Electrical industry organisation, Master Electricians, has stood up a one-stop Continuing Professional Development (CPD) shop to enhance the technical skills, business acumen, and leadership skills of electrical workers and business leaders across the country.
The experiential-learning initiative, Trade Master, has been launched amidst government reforms for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training. Trade Master will future-proof the broader electrical industry. The stand-alone business is designed to address a shortage of electrical-focussed CPD education that will ensure all individuals within the electrical industry keep pace with the adoption of new technologies, products, and concepts that will drive the burgeoning electrification of New Zealand.
Electrical contractors will be at the forefront of the economy as the way we live in the energy transition becomes more dependent on electrician solutions. Technological innovation (including Artificial Intelligence), industry convergence, sustainability imperatives, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer demand are placing new workforce and skills demands on electrical contractors. The Trade Master programme will in time fill this CPD gap and lack of future capacity and capability for other change complexities like step licensing that demand stronger system training.
Alexandra Vranyac-Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of Master Electricians, says, “Technology is revolutionising electricity generation, distribution, and consumption as the convergence of electrical and telecommunications infrastructure makes our cities smarter. Rapid technological change means the half-life of skills is now estimated to be 18 months or less, while product innovation cycles are even shorter, so our workforce must quickly master new technologies. The evolving electrical industry demands a workforce equipped with advanced qualifications and up-to-date training.
Trade Master training will get the industry ahead of the innovation curve as electrical systems grow more complex while addressing an accelerating workforce shortage amidst dynamic change and economic recovery – the shortfall is in the thousands, about 1500 electricians retire or leave the industry each year, and as much as 20% of the workforce is close to retirement age. We are collaborating with suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers to introduce system training that builds future-fit capacity and capability. There is a blurring of industry boundaries, and we see Trade Master becoming a leading provider of trades-focused education and training.”
Every two years, electricians and electrical inspectors have to re-do their competency. The primary focus of Trade Master is on delivering high-quality hands-on trainings and advanced workshops through strategic partnership with established providers. Participants will sharpen their expertise and stay current with industry standards and innovations.
This technical competency pillar is complemented with business training, such as strategic planning and financial management, and soft skills development such as leadership and communication. As operational volatility and change add complexities, there is a gap to bridge between technical capability and critical business and soft skills that are in demand.
The portfolio of training programs will cover essential areas for the future such as electric motors, solar and sustainable power sources, HVAC, testing safety refresher, electrical design, and incoming EWRB licensing endorsements.
Trade Master is by industry for industry. It will forge strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and wholesalers. Aligned with the evolving needs of the sector, its training programmes will prioritise staying abreast of industry trends, regulations, and advancements. There is a ‘Bring a qualified mate for free!’ introductory benefit – Master Electricians booking on Trade Master can learn with a colleague or non-member.
Trade Master General Manager, Mathew Lawrence, says “We are phasing in a complete suite of delivery options. Initially with locations in Auckland and Wellington, this one stop CPD shop will offer training in-person, online and blended. It already offers private on-site training at businesses seeking to upskill their teams in-house. There will also be education and training at partner venues as well as a Trade Master hub location planned for Auckland early next year.”
Trade Master is standing up a digital learning management system and online portal that will be a point of integration for all elements of its offering, including engagement, training, facilitation, record keeping and badges of achievement across its pillars of technical competency, business acumen, and leadership skills like communication and problem solving. It’s all about learning the latest skills experientally so for our publicly-available, website-booked courses we’re excited to enable members to book in a friend at no extra cost.”
Trade Master delivered its first electrical testing course this month at Singer Electrical in Auckland. Trainer Raymond Tancrel, an electrical training specialist with over 23 years in the electrical industry, says, “This course is created for Registered Electrical Workers to enhance their knowledge of Electrical Testing and refine their skills in the use of electrical testing instruments.
Trade Master is forging a new in-demand training path for the electrification era. I’m excited to be in the vanguard of this innovative initiative in the education and training space.”