Around 60 electrical apprentices caught up in the collapse of the Hastie Group have already been found new placements by the training arm of the peak Australian electrical industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

NECA, which is one of Australia’s largest employer of electrical apprentices through its group training schemes, had around 80 apprentices placed with Hastie Group companies that operated in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT.

Following notification at the beginning of the week that the apprentices were no longer required NECA’s training organisations in each of the affected states were able to place the majority of apprentices with other electrical contractors within 48 hours ensuring that they do not lose any pay or entitlements. The remaining apprentices are due to be placed by Friday.

NECA chief executive officer James Tinslay says, “The collapse of the Hastie Group is a big blow to the electrical industry in Australia and we are pleased that we were able to play our part in helping to soften the blow by finding alternative companies for the apprentices.

“These apprentices are part of the future of Australia’s electrical industry and at NECA we are committed to ensuring that the industry continues to benefit from a steady flow of well trained and qualified electricians.”

Over 2000 electrical and communications apprentices are employed in group training companies across Australia that NECA are involved in.

These apprentices receive the latest and most up-to-date training and over the course of their four year training period are placed with a variety of NECA member companies to build up an all-round industry experience.