What is your current employment in the Electrical Trades industry?
“After working mainly in the commercial sector throughout and after my apprenticeship, I decided to take the plunge and start my own business 4 years ago. I took on every opportunity that came my way and have built up a steady flow of work. I am looking to put on a new apprentice to enable me to take on bigger projects whilst still attending to my existing clients’ needs. Using experienced sub contractors works well, however, I would like to help and train a new apprentice, as it’s essential for me going forward. I have an A Grade license as well as the Open Cablers Registration and a Security Equipment Installer license. I work across all three sectors of commercial, residential and industrial.”
How has the Middy’s Scholarship Award helped your business grow?
“My aspirations for the business are to one day be in a position where I can be off the tools and in a permanent managing role. Winning the Middy’s Scholarship has already enabled me to get closer to this goal. I’ve recently undertaken my first C-Bus Automation project and it’s this high-end residential sector that I wish to target more. Specialising in Home Automation and Energy efficient technology is the future, and undertaking training in these areas helps me obtain and win this kind of work. I am currently quoting a big KNX automation job with DALI lighting control on a high end architecturally designed home. Homes such as this are more like small commercial projects, and the training in estimating and smart home automation has been a huge benefit. The training positions me well to combine traditional income streams with new opportunities and technologies.”
How do you see these new business opportunities evolving?
“Doing typical light and power work is still relevant, but working towards home automation makes sense as everything now works together, including the integration of renewables. Home control and automation are particularly relevant for in Home care, which as our population ages is a huge growth market. There are also many applications in the disability sector. I believe automation will be in all homes in some capacity in the near future, as the majority of products we purchase these days are “connected”, or have the ability to be involved within our smart home network in some way. The ability to see the power consumption of household items, and which ones are drawing the most power via these new technologies is fantastic. It is one of the main factors why my clients are interested in these products, along with how they can control lights and appliances via an app or via voice control, plus the ease of which they can control their access, audio visual and security systems.”
What courses have you undertaken with your Middy’s Scholarship?
“In a marketplace that is always changing, I looked at courses that would help keep me up to date with the technologies needed for the tasks at hand. My Scholarship enabled me to complete several courses that have helped in this regard. The short EV intro course was completed at Middy’s Smart Centre in Mulgrave. The other courses I did were at NECA’s training centre in Carlton, including the pilot course for IOT which was great. I am looking at undertaking more. Most of the courses are a combination of face to face learning and online which suits me well.”
I notice you are a NECA member, do you think this is advantageous?
“Yes, definitely. I received an additional discount on the NECA courses by being a NECA member, so this helped stretch my Scholarship funds even further. Anyone in the industry can join NECA, and they should. I’ve found the membership pays for itself as the access to regulations and industry OH&S requirements is invaluable. Also NECA broadcasts regular industry news which is good to keep up to date with.”
When you submit a quote on a project do you think your training makes a difference to winning the work?
Yes, it gives me the confidence to know I am making a professional presentation, with sound skill sets to back me up. Having the training and a professional approach makes a difference and sets me apart, increasing my chances of winning a job.
How have you found the challenge of finding the time for additional training?
“It’s never easy, but you just make the time. Completing an estimating course was paramount to utilising my time better in regards to quoting jobs, trying to find that work/life balance, especially as I’m now a father to a little girl. As our girl grows up, work life balance is an ongoing challenge, and having better skills means less time up late doing paper work. I’m also very blessed with my partner who does all the hard work. It takes a team to raise a child and run a business, having a supportive partner is so important.”
How was the application process, would you recommend others to apply for a Middy’s Scholarship?
“Yes for sure, this was my 2nd application and this time around I was lucky enough to win a Gold package. So don’t be discouraged if you are not successful on your first attempt. The application process is online and is straightforward. Just take your time and put some thought into your answers. I’d also like to give a big shout out to my local Middy’s branch in Thomastown, the crew of Manager Andrew Neave and Reps Hayden Rowe are great and always go the extra mile, which is why I use Middy’s. When I won the Scholarship I also heard directly from both directors, Nicholas and Anton Middendorp congratulating me, which was really nice.”
2020 Gold Winner – Leigh Taggart
