In this episode of Current Conversations, powered by Master Electricians Australia, host Kate Raymond, CEO of Master Electricians Australia, and Jordon Carlisle, Workplace Relations Manager, MEA chat with Penny Cornah, CEO of the Master Plumbers Association of Queensland.

They explore the friendly rivalry between plumbers and electricians, discussing workplace banter and its potential mental health impacts. The conversation delves into significant industry challenges, such as licensing issues, security of payment, unfair contract terms, the impact of insolvencies, and the skills shortage affecting both trades. The episode also highlights the collaborative efforts of electricians and plumbers to advocate for better industry regulations and support from the government.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:12 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Penny Cornah

00:26 Plumbers vs. Sparkies: The Rivalry

01:31 The Impact of Banter on Mental Health

03:27 Collaboration Between Trades

06:45 Addressing the Skills Shortage

14:01 Challenges in Contracting and Procurement

24:11 The Importance of Licensing

27:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of 'Current Conversations', powered by Master Electricians Australia, CEO Kate Raymond and Technical Support Manager Matthew Duncan discuss the complexities of EV charger installations with guest Alex Foster, Director, Foster’s Services and MEA Board Director.

They delve into the unique challenges faced in public spaces and residential areas, including supply limitations and space constraints. The conversation covers future-proofing homes, solar balancing, and dynamic load management in multi-residential spaces. They also explore the viability of vehicle-to-grid technology, ensuring charger safety, and the practicality of using different lengths and types of charging leads. The episode concludes with insights into solar-powered public charging solutions and tips for EV owners.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:12 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Alex Foster

00:35 Challenges in Public EV Charger Installations

01:55 Residential EV Charger Installation Issues

02:45 Future-Proofing Homes for EV Charging

04:57 Solar Balancing and Smart Charging

07:56 Public Charging and Solar Carports

08:51 Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

09:50 Fact or Fiction: EV Charging Safety

10:48 The Importance of Charging Leads

14:44 Conclusion and Takeaways

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Current Conversations, powered by Master Electricians Australia (MEA), host Kate Raymond—CEO of MEA—alongside Ross Lockhart, MEA’s Field Support Manager, and special guest Leo Ward, Managing Director, Power and Data Support Services, discuss the evolution of safety measures in the electrical industry.

Key topics include the dramatic improvements in safety protocols over the past few decades, largely influenced by advancements in technology and legislation, particularly from the mining sector. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety through effective training, the implementation of lockout/tagout procedures, and the importance of collaboration among contractors and within the broader industry. The episode emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, practical training, and open communication to mitigate risks and foster a safe working environment for all electrical professionals.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:11 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Leo Ward

00:34 Evolution of Safety in the Electrical Industry

03:19 Importance of Lockout Tagout Procedures

05:06 Training and Practical Experience

06:01 Regulations and Safety Awareness

09:05 Complacency and Electrical Safety

12:59 Advanced Safety Procedures and Communication

14:28 Exploring Better Processes and Safety

14:50 Educating and Collaborating with Contractors

17:45 Challenges in Ceiling Spaces and Safety Standards

21:19 Importance of Lockout Tagout Procedures

26:30 Final Thoughts and Industry Collaboration

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Current Conversations powered by Master Electricians Australia, hosts Kate Raymond and Matt Duncan of MEA are joined by Brian Richardson – Director, Electrical Equipment Safety, Electrical Safety Office QLD, discussing key aspects of equipment safety.

They cover identifying safe electrical products through the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), the responsibilities of importers and suppliers under the Electrical Safety Act, and the importance of using registered products. They also explore challenges with overseas and second-hand electrical items, the risks involved, and the procedures for ensuring compliance with Australian safety standards. The episode emphasises the critical role of licensed electricians and the dangers of DIY electrical work, concluding with important reminders to install and regularly test safety switches on all circuits.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:13 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Brian Richardson

00:31 Understanding Equipment Safety

00:49 Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) Explained

03:37 Importing Electrical Equipment: What You Need to Know

04:09 The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS)

08:22 Ensuring Safety with Imported Products

20:12 Second-hand Electrical Products: Safety Tips

26:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Current Conversations, hosted by Kate Raymond and Matt Duncan of Master Electricians Australia, special guest Matt Kummerow, Operations Manager at ChargeHub Australia, discusses the burgeoning topics of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the concept of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

The conversation delves into current capacities and challenges for home and workplace EV charging, the potential of vehicle-to-home solutions, and issues surrounding dynamic tariff pricing and the readiness of Australia's infrastructure. The episode also highlights the complexities of installing EV chargers in multi-residential buildings and the importance of load management and user authentication systems. The discussion wraps up with the latest regulations and advancements ensuring the widespread adoption of EV infrastructure in new constructions.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:12 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Matt Kummerow

00:44 Understanding EV Chargers and Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

06:06 Challenges and Solutions for Home and Workplace EV Charging

06:45 Dynamic Load Management in Apartment Buildings

17:42 Fact or Fiction: Debunking EV Charging Myths

23:22 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Current Conversations, powered by Master Electricians Australia, host Kate Raymond (CEO of MEA) is joined by Jordon Carlisle, Workplace Relations Manager, MEA, Penny Cornah (CEO of Master Plumbers Association of Queensland), and Tenille Riley (Women in Trades Manager with Busy at Work) to discuss female participation in the construction sector and trades in particular.

They examine successful strategies like ambassador programs and female-led mentoring and explore the importance of overcoming cultural challenges and biases. They also discuss the potential impact of targeted government policies and the power of social media in changing perceptions. The conversation highlights the need for realistic, sustained efforts and collaboration across industry bodies to achieve meaningful change.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:13 Meet the Hosts and Guests: Penny and Tenille

00:34 Challenges and Solutions for Women in Trades

00:45 Penny's Insights on Plumbing Industry

01:48 Tenille's Approach to Attracting Young Girls

05:32 Gender Pay Gap and Industry Retention

08:03 Government Policies and Their Impact

09:23 Flexibility and Cultural Shifts in Trades

11:39 Addressing Bias and Barriers

17:39 Fact or Fiction: Hiring Female Apprentices

21:26 The Importance of Grit and Resilience

22:26 Shifting Employer Mindsets

22:48 Increasing Female Participation in Trades

26:20 The Role of Social Media in Engaging Youth

27:57 Addressing Workplace Challenges for Women

28:44 Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion

32:14 Promoting VET Pathways

35:43 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Current Conversations, powered by Master Electricians Australia (MEA), CEO Kate Raymond and Field Support Manager Ross Lockhart host special guest Francis, the Head of Projects at Kuga Electrical.

The discussion centres around Kuga Electrical’s focus on large commercial solar projects, their growth trajectory, and the intricacies of the solar industry. Francis provides insights into the company's commitment to quality, safety standards, and the evolving nature of the solar sector.

They explore the differences between residential and commercial electrical work, the critical importance of safety measures, and the role of innovative practices, including battery integration and EV charging. The episode also highlights the challenges of maintaining safety and compliance in a rapidly changing industry, emphasising the value of thorough training and documentation.

Time-stamped Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:12 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Francis Futsek

00:41 Kuga Electrical: A National Footprint

01:13 Focus on Solar and Safety

04:34 Challenges in the Solar Industry

06:46 Tips for Entering the Solar Industry

20:24 Safety Equipment and Maintenance

26:31 Fact or Fiction: SWMS in Solar Jobs

27:22 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Produced by The Podcast Boss.

In this episode of Current Conversations, hosted by Kate Raymond CEO and Jordon Carlisle, Workplace Relations Manager, from Master Electricians, the discussion centres around the history and evolution of unions in Australia.

Special guest Michael Wright, National Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), delves into the historical significance of events like the Eureka Stockade in shaping the union movement. The conversation also touches upon significant milestones in Australian labour rights, including the inception of long service leave, weekends, and leave entitlements.

They examine the impact of enterprise bargaining on industries and discuss the complex landscape of modern industrial relations. The episode further explores current challenges and opportunities within the industry, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in building a fair and sustainable future for workers and industry alike.

Time-stamped highlights

00:00 Introduction to Current Conversations

00:12 Meet the Hosts and Guest: Michael Wright

00:26 The History of Unions in Australia

00:43 The Eureka Stockade and Its Impact

01:38 Australia's Unique Union Movement

02:17 The Role of the Labor Party and Class Systems

04:28 Indigenous Rights and Union Advocacy

09:13 Enterprise Bargaining and Industrial Relations

17:09 Fact or Fiction: Employer Bargaining Rights

18:40 Long Service Leave and Other Entitlements

22:34 Modern Award System and Its Challenges

27:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Produced By The Podcast Boss