esv.vic.gov.au
Emily Waras awarded
Kangan Apprentice
of the Year
By Sue Sizer, Compliance Officer, Electrical Installation Safety
Stealing copper
could cost you
your life
By Neil Fraser,
Deputy Director ESV
Energy Safe Victoria is alarmed at
the increase in the theft of copper
wiring from electrical installations,
underground reticulation, substations
and from the distribution network.
There have been recent investigations
and arrests by Victoria Police for
stealing and selling stolen copper.
Stealing copper is illegal and
dangerous for the perpetrator,
electrical workers and the general
public.
In past years, we know of three people
who were electrocuted whilst stealing
copper. Thieves were discovered in a
disused factory, on the roof of a shop
and under a disused house, all in the
early hours of the morning. No doubt
there have been many more near
misses.
Energy Safe Victoria was once again, this year’s
proud sponsor of Electrical Apprentice of the
Year at the Kangan Institute Apprentice Awards.
The 2019 Electrical Apprentice of
the Year was awarded to Emily Waras,
who was also named Kangan Apprentice
of the Year. Congratulations Emily,
a huge achievement on both counts!
Previously working as a trade’s assistant
with her electrician husband, Emily
soon realised the trade was for her.
After gaining an apprenticeship with
Downer Rail, Emily became pregnant
at the end of her first year, taking
six months leave before returning to
work and school, doubling her school
workload to catch up. She then started
a post-trade course (Certificate IV in
Industrial Automation and Control) at
night school while juggling full-time
work, trade school, and her young
family.
Emily is due to start her Licensing exams
soon, and expected to complete her
apprenticeship at the end of this year.
She is currently enjoying a placement in
construction at the Eye and Ear Hospital,
but she also really enjoys the work with
Downer Rail. She hopes one day to
become a signal technician, especially
with the current advances in signalling.
Emily is enthusiastic and committed
to the trade, and can look forward to
a bright future in the industry. She has
great support from her husband who
is a full-time Dad to their son while
Emily completes her studies. She may
not have much spare time, but when
she does it is spent enjoying time
with her husband and baby son.
Emily hopes to continue her studies
and aims to complete a diploma and
then an electrician’s degree.
Electrical workers are also at risk
wherever thieves have been at work.
In particular where items such as
copper earth cable, copper strap
and copper busbar have been
tampered with.
ESV can prosecute anyone who
leaves electrical installation work that
is unsafe, or anyone who interferes
with a network asset in an unsafe
manner. The police can also lay
criminal charges and in some cases,
electricians can lose their licence.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously
around substations or large
installations notify Victoria Police
on 000 immediately. It’s just not worth
the risk for a few dollars of copper!
Apprentice of the Year: Emily takes home the prize.
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