WHAT ARTICLES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ? LET US KNOW : EDITOR @ GEMCELL . COM . AU upcoming changes to the industry .”
Training sessions held by Hager are free of charge and typically cover more than simply spotlighting a new product . Hager sees training as an opportunity to get to know its customers better , which makes the sessions much more valuable than a simple show and tell . And they are hands-on wherever possible .
“ When people have a product they can feel and touch , they appreciate the features a lot more ,” says Law .
“ But the digital training trend will only increase as people want to learn about products at their own pace and in their own time . So we are also digitalising our delivery methods to give our customers more flexibility in how , when and what they want to learn .”
If you ’ re interested to find out about training sessions with Hager and other Gemcell suppliers , your local Gemcell branch is the best point of contact .
ONLINE If you ’ re selfmotivated , and flexibility is important to you , online learning may tick the boxes . ( It also came in pretty darn handy when we were being encouraged to stay home .)
Many suppliers offer online training in their products and systems . Schneider Electric , for example , coordinates self-paced courses about its C-Bus system from the fundamentals to the advanced , via its MyClipsal online learning portal .
At Legrand , certificates are issued to tradies who complete online product training modules in its intercom and Smart Home systems , as well as no-cost expert training ,
trouble-shooting and product updates .
“ Electricians need the flexibility to expand their knowledge , while not affecting their day-to-day activities ,” says Tosh Bourke , general manager , commercial at Legrand Australia . “ Online training allows the freedom and flexibility to learn when it suits them , their business and family life . It also comes in handy during the onboarding process of new employees , ensuring their product knowledge is up to speed .” Legrand ’ s training packages basic instructions via video tutorials and guides , which go hand-in-hand with the support of its customer service technical specialists .
“ We also offer a number of hands-on training courses for those who wish to have more in-depth knowledge of system-based products , such as our Connected Wiring Devices , Emergency Lighting systems and Energy Management solutions , to name but a few ,” says Bourke .
If you ’ re interested in taking part , contact your local Gemcell branch or take a look at the list of available training on the resources and tools page on the Legrand website . n
CASE STUDY
I FEEL LIKE A MIDDY ’ S
Middy ’ s supports electrical contractors to help grow their careers and generate new income streams via its Scholarship Program . The annual program awards seven Gold and six Silver scholarships , which provide funds for A-grade electricians , 4th year electrical apprentices and data installers ( with ACMA open cabling accreditation ) to study recognised training courses nationwide . Leigh Taggart , a regular at Middy ’ s Thomastown in Victoria , was a Middy ’ s Gold scholarship winner in 2020 .
“ I run my own business , Electract , in Melbourne ’ s north , offering a mixture of service and new installations .
“ I wanted to expand my knowledge and stay up to date in the field , so I entered for a Middy ’ s scholarship for the first time in 2019 . I was unsuccessful then , but last year I entered again , and I got a call from Anton and Nicholas Middendorp congratulating me on the Gold scholarship ! I was thrilled to begin booking in some courses that I was really interested in . So far , I ’ ve done courses in EV charging , solar grid connect , battery storage , estimating electrotechnology projects , and application of the Internet of Things for electrotechnology workers . It ’ s been a little difficult to continue upskilling during lockdown , but Middy ’ s has been fantastic , and has extended all course funding into next year .
“ Studying has rejuvenated my passion for the industry . Technology is moving at a rapid pace and we are right in the midst of it . Being able to see the quality of the end product with automation installations and getting involved with renewable energy does make you feel happy that you ’ re involved with something that has environmental benefits .”
Congratulations to Middy ' s 2021 Scholarship winners : Gold Winners ($ 10,000 of training ) Matthew Lepp ( VK Logic ), Christopher Ellul ( JNJ Electric ), Xaysana Thiphasane ( CR Electrics ), Peter Sheridan ( AHT Group ), John Holloway ( South Gippsland Electrical ), Thomas Bowman ( Bowman Electrical ) and Thoman van Haandel ( MPE Group ). Silver Winners ($ 5000 of training ) Quinton Desmond ( Smart Sparkz Electrical ), Dylan Horsburgh ( Dark Horse Electrics ), Alex Tuason ( Sulex Electrics ), Jamie Crawford ( Supersonic Electrical Services ), Luke Agg ( Golec Services ) and Cheye Hancock ( CHESS ( NT )).
DEC – JAN 2022 GEMCELL . COM . AU 27