWN FOR DECEMBER QTR
NCVER has released the latest snapshot of apprenticeships and traineeships across Australia. The new publication presents statistics on commencements, completions, cancellations and withdrawals and those currently in training.
The data shows:
In-training as at 31 December 2021
There were 349 235 apprentices and trainees in-training as at 31 December 2021, an increase of 16.8% from 31 December 2020.
Quarterly training activity
In the December quarter 2021, compared with the December quarter 2020:
- commencements decreased by 32.2%, to 48 685
- completions increased by 20.2%, to 26 815
- cancellations and withdrawals increased by 42.8%, to 28 680
Training activity: 12-month ending series
In the 12 months ending 31 December 2021, compared with the 12 months ending 31 December 2020:
- commencements increased by 27.5%, to 216 445
- completions increased by 9.3%, to 83 055
- cancellations and withdrawals increased by 41.6%, to 102 870.
2. GOVERNMENT MOVING FAST ON SKILLS BILLS
Campus Morning Mail in its 29 July 2022 edition reports that the government is moving with some pace to progress its first piece of legislation into the Parliament. The article states, “The government introduced bills to abolish the National Skills Commission and establish Jobs and Skills Australia into the Reps on Wednesday yesterday the Senate referred them both to its Education and Employment Legislation Committee.
The committee is required to report on both by September 23.
The version of the latter to be considered by the Senate may be a bit different, appearing after the Skills summit at the start of September.
But the government clearly wants it known that it is not mucking around on what it appears to consider a foundation reform.”
“Establishment and functions of Jobs and Skills Australia [JSA] (simplified outline of the Part):
The main functions are:
- to provide advice to the Minister and to the Secretary on Australia’s current and emerging labour market (including workforce needs and priorities) and Australia’s current, emerging and future skills and training needs and priorities (including in relation to apprenticeships); and
- to provide reports on the labour market and workforce skills and training needs and priorities to assist with government policy development and program delivery.”
Access the proposed legislation, which was introduced into the House on 27 July 2022, and explanatory notes HERE
MINISTER O’CONNOR’S STATEMENT
The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training stated in the Media Release of 27 July 2022, “‘Establishing an interim Jobs and Skills Australia Director will enable its critical work to commence quickly, while extensive consultation on the ongoing functions and structure of JSA occurs.
Jobs and Skills Australia will have a tripartite approach with state and territory governments, industry, employers, unions and training providers, and promote a training system that meets the needs of employees, employers and the economy.
‘JSA will build on the work started by the National Skills Commission, but with a much broader remit to address issues in the skills and training sector, while forging closer partnerships with key stakeholders. It will also play an active role in workforce planning to look at future trends.”
3. NETM GROWING THE CATALOGUE OF MICROCREDENTIALS
The Western Parkland City Authority (WPCA) is continuing to grow its partnership with industry, universities, Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers and government by expanding the catalogue of industry requested microcredentials that help skill up the workforce. The aim is to place industry in the driver’s seat.
To this end, the NSW Government has committed funding to deliver 100 different New Education and Training Model (NETM) microcredentials. The four-year pilot will help to rapidly upskill Western Parkland City’s workforce to attract industry investments and support employment opportunities.
Unlike more traditional forms of tertiary education, the NETM places industry in the driver’s seat to ensure micro-credentials are designed for business and support a pipeline of skilled local workers, well into the future.
Industry is involved in:
- Detailed development and activation of the model
- Identifying skills and training needs in the Western Parkland City
- Co-design of micro-credential content
- Co-delivery of workplace aspects of micro-credentials
The NETM invites industry members in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, freight and logistics, defence and aerospace, and agribusiness sectors to participate in the ongoing design, development and delivery of microcredentials tailored to the needs of employers in the Western Parkland City.
NETM Education and Training Providers Panel
Education and training providers are critical partners in the design, development and delivery of microcredentials for the New Education and Training Model (NETM).
The NETM Education and Training Providers Panel (ETPP) brings together a group of prequalified Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Higher Education Providers (HEPs) who have proven capacity and capability to deliver innovative, high-quality learning in close collaboration with industry partners.
Learner Opportunities
The New Education and Training Model (or NETM) offers learners the chance to complete micro-credentials – short, targeted training courses of about 40 hours each – to develop the skills needed for jobs in industries like advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, freight and logistics, aerospace and defence, and agribusiness.
The NETM gives learners the flexibility to undertake the training they need when they need it without having to commit to a long program of study.
Find out more of the list of current, upcoming and under-development microcredentials HERE
Learn more about the Western Parkland City Authority (WPCA) NETM HERE
4. FOCUS ON WOMEN IN MAE RIVERINA SHOWCASE DAY
The Agrifood and Electrotechnology ITAB’s will host FREE showcase days for Manufacturing, Agrifood and Electrotechnology (MAE) industries in partnership with Casella’s Family brands.
An exclusive event for female participants aged 16-64, careers advisors & influencers.
Held in the Riverina (Yenda) in industry, attendees will have the opportunity to:
- meet and talk with female industry leaders
- gain hands-on experience
- access the latest career information
- ask questions and have them answered by industry experts
- register and reserve a place for obligation free opportunities to do work experience with local MAE industries
- free networking lunch
Showcase day participants numbers are limited and registrations are essential.
REGISTER NOW FOR THIS FREE AND EXCITING EVENT
For more information contact Melissa by email mae@agrifooditab.com.au or call 0421830056; or visit the agrifooditab website
5. GRANTS FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
Grant applications are now open for November 2022 program. Small Business Month advises that, “Grants of up to $5,000 for chambers of commerce, industry associations, not-for-profit organisations and NSW local councils are available to help them organise events for the sixth NSW Small Business Month in November 2022.”
NSW Small Business Month will be held from 1-30 November 2022.
NSW Small Business Month aims to help NSW’s small businesses Connect for Success. By attending NSW Small Business Month events small businesses learn new skills and new ideas to help them navigate the road ahead and get the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other small business owners and operators.
The even it organised by NSW Small Business Month on behalf of the NSW Government, who is the only dedicated festival of activities entity for small businesses in NSW.
“Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support the state’s hardworking small business owners Connect for Success this November. Activity ideas could be a marketing workshop, lunch and learn networking session, how to sell online your products webinar or an expo day with keynote speakers.
Grant applications will close at 5pm AEST on 5 August 2022.”
See more information, read the grant guidelines and apply for a grant through the website.
Learn more about Small Business Month
Read all about NSW Small Business Month on the website.
You can also email smallbusiness.month@smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au or call them during office hours on 1300 795 534.
6. ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP SUPERVISOR GUIDE SUBMITTED TO TRAINING SERVICES
The NUEITAB Board approved publication, “NSW Electrical Apprenticeship Supervisor Guide” has been submitted to Training Services NSW for use, distribution and promotion within its apprenticeship and traineeship remit. The NSW UE ITAB Electrical Apprenticeship Supervisor Guide draws and builds on many of the fundamentals contained in the Training Services NSW’s generic Apprentice Supervision Guide.
The key purpose for a specific electrical NSW Guide arose from work the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has been undertaking which included a survey of the electrical industry on apprenticeship supervision. Moreover, because of a series of incidents brought to the attention of the NSW UE ITAB by Training Services NSW of apprentices not been appropriately supervised in accordance with their vocational contract of training.
It was adopted and adapted in part, where appropriate, with the acquiescence of E-Oz Energy Skills Australia; a Policy Guide endorsed by E-Oz Board: 19 October 2014, and released, printed and published: 21 October 2014. Additional information in drafting of the Guide drew a range of industry and government supervision documents such as those from Essential Energy, Endeavour Energy, Commonwealth Government, SafeWork NSW and Training Services NSW.
The Guide provides an evidentiary benchmark for employers, supervisors, regulators (e.g. Office of Fair Trading [OFT] and SafeWork NSW), Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Training Services NSW and other requisite entities to use in monitoring and auditing employers and their supervisors as well as apprentices, under respective laws and regulations including the NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act. Employers will find the Guide useful for professionally developing their respective supervisors.
The Guide was developed with the involvement of key industry stakeholders in NSW. These include employer and employee representative bodies, practitioners, regulators, training providers and workers who have drawn on much experience in the industry and/or are involved in providing direct or indirect supervision of Electrotechnology apprentices.
The Guide aims to:
- improve the quality of apprenticeship supervision,
- promote increased awareness of the roles and responsibilities of supervisors in developing and mentoring apprentices to be qualified tradespersons,
- improve safe work practices and the quality of graduating apprentices, and
- provide a resource for state government agencies who monitor apprenticeship ‘Contracts of Training’.
The Guide specifically covers the apprenticeship titled Electrotechnology – Electrician Certificate III. A copy of the Guide can also be downloaded free from the NUEITAB website:
NSW ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP SUPERVISOR GUIDE or http://esproject.com.au/
It is hoped the NSW electrical regulator and Training Services NSW will utilise the key elements of the Guide to inform their policy processes in the monitoring and investigating the supervision of electrical apprentices in NSW and the soon to be released for public consultation – OFT Electrical Supervision practice standard for the electrical industry.
NSW UE ITAB has received feedback from stakeholders regarding the Guide and the collated feedback will be used to inform its subsequent update.
7. NATIONAL SKILLS WEEK 2022 (22-28 AUGUST)
SkillsIQ in its latest July eNews reports on the upcoming National Skills Week event in August.
The report states, “There’s still time to get involved in National Skills Week, being held 22-28 August with the theme, ‘A Universe of Skills: Go Beyond Your Imagination.’
This week-long event is dedicated to raising the profile and status of vocational learning, dispelling outdated myths and raising awareness of the myriad rewarding, lucrative and prestigious careers available. The challenge is to provide potential students, parents and carers with clear information on possible career pathways, training options, emerging new skills areas and VET courses.
To get involved, you can register your event on the National Skills Week website so others can attend. You can showcase your organisation or industry by championing the career paths and opportunities available through vocational education and training. You can engage with your local school or training organisation to hold an event to promote vocational education through pathways, apprenticeships, traineeships, school-based programs and share inspiring stories. You can even get the media involved in your event.
Email info@nationalskillsweek.com.au for ideas and resources that may help you or you can conduct a social media campaign during the week to highlight skills and training in your organisation and profile your people. Check out Facebook and Instagram #nationalskillsweek for more ideas.”
8. MANAGING PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS AT WORK
Safe Work Australia explains on its website that in relation to psychosocial hazards, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace, under the model WHS laws.
A psychosocial hazard is anything that could cause psychological harm (e.g. harm someone’s mental health). Common psychosocial hazards at work include:
- job demands
- low job control
- poor support
- lack of role clarity
- poor organisational change management
- inadequate reward and recognition
- poor organisational justice
- traumatic events or material
- remote or isolated work
- poor physical environment
- violence and aggression
- bullying
- harassment, including sexual harassment, and
- conflict or poor workplace relationships and interactions
How psychosocial hazards cause harm: Psychosocial hazards can create stress. This can cause psychological or physical harm. …
Psychosocial hazards may interact and combine: Psychosocial hazards may interact or combine to create new, changed or higher risks.
Managing psychosocial risks: A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must eliminate psychosocial risks, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable.
For more information on these relevant matters and meeting employer WHS duties see Safe Work Australia’s Mental health page.
For information see the model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work.
Download the ‘Managing psychosocial hazards at work’ infographic HERE
Download a copy of the ‘Code-of-Practice Managing psychosocial hazards’ HERE
9. SAFEWORK NSW INSPECTORS TARGET ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATIONS
SafeWork NSW has announced that From June to December 2022, SafeWork Inspectors will be targeting rooftop solar installations across NSW.
This is to address serious non-compliance issues identified during project visits in 2021 and to focus on the safety obligations of retailers and principal contractors.
Inspectors will be checking whether:
- a risk assessment has been completed for each rooftop installation and a safety plan has been put in place. This should include use of a fall prevention system, such as roof rails, or a correctly planned and used fall restraint system, such as a harness
- there is a site-specific safe work method statement (SWMS) being followed by the contractors and workers on every job.
On-the-spot fines for scaffolds, falls risks and unlicenced work
SafeWork NSW will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to workers’ lives being at risk of falls from heights by issuing on-the-spot fines of up to $3,600. Workers can also be fined $720 for undertaking electrical work without holding a licence.
Businesses that manufacture, sell, design and install solar systems have a duty to provide and maintain a safe working environment without risk to health and safety.”
The SafeWork website now contains the guide to Safe Solar Installation, Installers Safety, and the Retailers Checklist.
10. CONSULTATION CLOSING – MANAGING RISKS OF SILICA AT WORK
Safe Work Australia has advised that public submissions on the non-regulatory and regulatory options for managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica is closing on Monday 15 August at 11.59 pm (AEST).
The Consultation Regulation Impact Statement – Managing the risks of respirable crystalline silica at work (CRIS) has been developed to seek feedback from stakeholders and the general public on the impact of regulatory and non-regulatory options to manage the risks of respirable crystalline silica at work.
Interested parties are invited to comment on the options outlined in this consultation RIS. The consultation process is open until 15 August 2022, with the objective of gathering additional evidence and data on the extent of the problem and to seek views on the impact of the proposed options. To assist with making a submission, there are several targeted consultation questions to consider when making a submission. There is no obligation to answer any or all of the consultation questions, and there is no limit to the length of submissions. Additional options can also be presented for consideration.
DOWNLOAD THE CONSULTATION PAPER AND MAKE A SUBMISSION TO THE SURVEY
11. POWER LOGIC RELEASES TOOLBOX TALK VIDEOS
Chris Halliday at Power Logic advises that they have released a series of toolbox talk videos aimed at stimulating discussion in key safety related topic areas.
An initial four toolbox talk videos have been developed which cover the following:
- Arc Flash PPE – the importance of arc flash PPE is discussed including a short video on how arc flash clothing protects people. There is another video on how cotton clothing can make things worse. The care and maintenance of arc flash PPE and tuck-button-roll is discussed.
- Attaching Loggers in Transformers or MSBs – the dangers of connecting loggers in high fault current areas is discussed and options to minimise the risks. The same controls can be applied to taking spot measurements with multimeters.
- Importance of Risk Assessment – there are often grumbles about the WHS ‘stuff’. This toolbox talk looks at the importance of and the process around risk assessment.
- Power Pole Stability – the importance and ‘how to’ carry out power pole stability checks is discussed and demonstrated. Chris Halliday talks about a power pole fall that nearly claimed his life in 1983.
Obtaining Access to the Toolbox Talks
To obtain access, simply email Chris at chris@powerlogic.com.au and he will send you links to the toolbox talk videos if your company has done business with them in the past.
12. SERIOUS INCIDENTS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF LIVE POLARITY TESTING
The NSW Safety Regulator reports in the Weekly Incident Summary Mine Safety News – week ending 22July 2022 (ISR22-29) edition of two New Zealand fatal incidents (reported by WorkSafe NZ), which occurred within a month of each other when the electrical workers involved relied on a live polarity testing method.
“The first incident occurred when a live polarity test was used to test the connection of a newly installed mains cable and mains entry box. Because the connection was transposed between the phase and the neutral at the mains entry box, it resulted in the installation being livened in a fault condition.
The workers used a live polarity test which requires the power to be on to enable the test to be carried out. Because of the transposition, turning on the power to carry out the polarity test in this situation created the fault condition before the workers could identify that the polarity of the electrical installation was incorrect, and respond.
The transposition of the mains livened any electrically earthed connections, such as the hot water vent pipe.
Because the hot water vent pipe in this installation was equipotentially earthed, this caused a current to flow between the vent pipe and the iron roof. This resulted in intense localised heating and/or arcing which in turn caused the building paper to ignite. This resulted in significant fire damage to the roof space of the residential dwelling.
The second incident occurred adjacent to a school property and resulted in a neighbouring iron fence becoming energised because of electrical work being carried out on the mains at the school. This was a serious near-miss incident and created a risk of electrocution for anyone coming into contact with the fence.
Again, in this incident the electrical workers had used a live polarity test which required the power to be on to enable the test to be carried out.
Turning the power on to conduct the polarity test, created a fault situation in which the transposition of the mains livened the electrically earthed connections. In this case the iron cladding of a storage shed on the school grounds was livened.
There were several iron poles leaning up against the shed which were in also contact with the neighbouring iron fence. This resulted in a flow of electrical current between the storage shed and the neighbouring fence causing arcing to the fence.”
Guidance on how to carry a deenergised polarity test method can be found in the standard AS/NZS 3017” Electrical installations – Verification guidelines.
Download a copy of the New Zealand report – WKS-9 Safety alert serious incidents resulting from use of live polarity testing July 2022 HERE
VIEW MINE SAFETY NEWS – WEEKLY INCIDENT SUMMARY ISR22-29
13. WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS) EXCELLENCE SHOWCASE Q&A EVENT
SafeWork NSW is holding an inaugural WHS Excellence Showcase that will explain the program and the application process, where businesses and individuals could be recognised as WHS Champions.
Register now to attend SafeWork NSW’S online session and hear more about how businesses and individuals could be recognised as WHS Champions.
Date and time: Tuesday, 9 August 2022 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm AEST
The WHS Showcase is all about recognising businesses and individuals for their efforts in keeping people safe in workplaces across NSW.
Big or small, every step towards positive change will be recognised. SafeWork NSW wants to hear about the work of businesses, unions and industry associations who are effectively addressing WHS risks and implementing solutions.
Being the inaugural year of the WHS Excellence Showcase, SafeWork is inviting interested businesses and individuals to an online session where they can hear more about the categories and the application process. The SafeWork NSW team will answer questions about the Showcase application and how to best address the criteria the Inspectors are reviewing when completing your application.
The WHS Excellence Showcase entries are open to all businesses, industry associations and unions based, or operating, in New South Wales.
14. NEW LICENSING SCHEME FOR MECHANICAL SERVICES
The Building, Construction, Resources and Infrastructure Training Advisory Body (BCRITAB) reports in its latest 28 July 2022 BCRITAB Newsletter of new licensing scheme for mechanical services.
It states, “The NSW government is preparing to implement a new licensing system for mechanical services in October, HVAC&R News reports.
The changes were prompted by the need for medical gases licensing, but also include provisions that impact mechanical services workers across refrigeration, air conditioning and plumbing.
The Building Amendment (Mechanical Services and Medical Gas Work) Bill 2020 amends the Home Building Act 1989 to provide for the licensing of contractors, and the certifying of supervisors and tradespersons who carry out mechanical services work including medical gas systems work.
The new licence will be administered by NSW Fair Trading.
The Bill was introduced in response to two incidents in Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in 2016. Medical gases were incorrectly piped in one of the operating theatres, leading to two babies being administered nitrous oxide instead of oxygen. One of the babies, Amelia Khan, was left with severe brain damage. The other baby, John Ghanem, died.”
HVAC&R News reports too, that, “The new system will sit alongside the existing air conditioning and refrigeration licensing regime.
Although the Bill was passed in 2020, the implementation has been postponed twice, and industry awareness of the new licence remains low.
It is understood that industry groups are liaising with the NSW government to support the implementation of the new licensing system by clarifying the scope of the licences, the qualifications required for each class of licence, and the timetable for implementation.
For more information on medical gas and mechanical services licensing in NSW, click here.”
15. SOLAR REPORT – SECOND QUARTER DROP IN 2022
The Australian Energy Council has released its latest Solar Report updates on developments in the second quarter.
The report states, “Based on current Clean Energy Regulator (CER) data it shows a drop in solar rooftop installations – due to a range of factors including supply chain costs and weather events.
Regardless of the drop in Q2, solar continues to play a growing role in the grid.”
The report notes that Solar PV installations dropped to their lowest level in three years in the second quarter, according to data from the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and looks at factors behind the changes as well as state-by-state shifts.
Interestingly, “the CER’s figures show that more than 52,950 rooftop solar systems were installed in the second quarter of 2022 increasing capacity by 446 megawatts (MW). The number of installations compares to 109,000 in the same quarter last year and 86,000 in 2020.
A drop in installations this year was data, Australian Energy forecast, however Council analysis, data as of 25 June 2022 this is the first confirmation of the actual impact of factors such as higher system emerged last year. …
When comparing the uptake of battery installations with rooftop solar by state, South Australia and New South Wales lead, accounting for around 25 and 23 per cent of total installations respectively. …
Government incentives via rebate have incentivised the installation of a 5kw system over smaller systems, reducing the relevant payback period by up to two years if a 5kw system is purchased instead of a 3kw s change y stem. Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth in payback periods with a higher interest rate.”
For more, contact Australian Energy Council
16. TRANSGRID COMPLETES $235 MILLION ELECTRICITY PROJECT
Utility News reports in its 28 July 2022 edition that Transgrid has completed the $235 million Powering Sydney’s Future Project, which will secure an electricity supply to Sydney’s CBD and surrounding areas for decades.
The article by Ciaran O’Mahony states, “The project was fast tracked by the NSW Government in response to growing peak electricity demand, driven largely by the new infrastructure investment and population growth. …”
Construction on the PSF project began in August 2020 and included:
- Installing a new 20km 330kV underground cable between Potts Hill and Alexandria
- Upgrading Transgrid substations at Potts Hill, Alexandria and Picnic Point
- Installing additional conduits so there is space for a second cable to be added in the future as demand increases
- Constructing cable bridges for the cable to cross rail corridors” …
Transgrid Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brett Redman, said Powering Sydney’s Future is the largest 300kV cable project ever delivered in Australia.
“This is the culmination of many years of planning, design and construction and will ensure a reliable electricity supply to more than 800,000 residents and the critical businesses and infrastructure helping to power the nation’s largest economy,” Mr Redman said. …
“The recent instability we’ve seen in the energy sector highlights the crucial role transmission and projects like this play in enabling Australia’s energy transition.”
17. FUNDS TO STRENGTHEN CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE
Editor, Sandra Rossi reports in the 25 July 2022 edition of Climate Control News (CCN) that the Victorian government is set to boost the number of women working in solar.
It aims to make the state’s rapidly growing renewables sector more diverse and help meet the skilled worker demand. The articles states, “The first women have graduated from solar apprenticeships as part of the Labor Government’s suite of measures to address gender inequality in the sector.
Women currently make up less than one per cent of the clean energy work force.
The subsidised apprenticeships are part of the Government’s $11 million Growing Our Clean Energy Workforce Training and Workforce Development package, which is working to meet future industry demand through diversification and maintain Victoria’s reputation as the national leader in solar safety standards.
Victorian solar installers have just six more months to receive the government’s subsidy to pay half the salary of a female apprentice for two years, in addition to providing apprentices a tool allowance and six-monthly incentive payments.
Businesses like Total Solar Solutions are already benefiting from the program, employing two female apprentices who received subsidised training.
The government’s flagship $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program, launched in 2018, will support 5,500 clean energy jobs.”
18. NECA – LABOR’S UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS BAN CREATES EVEN PLAYING FIELD FOR DAVID VS GOLIATH
Editor, Sean Carroll reports in the 29 July 2022 edition of Electrical Connection that The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has applauded the federal government’s plan to introduce legislation strengthening unfair contract term protections for small businesses and consumers.
The article states, “NECA chief executive Oliver Judd has thanked minister Collins and minister Leigh on behalf of the industry, noting their announcement and comments were precisely what hard-working subcontractors in the electrotechnology sector had been calling for.
According to the government, the amendments will introduce civil penalty provisions outlawing the use of, and reliance on, unfair terms in standard form contracts. This will enable a regulator to seek a civil penalty from a court.
NECA welcomes the increasing number of businesses that will be afforded protections by lifting the small business eligibility threshold from less than 20 employees to less than 100 employees and introducing an annual turnover threshold of less than $10 million as an alternative criterion for determining eligibility.
“Finally, David has equal standing with Goliath, with a fair chance of contract term negotiations,” Oliver says.
“While NECA hasn’t seen the detail yet, we are hopeful that this long overdue legislative change will protect NECA’s members and the broader network of subcontractors, small businesses, workers, and consumers from being taken advantage of. NECA stands ready to assist the government in devising the most effective pathways to achieving this.”
19. UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIPLE INSTALLERS COMPLETING A SOLAR PV INSTALLATION
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has announced an update to the requirements for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. It states, “Solar PV installations may now be conducted by multiple installers, which was not permitted previously.
At a minimum, Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers must be at the site during job setup, mid-installation and commissioning. Agents and installers are required to provide concurrent evidence of the installer’s presence on-site through all the relevant phases of the installation as detailed in CEC install and supervise guideline 6.1.3. Selfie photographs are the typical evidence the agency expects to show compliance with this requirement. The CER will use this evidence when assessing the eligibility of an application for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
When it is not reasonable for a CEC accredited installer to complete the whole installation and the system will be registered as a Small Generation Unit for STCs,” there are six requirements that must be met.
For more information visit creating small-scale technology certificates or phone 1300 553 542.