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1. INVESTING IN SKILLS AND TRAINING TO SUPPORT A FUTURE MADE IN AUSTRALIA
The Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP Media Release following the tabling of the May 2024 Government Budget highlighted the $600 million in measures in the 2024-25 Budget that aimed to bolster skills growth and development in the clean energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors. As well, additional initiatives to support apprentices and break down barriers for women in male-dominated industries.
The 14 May 2024, Media Release stated, “These investments continue our work to remove cost barriers to education and training and incentivise people to train in areas our economy needs them most.”
Initiatives include:
- Skilling the Clean Energy Workforce
Investing $91.0 million over five years in the Budget to help skill the new energy workforce for the transition to Net Zero, including: - A $50 million capital and equipment investment fund for facility upgrades to expand clean energy training capacity across wind, solar, pumped hydro, grid battery storage, electricity networks and hydrogen, as well as key electrical and construction trades;
- $30 million to turbocharge the clean energy teacher, trainer and assessor workforce;
- Establishing advocacy and promotional work for clean energy careers;
- Support for small and medium businesses taking on clean energy, construction and
manufacturing apprentices through access to Group Training Organisation services, with up to $1,500 in annual reimbursements over the life of an apprenticeship; and - A preliminary study on using Australia’s international education sector to tackle critical skills shortages through work integrated learning and apprenticeships where domestic training capacity permits.
We have adjusted the eligibility settings of the New Energy Apprenticeships Program so even more apprentices can be in-training to support the transition to net zero and enter the jobs of the future.
In addition to the $91.0 million invested in the new energy workforce, we are also establishing a National Hydrogen Technology Skills Training Centre. In partnership with the Victorian Government …”
- Skilling the Construction Workforce to Support Housing Supply
Housing targets require an ambitious TAFE and VET sector, that’s why we are investing $90.6 million over three years in the Budget to help skill the housing and construction workforce … - Supporting women to achieve higher paying careers through VET pathways
Creating better learning, training and job opportunities for women that will lead to greater economic equality and security … - Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System
Helping train the future workforce, investing $265.1 million over four years to provide additional targeted support under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System. - Responding to the Universities Accord
Building on the National Skills Agreement to establish up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence and in response to the Australian Universities Accord.
“The 2024-25 Budget builds on what we’ve already delivered in Skills and Training, including the first National Skills Agreement between the Commonwealth and all states and territories in a more than a decade, which will unlock up to $30 billion in investment in the VET sector over five years.
Jobs and Skills Australia, which will receive a further $9.5 million, is in full flight, providing government with the most up to date information on labour market skills needs, and all 10 Jobs and Skills Councils are undertaking the important work of bringing together businesses, unions and training providers to supply government with the current and future skills needs specific to their respective sectors. …
We’re making an additional 320,000 Fee-Free TAFE places available from 2024 to 2026 providing cost of living support for Australians learning skills in priority areas.”
The Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget on Tuesday 14 May 2024 – VIEW BUDGET DOCUMENTS 2024-2025 HERE
2. NSW UE ITAB EXECUTIVE OFFICER POSITION – ADVERT
The NSW UE ITAB Executive Officer position will become available for interested applicants in July – August 2024. In this regard the NSW UE ITAB Board of Directors is seeking applications from interested applicants for the position. Applications close Friday 21 June 2024.
The NSW UE ITAB Executive Officer role demands strong leadership, communication, and independent working skills, with deep knowledge of the Utilities and Electrotechnology industry and VET systems. The officer manages board activities, finances, and company operations, develops policies, coordinates meetings, and provides industry advice to the government. Additionally, they promote government initiatives, represent ITAB in various forums, conduct marketing activities, manage projects, and maintain stakeholder networks. They ensure compliance with the NSW Department of Education’s requirements, prepare necessary reports, and possibly serve as Company Secretary if requested by the Board.
A copy of the Position Description can be downloaded from the following link:
EXECUTIVE OFFICER POSITION PD
For more information contact the following:
Contact details:
| First instance about the job | To apply for the position: |
| Executive Officer: Tony Palladino
Email: tony@uensw.com.au or Mob: 0437 396 363 |
Chair: Mr David Hughes
Email: david.hughes2763@gmail.com Mob: 0402 060 332. |
Applications close Friday 21 June 2024
3. HAVE YOUR SAY – AUSTRALIAN SKILLS CLASSIFICATION USER SURVEY
In a circular of 21 May 2024, Jobs and Skills Australia has announced that it is seeking feedback on its common language Australian Skills Classification (ASC) project.
The circular states, “The ASC was developed to provide a common language of skills to increase understanding and recognition of skills across occupations, sectors, and contexts. We’ve heard from key stakeholders about the limitations of the ASC including the need for stronger stakeholder input. JSA has begun work on an enhanced replacement for the ASC – the National Skills Taxonomy.”
The ASC will be retained on the JSA website while work commences on the development of a new national skills taxonomy. As outlined in the JSA annual report “Towards a National Jobs and Skills Roadmap”, the work on a National Skills Taxonomy will start from first principles with stakeholders to gain a joint understanding across industry and government of the purpose of a national skills taxonomy, its role in a more joined-up tertiary education sector and principles that should underpin its design.
To support existing users while the new project develops, a final update to the ASC was published in December 2023. No further updates to the ASC are planned while consideration of the development of a national skills taxonomy is underway.
“To help us to better understand your experience of the ASC, we want to hear from users about the strengths and the limitations of the data. Your contribution will help us with the key components of the National Skills Taxonomy project.
Your views matter. If you’ve used the ASC or have considered using it, we want to hear from you.”
The online survey closes on Wednesday 5 June at 5pm (AEST) and will take about 10 minutes to complete.
For more information visit the JSA website: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/
4. CORE SKILLS OCCUPATION LIST OPEN FOR CONSULTATION
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) also has another project out for consultation and feedback. JSA write in the circular of 15 May 2024, that on 20 March, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) invited interested stakeholders and community members to contribute to its work on the development of the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) which is part of the Commonwealth Government’s Migration Strategy.
The circular states, “As articulated in the Migration Strategy, JSA’s work has built on the Skills Priority List by analysing how well migrants do in the labour market, domestic labour supply and other relevant factors.
The draft version of CSOL, and frequently asked questions, are available on the JSA website.
Jobs and Skills Australia’s consultation process for the development of CSOL includes surveys, submissions, bilateral meetings and qualitative analysis (including focus groups and in-depth interviews). We welcome feedback from businesses both with and without skill shortages, unions and employee bodies, professional and registration authorities, and from Australian and migrant workers and job seekers.
A structured survey is open until Friday 10 May and submissions are open until Friday 31 May 2024 5 pm AEST.
For any questions or further information please contact us at CoreSkillsList@jobsandskills.gov.au.
5. TAFE’S LONG-RUNNING STRUGGLE FOR COURSE SELF-ACCREDITATION EDGES CLOSER
The 13 May 2024 edition of TDA Newsletter included an article that TAFE was getting closer to overcoming its long-running struggle to achieve course self-accreditation.
The article states, “The prospect of TAFEs having the right to course accreditation moved a step closer last week when the federal government announced a pilot project to explore putting TAFE self-accreditation into practice.
The Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor told the TDA Convention that the government will scope and pilot ASQA delegating its course accreditation function to selected TAFEs.
“I know that TAFEs have been advocating for this for some time and the government appreciated the thoughtful advice of the Universities Accord Panel in recommending it,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This is important and detailed work, but it is untested ground, and we need to ensure we build an evidence base before we evolve the process further.”
Thanking Minister O’Connor for the positive announcement, TDA CEO Jenny Dodd noted that it was in 2012 when self-accreditation was removed from TAFEs.
“Your decision, as a government, to put self-accreditation back into TAFEs for select programs is the right decision in terms of putting education at the heart and supporting innovation.
6. GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF CHANGE
Editor Sandra Rossi reports in the 16 May 2024 edition of Climate Control News (CCN) on how the inaugural Women in HVACR Showcase turned into a global celebration.
The article states, “CCN in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) launched the very first Women in HVACR Showcase last year not realising the positive impact it would have both here and overseas.
The showcase profiled 20 women making a difference in the HVACR industry, their stories were a social media sensation generating plenty of interest from industry groups overseas.
This was particularly true in Europe where the International Network for Women in Cooling featured our Top 20 on their social media feeds.
Not surprisingly, the initiative has returned again in 2024 with the support of sponsorship from MHIAA.
Once again CCN will profile 20 women who are willing to be ambassadors for change.
Women from all parts of Australia are invited to nominate and to be part of this important initiative showcasing our industry to the rest of the world.
Participation is not based on age or title; it is about your experience and passion for the HVACR industry.
The goal is to encourage more women to pursue a career in HVACR and to showcase the opportunities this industry has to offer.
Although the proportion of women in trade apprenticeships is slowly increasing, women are under-represented in almost all traditional trade occupations, representing 12.2 per cent of all trades. …
Sonia Holzheimer was featured in last year’s showcase.
Sonia Holzheimer was featured in last year’s showcase.Jingyi Zhou from ActronAir was also part of the 2023 showcase.
Jingyi Zhou from ActronAir was also part of the 2023 showcase.
Sadly, this situation is even mirrored in the boardroom which is remarkable because employing more women is the secret to better financial outcomes.
Organisations with at least three female board members are 15 per cent more likely to outperform their peers, proof that diversity matters.
HVACR is a great industry, but we need to spread the word. …
Nominations close on 15 August, 2024.
Share your story at www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/WHVACR
7. ROADMAP SETS OUT A REFORM PATH FOR NSW APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
The Building, Construction, Resources and Infrastructure Training Advisory Body (BCRITAB) reports in its 24 May 2024 of BCRITAB Newsletter that the NSW Department of Education has embarked on a reform path for NSW apprenticeship system.
The article states, “The apprenticeship and traineeship model in NSW requires strengthening to be more focused and flexible to meet future skills needs, according to a new three-year strategy.
The NSW Department of Education Apprenticeship and Traineeship (A&T) Roadmap sets out a number of challenges, as well as new approaches to meet shifting industry needs.
It says the A&T model faces key challenges, including:
- Persistently low completions
- Being ‘highly reactive’ to current learner and employer demand
- Having difficulty attracting more diverse learners, specifically females
- Learners and employers needing more support
- The large majority of SMEs engaged in A&T less likely to have the administration and capacity to provide a variety of work, mentoring and support.
The roadmap sets out a series of strategies to be adopted over the next three years. This includes:
- Simplifying the regulatory framework
- Streamlining external communications
- Strengthening recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- Accelerating high performing apprentices and trainees
- Adopting a risk-based approach to field checks that targets high-risk employers and learners
- Exploring opportunities with major employers to encourage co-location of facilities and training.
The roadmap was developed in consultation with employers, industry, providers, learners, the Commonwealth and other state agencies.
“We now have a unique opportunity to adapt the model to respond to these challenges and opportunities,” the roadmap says.
8. SURVEY – ENERTRAIN AND NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HYDROGEN INITIATIVE
EnerTrain, leading provider of quality training in the energy industry, specifically gas, advises that the NSW Department of Education (Training Service NSW) is supporting EnerTrain in a project to develop cutting-edge training and assessment materials for the UEGSS00013 – Basic Hydrogen Safety Skill Set, from the UEG Gas Industry Training Package.
In undertaking the project EnerTrain is seeking industry feedback into the development of training and assessment materials for the Skill Set. This initiative will result in the UEGSS00013 Skill Set being made available to employers across Australia. It is anticipated the approach will be a blended delivery mode that will enable it to be delivered at employers’ worksites nationally. EnerTrain will also look to deliver this skill set at their training centre in Ferntree Gully VIC.
This exciting collaboration between Government and small business is all about equipping workers with crucial skills and knowledge for safe hydrogen handling and operations, aligning with the latest industry standards and practices. This is a crucial part of Australia’s clean energy transition and EnerTrain are proud to be leading the charge with this skills development initiative. Over the coming weeks, we will be visiting various Hydrogen hubs and meeting with employers of various industries who work with Hydrogen.
EnerTrain is keen to actively engage further with key industry stakeholders interested in contributing their insights on safe hydrogen handling practices in their workplaces, by inviting them to complete a survey as an initial step in this collaborative process.
Competing the survey will take approximately 10 mins and will ensure stakeholder needs are considered in the development phase of the training product.
Please complete the survey – EnerTrain Survey
EnerTrain provides assurance that all responses will be kept completely confidential and used solely for the purpose of contextualising and enhancing our training materials.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact them via email (jason@enertrain.com.au), or on 0406 200 524.
For more information visit: www.enertrain.com.au
9. SMART & SKILLED UPDATE – MAY 2024
Training Services NSW has published the latest Smart and Skilled Update, for the month of MAY 2024 (DOWNLOAD A COPY HERE).
Smart and Skilled is an NSW Government program that helps people get qualifications in in-demand skills and industries. It’s a key part of the NSW vocational education and training system.
This latest Smart and Skilled Update covers the following:
- Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships – Applications now open
Applications are now open for the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships.
There are a maximum of 150 scholarships available, each worth $5,000 per year for up to three years. Applications close 11:59pm Friday 31 May 2024.
- Smart and Skilled Review Notices 2024-25
Further to Smart and Skilled Update No. 230 released on 26 April 2024, the department anticipates offering Smart and Skilled Review Notices to eligible providers for the 2024-2025 Activity Period in early May, and by no later than 10 May 2024.
Find out how to access funding for vocational education and training that gives people workplace skills in high demand industries. Learn about Smart and Skilled and other government programs in NSW. For more information visit: FUNDING AND SUPPORT – SMART AND SKILLED
Or, for technical support in relation to this update, contact Training Market Customer Support at Training.Market@det.nsw.edu.au
For the Smart and Skilled – NSW Skills List visit: NSW SKILLS LIST – SMART AND SKILLED
10. POWERING SKILLS ORGANISATION – INSIGHTS UPDATE
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) will be holding its next Insights Update on Wednesday, June 19th, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (AEST).
If you have not registered yet, this is a reminder to register for the virtual upcoming event as soon as possible.
During the Insights Update, PSO will be delving into the latest developments at Powering Skills Organisation. From recent initiatives to ongoing plans and the tangible outcomes PSO will outline what has been achieved. The meeting is a valuable opportunity to remain informed about PSO’s endeavours and actively engage in discussions about PSO’s future.
The session will be both informative and collaborative, and PSO will highly value your participation. Please follow the link below to register your attendance at this event.
PSO appreciates your ongoing support and collaboration and looks forward to seeing you at the meeting to learn more about developments within the Powering Skills Organisation.
Wednesday, June 19th, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (AEST).
10.1. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS NEEDED
PSO LAUNCHES TWO MORE PROJECTS!
PSO also announced that it has launched two exciting projects, stating, “In our Monitoring Energy Sector Progression activity PSO will be conducting a thorough review of competency development plan units within the energy sector. With fifteen units currently in place, our goal is to streamline this process, reducing redundancy and ensuring consistency.
This project aligns with our commitment to delivering fit-for-purpose competency units, focusing on competency development in the energy sector.
Subject Matter Experts (SME) will be drawn on throughout this project to help review and draft the revised units of competency.
If you are interested in applying to be a subject matter expert and would like to volunteer your time to this project, please follow the link below and scroll down to submit your application.
BECOME A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
Alternatively, to become a SME you may email details of your expertise to mesp@poweringskills.com.au
If you would like to follow along with this project, please feel free to register your interest in project updates and consultation opportunities by following the link below.
https://poweringskills.com.au/monitoring-energy-sector-progression/
We’re also working on our Qualification Reform initiative which aims to revitalise Vocational Education and Training packages, to ensure graduates are equipped with relevant skills for modern workplaces. Through collaboration with DEWR and other JSCs, we’re identifying opportunities to streamline qualifications, reduce overspecification, and foster innovation. The outcome? A more adaptable workforce, a streamlined qualifications system, and enhanced responsiveness to industry needs.”
For more information visit their website at: https://poweringskills.com.au/.
11. REGIONAL WORKPLACE CONSULTATIONS AND HSR FORUMS 2024
SafeWork NSW advises in its recent notice that it will be delivering free workplace consultation forums in regional NSW in 2024 and are inviting health and safety representatives (HSRs), work health and safety (WHS) committee members and workers.
Events are scheduled from May – July 2024 at Wollongong, Tamworth, Cooma, Albury, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Wagga Wagga and Orange.
The notice states, “Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must consult with their workers who may be directly affected by a health and safety matter. Learn about the many benefits for workers, and how to actively promote and engage in workplace safety to assist PCBUs in finding solutions to eliminating workplace harms.
These forums are an opportunity for workers and HSRs to develop their skills, network with others and receive important updates about workplace consultation and workplace safety.
The program has been developed in consultation with unions and associations and consideration has been given to the varied needs of industries and workplace hazards. The program will include information about how to manage psychosocial hazards, such as bullying, workload overload, violence and preventing sexual harassment.
Practical workshops will look at common workplace harms and how to manage them, such as falls, forklifts and plant, and electrical safety.
What do you need to do?
Registrations are now open, and places are limited. Register at SafeWork NSW Events
For more information about consultation please visit https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/safety-starts-here/consultation@work or download the promotion flyer HERE
For further assistance, please call 13 10 50 or visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au
12. EMPLOYMENT AND SATISFACTION HIGH FOR INTERNATIONAL ONSHORE VET COMPLETERS
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) released its 2023 International onshore VET qualification completer outcomes report on 2 May 2024. The report shows that international onshore students continue to experience improved employed outcomes after completing vocational education and training (VET) qualifications in Australia.
A summary of the report states, “According to the report, 76.6% of international onshore qualification completers improved their employment status, an increase of 3.6 percentage points from 2022.
Highlights of the report were:
Main reason for training
Overall, 75.4% undertook training for employment-related reasons, 22.0% for personal reasons, and 2.5% for further study reasons.
Main reasons for training were to:
- develop or start my own business (24.4%)
- gain extra skills for current job (15.9%).
Employment and further study outcomes
In 2023:
- 6% had an improved employment status after training, up 3.6 percentage points from 2022.
- 2% were employed after training, up 1.2 percentage points from 2022.
- 3% were enrolled in further study after training, down 2.2 percentage points from 2022.
Barriers of employment
Of those looking for work at some stage after training, 81.0% faced at least one barrier when looking for work, down 1.3 percentage points from 2022. Of these, the two most commonly cited barriers were:
- lack of jobs due to COVID-19 (30.7%), down 6.3 percentage points from 2022.
- did not have a required permanent residency/work visa (29.4%), down 3.3 percentage points from 2022.
Satisfaction with training
As reported in 2023:
- 8% were satisfied with the training overall, up 1.6 percentage points from 2022.
- 2% are likely to recommend their training provider, up 2.4 percentage points from 2022.
International onshore VET qualification completer outcomes 2023 provides a summary of the outcomes of international students who completed their vocational education and training (VET) qualification in Australia in 2022. These students were surveyed as an additional component to the 2023 National Student Outcomes Survey.
Information is presented on international onshore VET qualification completers’ reasons for training and their employment outcomes, their satisfaction with training and further study outcomes.
Overall, 13 594 international onshore VET qualification completers responded to the survey.
13. NSW ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE SUPERVISION PRACTICE STANDARD TO BE MANDATED SEP 2024
REMINDER – the Building Commission NSW, released the Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) for Apprentices in the electrical industry December 2023 over the growing concern of apprentice supervision in the industry.
A reminder that the new standard is currently a Guide and is expected to become mandatory, as a legal requirement in September 2024.
The new standard covers appropriate supervision requirements, levels and ratios for the supervision of electrical apprentices.
The new standard states, “The new Supervision Practice Standard for electrical apprentices aims to respond to compliance issues and industry needs by clarifying the appropriate levels and ratios of supervision depending on the experience of an apprentice. These guidelines will assist businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligation and make the necessary arrangements to ensure safety and compliance.”
The Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) acts as a guideline to help businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligations. It also details the supervision requirements of electrical apprentices to achieve compliant work in a safe manner.
Key information
- The new Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) provides information for the electrical industry on appropriate levels and ratios for the supervision of electrical apprentices.
- Only a licensed electrician can supervise electrical apprentices.
- The SPS details varying levels of supervision that are appropriate depending on the experience of an apprentice, Direct, General and Broad.
- Currently, the SPS acts as a guideline to help businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligations under the SPS and make appropriate arrangements to meet the requirements.
- The SPS will be mandated as a legal requirement in September 2024. Once mandatory, a failure to comply with the SPS will attract enforcement action and penalties.
Download a copy of the guide via this link: SUPERVISION PRACTICE STANDARD FOR APPRENTICES IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY PDF, 558.89 KB.
More information is available on the Fair Trading website HERE
A Power Point Presentation (PPT) slide show, is also available explaining the Standard – HERE
14. ELECTRICAL LICENSING DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office also reported in its April 2024 eSafe Electrical new service of the disciplinary actions taken by the Electrical Licensing Committee against eight licence holders.
The following are passageways of several of the incidents:
- An electrical worker was installing an electric hot water system and replacing electrical fittings and equipment in a newly renovated unit, when he failed to ensure the installation was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules before it was energised. … Another worker received an electrical shock when contact was made with the exposed part of the energised unterminated cable.
- An electrical worker was involved in the installation of a PV solar system, including the replacement of circuit breakers within the main switchboard and the upgrade of the consumer mains from the point of attachment to the main switchboard. … The property owner received an electric shock when contact was made with the main water shut-off valve and the metallic meter enclosure.
- An electrical contractor was engaged to replace damaged electrical equipment within a transportable structure at a workshop. … As a result of this failure, a third-year electrical apprentice received an electric shock when he came into contact with the energised terminals of a light switch.
- An electrical worker was involved in the removal of electrical points from an internal wall and the relocation of the Energex overhead service point of attachment structure at a domestic property. … service neutral conductor was incorrectly installed causing a rise in potential on the electrical installation earthing system and the conductive metallic parts of the building structure – this resulted in the occupants of the property receiving shocks when they contacted the metallic plumbing fixtures.
- An electrical contractor intentionally deceived an electrical inspector during an investigation. The contractor provided false statements and Certificates of Tests regarding the performance of electrical work at several newly built domestic properties. …The contractor’s licence was cancelled and disqualified from holding an electrical contractor licence for five years.
- An electrical worker was supervising the installation of a UPS battery system at a construction site when he failed to provide adequate supervision, PPE, and work instructions for an electrical apprentice.As a result of this failure, the apprentice inadvertently shorted the DC supply of the batteries causing an arc flash. The electrical apprentice sustained burns to the hand.
15. HOME DETENTION FOR TRADESMAN’S DEATH
New Zealand’s WorkSafe – Energy Safety, reports in its 29 April 2024 Energy Safety Business Update of a successful prosecution and home detention of an electrical worker that resulted in a fatality.
The article states, “WorkSafe – Energy Safety has successfully prosecuted an electrical worker, Stephen Graham Burton, under s163C of the Electricity Act 1992 for failing to test prescribed electrical work he had completed that ultimately resulted in a fatality.
The electrical worker was sentenced in the Nelson District Court to eight months home detention and ordered to pay $150k in reparation.
This conviction and sentencing sets important precedent for all electrical workers in New Zealand highlighting the need to carry out mandatory testing specified in the regulations to ensure their electrical work is compliant and safe to use.
The electrical worker was engaged by a property owner to remove an outdated extraction light and fan appliance and then install a new power point to supply a newly installed range hood. The power point was connected to the existing cable that was originally supplying the old appliance.
The existing cable was connected to a double switch plate, where the red active was being used to switch the fan and the green earth conductor was sleeved red to switch the light within the old appliance.
It was an acceptable practice under previous legislation to identify and use an earth conductor as a live conductor.
During the installation of the power point the electrical worker failed to identify correctly how the cable was originally connected into the old appliance or that the earth conductor was used as an active to switch the light within the old appliance.
As a result, the earth in the socket outlet and therefore the metal work of the newly installed range hood became energised with 230VAC.
Had the electrical worker carried out the mandatory testing and verification, he would have identified that the earth conductor was originally being used as a live conductor.”
16. BUILDING COMMISSION NSW INSPECTS BUSY TWEED, NORTH COAST REGION
The Building Commission NSW News reported in its late April 2024 new service that its inspectors had finished a four-day compliance operation in northern NSW, ensuring houses under construction and residential apartments are being built to standards.
The news article stated, “Under new powers in the Home Building Act 1989 (HBA), inspectors visited Class 1 and Class 2 sites to make sure:
- tradespeople, including plumbers and electricians, were suitably licensed.
- home building work was up to standard.
The high-visibility audits also checked if:
- appropriate home building insurance was in place.
- correct signs were displayed on site.
- contracts between consumers and sub-contractors complied with the HBA.
We visited 22 sites across the region where inspectors issued four Building Work Rectification Orders and nine fines were handed out to unlicensed contractors and for missing builder signage.
We will continue to target building projects for compliance with pro-actively planned visits to metropolitan and regional locations, including follow-up ‘anytime, anywhere’ inspections to the same sites.”
17. ELECTRICAL SAFETY INCIDENTS – MAR 2024 – SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE
The NSW UE ITAB is fortunate again this month to be provided with the latest electrical incident reports from BluScope Steel. As stated in previous News Services, the NSW UE ITAB has received permission from BlueScope Steel to share the information.
The aim is to help RTOs and industry practitioners have available, real case studies of electrical incidents that have occurred in workplaces and which they can showcase and use in their programs or safety moments to highlight findings and experience, and discuss possible issues, responses or solutions.
The NSW UE ITAB again, sincerely thanks BlueScope Steel for their permission, and advises RTOs and industry practitioners to ensure they recognise and acknowledge attribution to BlueScope for sharing this information and treat the information for educational purposes only.
As we receive the incident reports, we will continue to share them accordingly.
For this News Service we have a Blue Scope Steel reports covering the month of March 2024:
- Download the March 2024 report – MARCH 2024 REPORT HERE
For more information and BlueScope contact details please refer to the undersigned for more information. Again, a sincere thanks to BlueScope.
18. DRIVING TOWARDS A GREEN ECONOMY
NCVER releases new report, 1 May 2024 on the impact of Electric Vehicles in driving towards a green economy.
The report overview states, “According to the Climate Council, Australia is committed to its 43% emission target by 2030, and net zero by 2050. Net zero emissions refers to ‘achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere’.
Reaching net zero will not be a simple transition. The path towards a strong green economy will require transformations from several industries with regards to new workers, occupations, qualifications, technologies and more. …
Key points of the report were:
- According to the Electric Vehicle Council, it was expected there would be approximately 180 000 EVs in Australia by the end of 2023. At the end of June 2023, EVs accounted for 8.4% of all new cars sold in Australia, an increase of 120.5% from 2022.
- Electric vehicle new car sales in 2023 represented approximately 8.4% of car sales, up by 120.5% from 2022.
- A recent report shows a 35% shortfall in employment in occupations most prominent in the automotive industry in 2023.
- The latest NCVER data shows there were 597 program enrolments for electric and hybrid vehicle skill sets in 2022 compared to just 10 in 2018.
- Initiatives such as the Australian Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy aim to grow the number of EVs in Australia.
- 338 322 people employed in the automotive industry in Australia and approximately 51.93% are VET qualified.
- 173 521 people employed in automotive repair and maintenance, of which 64.77% are VET qualified
In recent years, the automotive industry has struggled to fill occupations. This has become particularly evident following the rising popularity of EVs and the requirement to upskill workers.
While the automotive industry is currently experiencing a skills shortage, NCVER data shows the number of Motor Mechanic and Automotive Electrician apprentices and trainees in-training has been gradually increasing since 2019. When comparing June 2019 and June 2023 quarters, these in-training numbers have increased by 8 812 (or 36.7%).
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) recently partnered with Deloitte Access Economics to prepare a 2024 report, which explored skills shortages in the Australian automotive industry. The report referenced Jobs and Skills Australia’s (JSA) recent findings that 35% of the most prominent occupations in the automotive industry were assessed to be in shortage in 2023.
READ MORE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
19. CO2 TRAINING IN ACTION
The 17 May 2024 HVAC&R News produced by AIRAH, reports on the need to continue the drive to train up Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) technicians in natural refrigerants.
The article states, “As high-GWP refrigerants are phased down and eventually out, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of several natural refrigerants that will continue to increase in popularity over the coming decade or so. Supermarket chains are leading the charge, with Woolworths recently announcing the launch of its 100th transcritical CO₂ store.
But despite the technology becoming more mainstream, there remains a significant skills gap. Many fridgies have never worked on transcritical CO₂ or received training about how it differs from classic refrigeration.
To remedy this, GOTAFE, CA Group Services, and Airefrig have collaborated to offer an accredited transcritical CO₂ training course supported by AIRAH, TAFE Victoria, and Bendigo TAFE. The course uses two mobile training pods that simulate the kind of transcritical CO₂ system you’d find in a supermarket.
The latest iteration of the training – which was predominantly for Woolworths refrigeration technicians – took place in five one-day sessions over the week of April 15–19 at Airefrig’s Truganina branch in Melbourne’s western suburbs. During the week, 62 fridgies attended and successfully completed the training. …
Milburn says Woolworths plans to expand the training to ensure all its refrigeration mechanics are formally certified in CO₂ refrigeration.
“Woolworths will continue to invest in upskilling the entire team over time,” he says. “The initial training has been targeted to states that have a larger number of operational CO₂ and TCO₂ plants.
According to Smalldon, formal CO₂ regulation can’t come quickly enough.
“I am absolutely positive that training on transcritical and subcritical CO₂ systems should be mandatory and regulated,” Smalldon says, “due to the very high pressures and differences compared to other vapour compression systems.”
20. REFRIGERANT RECLAIM AUSTRALIA HELPS SAVE THE PLANET BY RECOVERING 10,000,000 KGS OF GREENHOUSE GAS REFRIGERANTS
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia 10 May 2024 Media Release reports that Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) has reached a significant milestone in protecting the environment by recovering 10,000,000 Kgs of synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerants, thanks to licensed refrigeration and air condition technicians throughout Australia.
The Release states, “This achievement not only demonstrates RRA’s commitment to reducing emissions from the HVAC sector but highlights the crucial role that the refrigeration industry plays in helping to protect the planet.
Since its inception in 1993, RRA has worked with industry, wholesalers, and refrigerant distributors to collect unwanted ozone-depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases in over 500 locations across Australia.
Under the product stewardship program run by RRA to manage used and unwanted refrigerants at the end of their life, thousands of tonnes of CFCs, HCFCs & HFCs have been safely disposed of using Montreal Protocol-approved technologies.
Through a collective effort with the refrigeration industry, RRA has taken back and safely disposed of 10,000,000 Kgs of refrigerant, resulting in significant environmental benefits. This includes the prevention of more than 10 million tonnes of stratospheric ozone from being destroyed and more than 18.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent being prevented from emission.
Kylie Farrelley, General Manager of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia says the refrigeration industry plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of climate change, and this milestone is a testament to this.
“The collective recovery efforts of licenced technicians throughout Australia must be commended, especially as technicians are often recovering refrigerant in volumes as small as a kilo at a time.”
“Each kilo of refrigerant recovered from refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps represents a significant step towards preventing harmful substances from entering our atmosphere. Every kilo counts, and together, our efforts amount to make a substantial impact.”
“The milestone of recovering 10,000,000 Kgs of refrigerant gases is a significant step towards a more viable future.
“Not only is reclaiming refrigerant good for the environment, but the current per annum emissions abatement is also the equivalent of taking 238,000 vehicles off the road, every year.”
21. HORIZON POWER TO RUN EV VEHICLE-TO-GRID TRIAL
The 2 May 2024 edition of Utility Magazine reports that Horizon Power is to carry out a run Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicle-to-grid trial.
The article states, “The trial will test the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to draw power from the grid and feed it back into the network.
Horizon Power is conducting the trial at Exmouth – Western Australia’s first trial of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability – to test the capability of its management system to allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage solutions.
If successful, V2G could help power homes, reduce power bills and stabilise the electricity grid.
Horizon Power is set to commence a 12 month trial in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry and WA Country Health Service, which operates Exmouth Hospital.
Each will receive a Nissan Leaf EV equipped with V2G smart-charging equipment and will be encouraged to use the vehicles as normal.
Exmouth was selected as its tourism-reliant economy means energy consumption fluctuates due to daily and seasonal demand, especially during school holiday periods.
The trial’s outcomes will enable Horizon Power to understand how automated orchestration of distributed energy resource (DER) assets can help increase and optimise the use of renewable energy through EVs while maintaining network reliability.
Jet Charge will supply the V2G WallBox Quasar smart charger to be used for the trial, with a local Exmouth electrical contractor to provide support and maintenance for it as required.
Western Australia Minister for Energy and Climate Action, Reece Whitby, said, “This trial represents a significant milestone for Western Australia’s renewable energy uptake.
“The outcomes of this trial will allow Horizon Power to understand how two-way EV charging can contribute to a sustainable and efficient energy future for our state.”
22. ESSENTIAL ENERGY TRIALS INNOVATIVE STREETLIGHT EV CHARGER
San Williams, reporter at Electrical Connection reports in the 14 May edition of its newsletter of a new initiative by Essential Energy to trial a streetlight EV charger.
The article states, “Electricity distribution company Essential Energy has partnered with EV charging company EVX and composite fibre technology company Wagners to trial a streetlight EV charger, the latest concept for delivering low-impact, accessible EV charging in regional NSW.
Due to their convenient location near the curb adjacent to car parking spaces, streetlights have the potential to play a significant role in expanding public ‘top-up’ charging facilities in regional NSW.
“Essential Energy has been working in partnership with Wagners CFT and EVX to develop a product that provides a faster and easier way to roll out more EV charging,” Essential Energy chief commercial officer Justin Hillier says.
“The innovation of the streetlight EV charger provides the opportunity for people who live in housing that can’t be retrofitted with charging facilities to purchase EVs as well as offering top-up charging for tourists and locals.”
23. AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY PUZZLE – PIECING TOGETHER SMART SOLAR REFORMS
EnergyInsider, an Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC) joint publication reports in its 23 May 2024 edition of networks adapting to make the electricity grid smarter so it can meet the changing needs of customers.
The article states, “Networks are adapting to make the electricity grid smarter so it can meet changing customer needs. The modernisation of our framework isn’t without its challenges and is often a balancing act of priorities – but we can’t look at elements of a reform in isolation. Here, we take a holistic look at the export service reforms that have received recent coverage – what they do and how they benefit all customers.
Smart solar reforms
Australia’s energy system is undergoing a significant transformation. Consumer energy resources (CER) and networks are central to the delivery of a least cost transition and it’s crucial that we integrate these technologies properly to meet changing customer needs.
To ensure that more customers can embrace and benefit from CER such as solar, batteries and EVs, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) made a milestone reform in 2021 that recognised that the fundamental role of the distribution grid has changed from a simple ‘one-way’ flow to a ‘two-way’ flow grid – one where customers both consume electricity from the grid (‘consumption/import services’) and also export electricity back to the grid (‘export services’).
This modernisation of our framework was done following deep cross-collaboration and rule change requests from consumer and environmental groups, along with industry, that recognised that the rules were not designed for CER in mind and changes were needed.
…
This would mean that:
- non-solar customers would end up paying a higher share of this cost than solar customers, and
- solar customers would have not have the signals needed to allow the community to make the best use of the network, which will tend to result in costly over-investment in the network in the long term.
To avoid these outcomes, some networks in Australia have obtained regulatory approval to start to move towards introducing charges on exports in the future. This may mean that in some cases, the amount retail customers are paid overall for sending their exports to the grid will be slightly reduced.
Designing a smarter energy system