NECA is very pleased to announce the winners of the 2014 School Student Electrotechnology Awards – sponsored by NHP.

These awards have two categories:

• Innovation, and
• Commitment to Industry.

And in both cases we have a winner and a runner-up.

The awards will be presented at tomorrow at a reception for the ‘future stars’ of our industry before the main National Excellence Awards dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.

Category 1

Innovation winner:  Stefan Sergio

Stefan has constructed a practical and time-saving solar-powered device to open farm gates automatically – so saving the time of opening and closing as farmers drive through their properties. It’s called the Solar Powered Automated Cantilever Farm Gate.  The innovative idea uses metal detector loops buried underground. It has been programmed to open when a farm vehicle approaches and closes within a set time with the inclusion of motion sensor cameras. In addition to this he has programmed/constructed the gates to be remote-controlled, solar powered and exert minimum stain on the rack, pinion and the motor through the canti-lever system.

Innovation Runner-up:  Shenalka Rodrigo

Shenalka was inspired by fuel shortages and global warming to design and construct the Solar Powered Electric Car. This concept uses recyclable materials and second-hand parts and is intended short runs – to and from work or university.  The battery charges when the vehicle is not in use through the use of renewable solar energy.  What’s more, the car produces no carbon pollution. Attached to his great car are LED headlights and strips, a dashboard with an ignition switch, speakers, horn and many more features.

Category 2

Commitment to Industry winner: Jarrod Simon Morton                  

Jarrod is passionate about electrical engineering and electronics. His enthusiasm, work ethic and positive attitude towards learning and developing his electrical skills has been highly commended by his teachers and work experience managers. He has participated in various projects through his school and pre-apprenticeship. Jarrod has taken part in a 12 day remote project working on Telstra fibre optic repeater power systems in far west South Australia, completed control panels for fuel combustion control and process monitoring systems and been thoroughly involved with his two school projects – the Continuity Tester and the Logic Puzzle. His pre-apprenticeship manager commented that he has ‘a long and successful career in the Electrical industry ahead of him’ if he continues to work with his current enthusiasm and motivation.

Commitment to Industry Runner-up:  Liam May

Liam has shon outstanding interest in learning the Electrical Trade. He has demonstrated outstanding achievements in both the academic and practising field of Electrotechnology and has received many awards for his achievements. His great attitude towards learning, work and peers has been highly commended and has been recognised as a leader and great individual to be around.

“We congratulate all of the winners, and runners-up, for their great achievements and wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” says Suresh Manickam, NECA CEO.

-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

Andrew Jefferies – National Policy and Submissions

E andrew.jefferies@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6903

M 0458 726 355

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 .