Top Tasmanian electricians and apprentices honoured
31 July 2010
Top Tasmanian electricians and apprentices honoured
Today, the best of Tasmania’s talented and committed businesses in the electrotechnology industry were recognised at the annual Excellence Awards hosted by peak industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).
The 2010 NECA Excellence and Apprentice Awards is an opportunity for the industry to officially recognise the talent and achievements of leading electrical contractors and apprentices in Tasmania.
PSG Russell Smith, one of the leading electrical contractors in Tasmania, received the top state award in all three categories in front over 200 industry representatives including contractors, educators and government representatives at the annual function held at Tattersalls Park.
Chief executive officer of NECA, Mr James Tinslay, said the winning company was chosen because of their commitment to excellence, significant engineering achievements and importantly finishing the complex jobs on time and in budget.
“The projects that PSG Russell Smith completed were just phenomenal,” Mr Tinslay said.
“As the electrotechnology industry continues to grow and tackle new technological challenges, it is encouraging to see that Tasmanian electrical and communication contractors are leading the country in everything from occupational health and safety through to energy efficiency and the wiring of smart homes.”
The 2010 Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Jeremy Howlett from Hobart. Mr Howlett is a fourth-year electrical apprentice with the Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme and his host employer is Hawtree Electrical & Communications Solutions.
NECA chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said that the judges were impressed with Mr Howlett’s development as an apprentice.
“To be named Apprentice of the Year is a huge honour and something Jeremy should be very proud of,” Mr Tinslay said.
“The judges acknowledged the academic achievements and on-the-job accomplishments and decided that Jeremy was the best performing apprentice in Tasmania.”
The apprentice awards also recognise the role employers play in training apprentices.
“It is important to remember that it is not only the apprentices working to build skills in our industry.
“Many contractors like Hawtree Electrical & Communications Solutions host young apprentices giving them the guidance and opportunities required to complete their trade,” Mr Tinslay said.
The winning company, PSG Russell Smith and the winning projects are listed below:
Category – Industrial Project
An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high voltage, manufacturing or process nature.
Winner: PSG Russell Smith
Project: Botanical Resources Ltd, Pellet Store
Why: The project for the new pellet store consisted of supply and installation of the electrical and instrumentation services. The fully automated system was wired via a Wampfler cabling system to control the mobile plant equipment.
Category – Commercial – Medium Project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is more than $500,000 and less than $2 million.
Winner: PSG Russell Smith
Project: Launceston Airport Redevelopment
Why: Installing upgrade services into a fully operational airport. Additional services included updating the PA, fire services system and fibre optic installations.
Category – Commercial – Large Project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is greater than $2 million.
Winner: PSR Russell Smith
Project: Medical Sciences 1
Why: A complex installation due to the visual constraints and need for innovative wiring methods. Overcoming some mid-project variations required re-planning with a rigorous design process. The contract included work and installation of low voltage services, substation, CCTV, standby generator, voice and data cabling, security, fire detection, emergency warning systems and AV cabling.
-ENDS-
NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide. For further information go to http://www.neca.asn.au
Media Enquiries:
Dominic Feenan Media and Communications Manager 02 9439 8523 / 0457 767 328