The status and perception of Vocational Education and trade-based careers must be lifted and refocused to ensure that students are fully aware of their future pathways, says Suresh Manickam, the CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association.

“NECA believes that quality education, skills and training initiatives are critical for the development and growth of the electrical trade and that industry reform is necessary to rebalance any negative perceptions.”

“It’s important that students know that university is not the only pathway to a successful future – electrical apprenticeships can’t be forgotten,” Mr Manickam said.

Mr Manickam’s comments follow recent remarks by the new Education Minister, Senator Simon Birmingham, calling for a boost to vocational training and a shake-up of Commonwealth/State responsibilities for the funding of vocational education. 

“As a lead player in the training of current and future electricians and contractors across Australia, with responsibility for over 4,000 apprentices, we strongly believe in the Vocational Education sector.”

“However, in order to lift industry standards and address key skills shortages, changes need to be made to ensure that industry has the confidence in the system to invest in staff skilling and training, less complex and more industry focused training packages need to be developed and a clear set of pathways must be created to reflect the future needs of the sector.”

“Minister Birmingham’s comments are certainly encouraging but we look forward to receiving more detailed information about future VET sector reform,” said Mr Manickam.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

M 0457 767 328

Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Technical, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6. NECA wholly-owns its Legal firm, Group Training and the NECA Colleges (in WA) and EcoSmart Electricians – and has joint ventures with a superannuation company (NSW) and one of the national cabling registrars (ACRS).
7. NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000.
8. For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.