As the submission process kicks-off in the states and territories for the 2017 NECA Excellence Awards, we are very pleased to announce that our Platinum sponsor for the national finals in Sydney will be NHP.  This year’s national event will be held at the new International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour, on Thursday 23 November, and promises to be a spectacular night, in a spectacular new venue. NECA is committed to showcasing and rewarding excellence.  We run a series of industry awards ranging from the Trade Teachers Awards to the prestigious annual National Industry Excellence Awards held in November.

“NECA is honoured that NHP has once again agreed to be our lead sponsor,” says NECA CEO, Mr Suresh Manickam.  “We have a long-established relationship with NHP and we sincerely appreciate their support.  For many years now NHP has sponsored both the main event and the industrial apprentice award, and has offered their help in the apprentice judging.  To have NHP as our sole Platinum sponsor in 2017 is testament to the strength of our relationship, and to their commitment to the industry” Mr Manickam adds.

“As the Platinum sponsor of the 2017 NECA National Excellence, and Apprentice Awards, NHP is proud to work alongside NECA in our shared vision to ensure the future life-blood of our industry are offered the pathways to a successful future. Our strong relationship with NECA dates back to the inception of these special awards and we’re excited to again embark on this process which will no doubt uncover some of our industry’s future leaders, says Mark Pattison, NHP Sales Director.

As in past years the first stage of the Excellence Awards process is for NECA members to submit their projects in the 13 categories, and that has already kicked-off.  These projects are then judged at the state and territory level, and finalists are invited to our state and territory events – lunches in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, and dinners in the ACT, South Australia/Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia.  The first of these events is the Victorian luncheon in Melbourne on the Friday 4 August, and the last event will be the NSW luncheon in Sydney on Friday 8 September.  All the state and territory winners are then invited to the national event in November – and the national judging commences.  The national winners will be announced at the final celebratory dinner in the series, on Thursday 23 November in Sydney.

The national event this year will also include the National Apprentice Awards.  The apprentice finalists will present their projects during an interview with the judging panel.

 On the day before, and the day of, the national event, and winners will be announced at the Awards’ dinner.

“A huge amount of work goes into these events across the country each year,” added Mr Manickam.  “We would therefore like to thank all those members and apprentices who take the time to submit projects.  We wish them the best of luck for 2017.  And of course, without the support of our sponsors across the country – especially organisations like NHP that sponsor multiple events, these Awards would not be possible,” he concluded.”

-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

Policy enquiries

Andrew Jefferies – Policy and Projects

E andrew.jefferies@neca.asn.au

D 02 9439 8523

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 RTOs and GTOs in NSW, VIC & WA, the EcoSmart Electricians initiative and ACRS – one of the national cabling registrars, and has a joint venture with a superannuation company in NSW (NESS Super).
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.