Stage two of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) Centre of Excellence was opened in Fyshwick on Thursday by Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation, helping to further pave the way for Canberra’s electrification.

The Centre of Excellence is the third facility in the ACT offering electrical qualifications, along with the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and Global Energy Training Solutions, and will provide electricians and the sector with more vocational training choices.

“Crafted in partnership with industry and trainers, the Centre of Excellence provides for a range of simulated environments to help achieve a high standard of practical training and post-trade qualifications,” Ms Cheyne said.

NECA Training ACT delivers Certificate II pre-apprenticeship programs, Certificate III apprenticeship qualifications, refresher courses for mandatory continuous professional development, and WHS training.

“NECA is committed to growing the number of electrical apprentices in the ACT,” general manager Tom Emeleus said. “We particularly want to encourage more women into the sector, and are well on the way with a 10 per cent higher female participation in electrical training than the industry average.”

“As the ACT aims to meet its zero-net emissions target by 2045 and transitions towards electrification, the need for licensed electricians will continue to grow,” Ms Cheyne said.

• ACT reveals pathway to electrification (4 August)

In the ACT, electrical wiring services can only be provided by ACT-licensed electricians. So far this year, 723 new electrical licences were issued, bringing the total number of licenced electricians to 5,151.

“These statistics show that despite the impacts of COVID-19 and the lockdowns of 2021, the electrical workforce continues to grow,” Ms Cheyne said.