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President John Hunt interviewed Past President Malcolm Price about his chosen vocation of electrical contractor. Electricians complete a four year apprenticeship that includes three years of TAFE study in theory and practice, followed by a fourth year in full-time employment. Satisfactory completion gives entry into a professional association of electricians. Electricians pay a membvership fee of $1,100 per year.
A normal house may have some 600 metres of cable and a large building like Wannon Water up to 100,000 metres.
Working with electricity can be very dangerous and householders should not enter roof spaces, as conduits and hot water pipes can become live. Moisture entering overloaded power boards can cause fires.
Safety switches, smoke detectors, computers and mobile phones have all been welcome new arrivals during Mal's career.
A key part of Mal's vocation is the business side of the job. Small business contractors can be at the mercy of major builders and larger contractors, who don't always pay up in difficult times. Excellent trades people can struggle to remain afloat because of business related issues.
Mal's proudest achievements include training eleven apprentices over the years and receiving state and national awards for vocational excellence in 2005.
Mal enjoys offshore fishing for relaxation and has caught a 84.7 kilogram Southern Blue-fin Tuna, losing an even bigger one possibly up to 150 kilos.
In conclusion, Mal said he loves his job, it's the only one he has ever known and looks forward to many more years as an electrical contractor.
Next Week
Guest speaker will be Exchange Student Fabio Gomes, a night not to be missed.
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