The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is pleased to announce the 2020 Trade Teacher of the Year is Mr Tyson Alder, an instructor from the College of Electrical Training in Western Australia.

Mr Alder was chosen as the winner by a judging panel of electrotechnology industry experts for his tireless work and innovative teaching practices equipping the next generation of skilled electricians.

Receiving the national award during a COVID-safe ceremony from local Member for Jandakot, Yaz Mubarakai, Mr Alder has been described as embodying everything the Trade Teacher of the Year award stands for, exceeding expectations in excellence in teaching and innovative practice.

Oliver Judd, CEO of NECA said:

“For more than a decade NECA’s Trade Teacher award has recognised excellence in teaching within the electrotechnology industry. The commitment of trade teachers to the future of our industry is displayed through setting the highest of standards. I extend my warmest congratulations on behalf of NECA and our industry to Tyson.”

Carl Copeland, Branch Secretary of NECA WA commented:

“I am extremely proud of all our educators. Tyson Alder represents everything we strive for when educating the next generation of electrical tradespeople. His ability to adapt to what was a very difficult 2020 and his obvious intense care for the education of his students and fellow instructors makes him the perfect candidate for this national award.

“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Tyson re-invented the way in which students were taught, by digitising the workshop environment and began a program assisting ‘at risk’ students. This unique approach allowed students to continue to get hands on and safe practical experience while studying from home. His innovations ensured our largest ever cohort of pre-apprentices achieved a 100% completion rate.

Local Member for Jandakot, Yaz Mubarakai highlighted:

“It is fantastic to see passionate educators succeeding in the electorate of Jandakot. The West Australia Labor Government and I are strong supporters of the VET sector. Educators like Mr Alder who have made a substantial impact on the lives of others is why the VET sector is such a success story and integral to WA. Trade professionals and apprentices are essential to the WA economy and will continue to be as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and create a pipeline of skilled workers for the WA economy.

“It is for this very reason the McGowan government committed to the ‘Lower Fees, Local Skills’ program, reducing the price of fees for high priority qualifications by up to 72 per cent.”

Tyson Alder, NECA Trade Teacher of the Year 2020 said:

“I am passionate about our industry and take great pride in educating the future tradespeople who will take it forward. I take great pleasure in giving my students every opportunity to succeed and see the best in themselves.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by NECA and others in the VET sector; receiving this award is a proud highlight in my career.”

About the NECA Trade Teacher of the Tear Award

Each year NECA recognises excellence in teaching in the electrotechnology industry through the national Trade Teacher of the Year Award. Now in their thirteenth year, these awards formally recognise and reward electrotechnology teachers for their passion, excellence and commitment to developing and nurturing talent.

Nominated teachers must demonstrate their commitment to excellence in trade teaching and are judged against the following criteria: Excellence in teaching; Innovative practice; and Client satisfaction – both students and employers.

About Tyson Alder, winner of the 2020 NECA Trade Teacher of the Year Award

Tyson Alder has been a trainer and assessor at the College of Electrical Training (CET) in Jandakot, Western Australia for five years where he teaches pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and post-trade courses.

Tyson originally commenced an apprenticeship in electronics and three years in he switched across to an electrical apprenticeship. Now with more 15 years in the electrical industry, he brings a range of experience and knowledge into the classroom.

Tyson has an obvious passion for teaching and the success of students by creating an engaging learning environment which encourages students to exceed their own expectations. He is considered a role model to both students and fellow instructors.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Tyson re-invented the way in which students were taught, by digitising the workshop environment. This unique approach allowed students to continue to get hands on and safe practical experience while studying from home. His innovations ensured CET’s largest ever cohort of pre-apprentices achieved a 100% completion rate.

Tyson has a particular focus on ‘at risk’ students through the CET Students at Risk Program, which supports students that may for example be falling behind in their studies, struggling with the on-site component of their apprenticeship or facing issues at home or work.

Apprentice numbers in WA

As of earlier this year there had been 25,631 applications to enrol in skills training, an increase of 43 per cent since this time last year.

*Pictures available on request