News of yet another closure of a private training college highlights the need for better targeted investment in Vocational Education and Training (VET), says the National Electrical and Communications Association’s (NECA) Chief Executive Officer Suresh Manickam.
 
The closure of the college comes after the cancellation of a NSW Government contract where alleged breaches of training standards have now been referred to the Australian Skills Qualifications Authority (ASQA).
 
“NECA has previously raised concerns about the erosion of training standards across the Electrotechnology sector,” Mr Manickam said.
 
“Apprenticeships and ongoing training are critical to develop the skills of Australia’s future electricians and contractors and once again we call for properly targeted investment to meet our sector’s needs.”
 
“Unless there is a carefully considered and long-term response to these structural disruptions within the training sector, Australian trades (and the broader economy) will not have the right balance or skilled workforce in the years to come.”

“We call on both the Federal and State Governments to take note of this closure when it comes to investing funds in the VET sector. Funding support needs to be directed towards training providers that have a track record of delivery across the sector to ensure that skilled and jobs ready graduates can add to our industry skills base,” said Mr Manickam.
 

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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.