A West Australian business owner who started an e-learning platform to enhance the quality of the electrical industry and boost consumer safety has been named Australia’s Master Electrician of the Year.

Greg Allan of Perth-based Response Electricians received the award at a gala ceremony in Brisbane last night.  He was among eight outstanding members of the electrical contracting industry from every mainland state recognised in the Master Electricians Australia National Excellence Awards.

North Sydney’s Rhea Felton, who gave up a corporate HR career to take over management of her family business GreenElec, was honoured with the Women in Contracting award, while Queensland’s Harley-Joe Williams, from The Solar Service Guys, was named the Legrand Apprentice of the Year.

Electrical projects from residential, commercial, mining, data and energy efficiency were also recognised.

The judges for the Master Electrician of the Year category acknowledged Mr Allan’s innovation and dedication in establish his on-line “Electrical Success Academy” to help share expertise and lift standards in the entire industry.

“Greg is clearly passionate about the electrical industry and driven by the need to raise awareness around safety and knowledge of all things electrical,” the judges said.

“A truly innovative idea put into practice makes the Electrical Success Academy and podcasts a truly ‘best in class’ concept that enables tradespeople to develop in a non-intimidating and accessible way, where learning can be done anywhere and any time.  Greg is a success story for our Industry.”

Master Electricians Australia CEO Malcolm Richards said the judges’ comments highlighted the high standards of the winners and the very competitive nature of the awards.

“The fact that, coincidentally, we have a category winner from every mainland state shows the strength and consistency of the Master Electricians brand across Australia,” Mr Richards said.

“All winners have shown the dedication to quality, safety and integrity that are the hallmarks of a Master Electrician.

“And while it’s great for them to be recognised for their efforts and achievements, it’s also great for our industry to pause and take a good look at the people who are setting the pace in terms of innovation, quality and customer service.

“These winners will help lift the bar even higher for all Master Electricians members, and the wider electrical contracting industry.  And it’s their customers – whether businesses or private individuals – who reap the benefits of an electrical contracting industry that is constantly striving for excellence.”

Master Electricians Australia CEO Malcolm Richards and all the award winners are available for interview. Contact The SAS Group on (07) 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013.

The 2017 Master Electrician of the Year

The winner:  Greg Allan – Response Electricians (Western Australia)

What the judges said:

Greg is clearly passionate about the electrical industry and driven by the need to raise awareness around safety and knowledge of all things electrical. A truly innovative idea put into practice makes the Electricians Success Academy and its podcasts a truly “best in class” concept that enables tradespeople to develop in a non-intimidating and accessible way, where learning can be done anywhere and any time.  A success story for our Industry.

Women in Contracting Award

The winner:  Rhea Felton – GreenElec (New South Wales)

What the judges said:

An outstanding candidate, Rhea excels in all areas of the business and is very worthy recipient of the Women in Contracting Award.  We look forward to what Rhea contributes to the industry in showcasing what women have to offer.

Legrand Apprentice of the Year Award

The winner:   Harley-Joe Williams – Solar Service Guys (Queensland)

What the judges said:  Joe displayed excellence in all categories of the evaluation.  His commitment to safety and his thorough understanding was exemplary. He demonstrated a passion for his own development along with a passion for advancement in technology including renewable energy.  His thirst for knowledge was clearly demonstrated across numerous mediums.

Energy Efficiency Project of the Year

The winner: Michael Payet – Assurance Consulting (Queensland)

The project: A comprehensive energy efficiency audit and action plan for St Michaels College, Caboolture

What the judges said:

The Assurance Consulting team provided a multi-faceted integrated energy efficient solution for the St Michaels College.  Prior to getting this job they carried out an energy audit to show the client potential savings that could be achieved through a solution of several energy efficiency options.  These solutions covered efficiency changes that included LED lighting, solar, power factor correction, use of time switches, tariff considerations and student behavioural change.  They were able to demonstrate these changes were effective and provided the customer with not only lower electricity accounts but a more efficient school.

Commercial Project of the Year

The winner: Troy Smith – Electric Results (South Australia)

The project: Flinders Medical Centre – Ward 6B Refurbishment Project – Adelaide

What the judges said:

This project displays the ability of Electric Results and their team of professional staff to deliver a highly technical, high pressure project as head contractor in a high risk medical environment.  Electric Results’ business management systems were fully tested in what was a compressed project timeframe, maximising safety and quality outcomes to the client and stakeholders.  Clearly, Electric Results’ project deliverables make them a standout winner for Master Electrician Commercial project of the year.

Residential Project of the Year

The winner:  Robert Urpis – Argus Technologies (Victoria)

The project: Home communication and automation system – Black Rock

What the judges said:

The judges were extremely impressed with the outstanding utilization of all the current and new technologies available to the residential sector.  This high-quality project had thorough project management principles and foundations.  An outstanding project documentation was delivered pre, during and post project.  This complemented the high-quality output that the project delivered in a stunning residence.

Industrial Mining Project of the Year

The winner: Daniel Hall – Hitech Electrical Automation (Queensland)

The project: Switchboard upgrade, Hanson Quarry, Glass House Mountains

What the judges said:

Hitech Electrical Automation provided innovative solutions for the lock out procedures that were integrated into a custom built transportable switchboard room for a 30-year-old quarry site.  The project involved complex logistics and careful planning to minimize plant shutdown time.  This was achieved one week ahead of schedule. On this high-risk job site, a safety system was implemented using MEA’s safety system to ensure all workers owned the risk initiation and went home safe.  Overall the project was considered by the judges worthy of the award against strong opposition.

Data Project of the Year

The winner:  Chris Duncan – ComSpark (Western Australia)

The project: Telephone, data and wireless fit out, Stirling Cross Apartments and Quest Hotel

What the judges said:

ComSpark produced a quality project using innovative solutions where they completed the design and construct.  Their data work future proofed the site, making it NBN ready for three domestic apartment buildings of varying sizes.  Through the process they worked closely with the principle contractor to complete a safe, profitable, well-managed project.