Apprentice placement program extends to regional Queensland
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) has farewelled the first regional-based graduates of the apprentice placement program.
Two electrical workers, fourth year apprentice Mr Jackson Linley of TORGAS (a group training organisation), Townsville, and recently qualified electrical worker Mr Brendan Dray of QBuild, Rockhampton, finished their six week placement program in mid-June 2011.
This latest placement program was modified to run from the regional centres of Townsville and Rockhampton, the first time outside south-east Queensland.
During their placement, the two participants worked alongside ESO inspectors, learning about critical aspects of electrical safety. The participants accompanied inspectors undertaking audits, presenting electrical safety seminars to the electrical industry and investigating electrical incidents.
As a result of this program, participants like Jackson and Brendan became more aware of the legal obligation requirements of the Electrical Safety Act 2002, relevant Codes of Practice and Australian Standards. They also enhanced their knowledge and understanding of risk management, electrical verification theory and practice, and the role of the ESO.
The pair concluded their placement with a mini-presentation on their learnings to the ESO management, representatives of the participating regions' inspectorate, and to TORGAS and QBuild management.
Jackson and Brendan will be delivering this mini-presentation, highlighting their experiences during placement, to their work colleagues at their workplace and local TAFE college in the near future to spread the electrical safety message.
The ESO will begin another placement program in south east Queensland on 12 September 2011 with Electro Group Apprentices.
Since commencing in late 2009, eleven apprentices have participated in the program.