Last week’s release of the National Centre for Vocational Educational Research (NCVER) report into Government funded training highlighted a marginal increase in the number of students participating in Electrotechology courses over the previous year.

Electrotechnology, including the Certificate III in Electrotechnology, recorded the sixth highest number of students for training courses in 2016, with numbers marginally increasing by 1.4%. This increase addresses a three year downward trend in overall course numbers across the Electrotechology sector. Whilst course completion was lower in 2016, course enrolments remained steady with a small increase in take up over the previous year.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), Mr Suresh Manickam, welcomed the news as a positive sign, following recent Government reforms to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.  

“Results showing a marginal boost to participation numbers over the past year are a positive sign for our industry. A key challenge for our industry is maintaining this momentum, following the reduction in apprentice completions and the retirement of older, highly skilled workers.”

“We are hopeful that participation numbers have now turned the corner and that we will continue to see an upswing in the take-up and completions of electrical apprenticeships in the years ahead. However, it is clear that ongoing Government incentives are still required, particularly in the area of mature aged apprentices,” Mr Manickam said.

NECA is the largest provider of electrotechnology training and skilling with two of every five electrical apprentices across Australia, a NECA apprentice.

-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 100,000 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.