The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement calling for local tradies to install smart LED lights in public schools right across the state.

The project will see the government invest $157.8 million and is set to increase the quality and sustainability of classrooms and reduce power bills for more than 800 schools right across the state.

The installation project will see all LED lights manufactured within NSW and ensure that all installation work is executed by the state’s electricians, a move that NECA has said it would like to see more of.

“Projects such as these are crucial in supporting local trades and the economy. The timing of this announcement could not be better, and we would like to see more like it, because as we know the way out of the state’s economic downturn is through construction, upskilling and future planning,” NECA chief executive Oliver Judd says.

“These upgrades will not only serve to keep local tradespeople in work, but they will also provide improved educational facilities – a win-win for the NSW, now and in the future.”

Electricians will be able to tender to participate via the government’s online platform, the Local Trades Scheme, engaging directly with the Department of Education to bid.

The announcement is part of the NSW government’s four-year $7.9 billion school support and upgrade program.