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MEA behind push to create hundreds of apprenticeships

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is throwing its support behind a push to create more apprenticeships in a critical part of the electrical industry facing skills shortages.

The campaign will create hundreds of job opportunities for young people, particularly across regional Queensland, and prevent staff shortages in an industry critical to the Queensland economy.

MEA has partnered with Add Staff and the Queensland Government to back the Advancing Apprenticeships program with a 12-month drive to address the emerging skills shortage in the Queensland electrotechnology industry, particularly in regional Queensland.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said industry demand for both electricians and air conditioning and refrigeration technicians is currently outstripping available supply of skilled tradespeople.

“This demand comes in the face of rising consumer demand for energy conservation, renewable energy sources, battery technology and home automation and connectivity,” Mr Richards said.

“On top of this, commercial and manufacturing industries need skilled technicians who can track energy use and find ways to reduce consumption costs as the price of power continues to rise.

“Without the training and development of trades skills in these industries, there will be an increased shortage of tradespeople to deliver upcoming infrastructure projects, such as solar farms and the NBN.

“Shortages in these critical infrastructure areas could result in delays to a host of projects across all sectors, including residential, commercial, construction and industrial, with ongoing economic impacts for the state.”

MEA and Add Staff will be working across Queensland to target all businesses within the electroctechnology sector while also creating awareness of the opportunities available to young people.

A series of roadshows across Queensland will be staged to create awareness of the range of financial and non-financial supports available for business to hire an apprentice while schools, careers fairs and job expos will be targeted to create more awareness of the opportunities available to young people and their families.

The Advancing Apprentices Fund initiative is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

Malcolm Richards is available for interview.
Please phone The SAS Group on (07) 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013.