Supporting the Bright Future of New Zealand’s Electrical Industry

THREE THOUSAND APPRENTICES AND COUNTING

100% owned by Master Electricians, Etco is New Zealand’s largest employer of electrical apprentices – currently employing over 800 apprentices and providing off-job training to another 1,400 independently employed apprentices.

Since its launch in 1991, Etco has trained an impressive 3000 apprentices.

The organisation also provides continuing professional development training for registered electricians in partnership with Master Electricians, and runs foundation courses to help people bridge the qualification gap to get into an apprenticeship.

LEGRAND’S INVALUABLE SUPPORT

Operating as a not-for-profit charity, Etco relies on support from its industry partners. For over 20 years, Legrand has provided significant sponsorship and support that has enabled both Etco, and its apprentices to thrive.

Each year, Legrand supplies the products that Etco uses across its training facilities, as well as providing training and information on new product developments to Etco’s Tutors – ensuring they’re fully conversant in the latest innovations and market trends. Legrand also sponsor the Etco-run Master Electrician’s Apprentice Challenge, using our in-house technical expertise to design challenges for the apprentices using Legrand’s state-of-the-art technology and latest product ranges.

Etco’s CEO Jeremy Sole comments, “Legrand’s support is invaluable, we cannot place enough importance on this relationship and being able to support the industry and the future electricians.” He adds, “The supply of products and information across all our training centers nationwide assists them with the growth and development in their apprenticeship”.

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE-READY WORKFORCE

As well as comprehensive on-site training directly with host companies across the electrical industry; domestic, commercial and industrial - Etco’s apprentices learn the engineering and science behind electrical systems and installations so that they can design, install, and diagnose for themselves. Etco has state-of-the-art training facilities throughout New Zealand, and with training modules and lesson plans now online, apprentices can study wherever and whenever works best for them.

With Legrand’s support, Etco is fulfilling a vital role in creating a sustainable future-ready workforce for New Zealand’s Electrical Industry. Jeremy explains, “We are the largest employer and trainer of future Electricians. Currently there are more Electrician retiring than qualifying into the industry, so Etco is contributing strongly to the sustainability of the electrical industry in New Zealand.”

GLOBAL CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

The Legrand Group adheres to a comprehensive corporate social responsibility road map, which sets out a path to ensure the sustainable development in our activities; spanning business, people and the environment. As a part of this commitment to corporate social responsibility, we have a focus on giving back to the sectors in which we operate - through sponsorships such as our partnership with Etco in New Zealand.

Legrand NZ Country Manager, Jeff Butler comments, “Through our continued involvement with Etco, we’re able to play a part in nurturing a new generation of talented Electricians – the young men and women who represent the bright future of New Zealand’s Electrical industry”.