Edition 41, December 2006

NECA announces Asia Pacific skills mapping project

The National Electrical and Communications Association has announced a project which will map the skills and qualifications of electricians across up to eight Asia Pacific countries including Australia. The project's goal is to develop the first ever common regional electrical and communications qualifications.

The project will seek to establish a mutually recognised regional qualification for the industry, the aim of which is to create a business environment in which contractors can operate effectively and efficiently across borders, knowing that their skilled workers are appropriately qualified.

The project will focus on the two key qualifications in the Australian electrotechnology system - system electrician and telecommunications cabler (linesman).

At this stage, participating countries include Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. Thailand and Taiwan are also expected to join.

Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon. Gary Hardgrave MP, says that the concept of 'offshore assessments' is an important step forward in helping workers move across borders and ensuring consistent high quality standards. The Council of Australian Governments is establishing offshore skills assessment centres in five countries, with electricians being one of the key occupations targeted.

'While most emphasis is on overseas workers coming to Australia, the skills of Australian workers need to be recognised as well,' Mr Hardgrave says.

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