Our electrical apprentices have once again proven they’re a force to be reckoned with – taking home top honours and showing exactly why they’re the future of the trade in Tasmania.
NECA E&C team members joined the apprentices and industry members for a night of celebration, recognising the outstanding achievements of group training in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian electrical industry’s night
The NECA Tasmania Excellence Awards are all about shining a spotlight on the hard work, resilience, and passion of our electrical and communications industry.
This year’s event broke tradition, moving from Hobart to the stunning Country Club Tasmania in Prospect Vale, just outside Launceston. The change of scenery didn’t slow things down one bit – tickets sold out fast, and the buzzing function room was filled with NECA members, contractors, apprentices, and their guests.
The awards spanned multiple categories, recognising the best across the industry – from businesses and contractors to the next generation of apprentices. NECA E&C was proud to sponsor the ‘Commercial X-Small Category’, awarded for outstanding commercial projects under $1 million in value. Our very own Gary Vidler, General Manager – Careers (Tasmania), was on hand to present the award.
NECA E&C’s 2025 representatives
NECA E&C apprentices are no strangers to the spotlight. They frequently earning finalist positions in the 4th Year Industrial Apprentice of the Year and 4th Year Commercial/Domestic Apprentice of the Year categories.
This year, the results were fantastic:
- Chris McKnight – Joint Winner, Commercial/Domestic Apprentice of the Year
- Bianca Eberle – Winner, Industrial Apprentice of the Year (following her win at the NECA E&C Awards in March)
- Thomas Nibbs – 2nd Place Runner Up
- Jake Turner – 3rd Place Highly Commended
We also congratulate our other outstanding finalists: Ethan Caberica, Jacob Burk, Jacob Tarvydas, and Jamie Rice.
A proud moment for the NECA E&C team
There was no shortage of smiles (and maybe even a few happy tears) among the NECA E&C team. Our Industry Careers Consultants (ICCs), who support apprentices every step of the way, couldn’t have been more proud.
“It was a great night,” said ICC Anna McGregor, who has worked closely with Bianca throughout her apprenticeship.
“They did fantastically,” added Maddy Robertson, ICC for Chris McKnight.
CEO Gideon Perrott summed it up perfectly, “Our apprentices often win in their categories, and no matter how often we experience it, it is always brilliant to see. Everyone was happy with the results this evening.”
What’s next for the winners?
The journey isn’t over yet – in fact, it’s just getting more exciting. Chris and Bianca will now represent Tasmania at the 2025 NECA National Awards. They’ll go head-to-head with winners from other states, with national titles on the line at a black-tie gala in Brisbane this November.
We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!
NECA E&C apprentices continue to set the standard for the electrical industry – not just in Tasmania, but across the country. With their talent, dedication, and the support of our team, the future is looking brighter than ever.