Electrical team proves hard work pays off

Winslow’s electrical team was formed in 2019 in response to electricity distributor Powercor’s strict auditing regime, which was extremely difficult to pass across the industry, with an average pass rate of 25 per cent.

Powercor’s auditing also added new criteria that put a lot of the pressure on Project Managers and Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (VESI) auditors.

Winslow Electrical Operations Manager Glenn Shallard represented the CCF for two years alongside other industry leaders, which formed the Technical Standards Harmonisation Committee and produced the VESI standards, which are now available to the whole industry.

Training was organised for Winslow employees, and other initiatives were put in place such as the electrical crews.

It was decided that electrical training being undertaken by Foremen and Leading Hands would also benefit labourers to ensure jobs were compliant and that audits were passed at the first inspection.

The electrical crews were formed to assist Foremen with the construction of projects and to ensure all auditing standards were met, and re-works became a main focus.

“Over the past two years our pass rate is close to 100 per cent, with only a few jobs requiring re-audits and only minor re-works, so our mandate to this point has been met,” Glenn said.

“It was very rewarding to speak to the head of Powercor auditing recently, and he said Winslow is now considered Number 1 when it comes to electrical and our contractors are very happy as well,” Glenn said.

“While that’s incredible feedback our thirst for improvement continues as we work closely with the foreman and auditors.

“Congratulations to the electrical crews – it’s a privilege to see the workmanship is continuing to be of a very high standard.

“We can’t rest on our laurels as the goal posts most definitely will move again, so we must be in a position to pick up the next challenge.

“However, we have the knowledge, so we have the power.”