In the first episode of Current Conversations, hosted by Kate Raymond, CEO of Master Electricians Australia, and Ross Lockhart, Field Support Manager, special guest Leo Ward shares his vast experience as a safety expert and employer representative on the Queensland Electrical Safety Board. The discussion centres on developing apprentices, supervising young workers, and ensuring safety standards are met in an evolving industry.

From the role of national licensing to the challenges of apprentice training, this episode dives deep into strategies for mentoring, the importance of post-trade education, and how innovative initiatives, like a Wiggles safety campaign, are making electrical safety approachable for all.

Key Topics and Themes:

• Apprentice Training and Supervision: Challenges, methods, and innovative approaches to build skillsets and confidence in young and mature-aged apprentices.

• National Licensing Debate: The push for consistent standards and its potential impact on the industry.

• Mentorship Challenges: Identifying and supporting mentors who can guide apprentices effectively.

• Electrical Safety Standards: The importance of having easy access to and understanding Australian standards like AS3000 and 4836.

• Practical Training Programs: Importance of creating structured, goal-oriented training plans tailored to specific industries.

• The Role of Employers and Trainers: How leadership and structured mentoring can shape the future of the industry.

Time-Stamped Highlights:

• 00:00: Introduction by Kate Raymond and Ross Lockhart, welcoming guest Leo Ward.

• 00:41: Leo discusses his role on the Queensland Electrical Safety Board and its focus areas.

• 01:22: Insights into the national aspect of electrical safety standards and initiatives like the Wiggles’ safety campaign.

• 03:02: Challenges with state-specific regulations and apprentice supervision ratios.

• 05:00: Balancing apprentice training with business needs and practical supervision tips.

• 09:09: The value of creating customised training plans for apprentices.

• 15:10: Discussion on young workers, risk assessments, and testing competencies in the field.

• 18:00: Importance of accessible safety standards for all electricians.

• 23:20: Leo highlights free mentoring training courses for supervisors and their benefits.

• 30:50: Final takeaways on the significance of structured training, mentoring, and continual development in the electrical industry.

About Our Guest:

Leo Ward is an experienced safety advocate and employer representative on the Queensland Electrical Safety Board. Based in Cairns, he has decades of hands-on experience in mentoring apprentices, managing teams, and contributing to the development of safety policies and standards in the electrical industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship Matters: The quality of an apprentice’s training depends heavily on the capabilities of their mentor.

• Structured Training Plans: Customised, transparent training goals help apprentices stay focused and feel valued.

• National Standards and Licensing: A harmonised approach could streamline processes and improve safety nationwide.

• Post-Trade Education: Continuous learning ensures tradespeople stay current with new technologies and safety requirements.

• Practical Experience Counts: Hands-on training, coupled with theoretical understanding, builds competent and confident electricians.

Links and Resources:

• Master Electricians Australia

• Australian Standards: Information on accessing critical documents like AS3000, 3017, and 4836.

• Mentoring Training: MCCOOO99 micro-credential courses for apprentice supervision.

• Wiggles Electrical Safety Campaign

Tune in now to learn how to inspire and train the next generation of electricians while maintaining top safety standards.

Produced by The Podcast Boss.