Plugged In

Ian Corless
Age: 33
Industry: Electrical

When Ian Corless did his apprenticeship as an electrician, there were no mobile phones, no internet and no such thing as home automation. From these humble beginnings, Ian now runs his own business and is at the cutting edge of the Electrotechnology sector.

Ian's actual job title is 'Integrator'. In a nutshell, his work involves making sure all electronic devices and products in the home are seamlessly integrated together including entertainment systems, lighting, security, heating and cooling. That's the concept of being 'smart wired'.

"The idea is to bring it all together in one easy-to-use system, and about simplifying the use of technology while conserving energy," he says.

Ian was always interested in all-things electronic. His best friend, who held similar interests, went to university to study computer science while Ian enrolled in an electricians apprenticeship in his hometown of Ocean Grove in Victoria.

"Everyone assumed my best friend would be on the big money one day, while I was just the wire jerker. But now the shoe is definitely on the other foot!"

Self starter
Ian's business, Zentec, specialises in fitting out million dollar homes and some commercial properties with the latest and greatest home automation systems.This might be anything from pre wiring a house for multi-room audio or home cinema, to installing an energy management system to keep the house at the right temperature and with the right amount of light throughout the year.

"Every job is different, and we consult with architects, designers and owners to design the systems we install."

Ian says the industry is a very exciting place to work and the opportunity for growth and success is limitless.

"The industry has taken off, and not just because of the demand for smart technologies and a lack of qualified people. The fact is, this work absolutely cannot be sent offshore — you can't get someone in China or India to install a phone point."

Following his apprenticeship, Ian moved to Japan for 18 months and worked as maintenance electrician and general maintenance at the Australian embassy in Tokyo and in the industrial arena at the Grain Elevators Board in explosion-proof fittings.

 

Staying skilled
Ian explains that while his apprenticeship was the base for him to grow his knowledge, he needs to constantly update his skills.

"I have put himself through a number of courses, such as with individual Manufacturers, to keep up with the industry," he says.

"When I left school moving into an Electronics trade was considered a drop-kick option, but times have definitely changed."

Recently, he was invited to speak to third year Architecture students about consumer technology products.

"In my opinion, it is actually harder than a lot of university courses."

"My job is a real combination of manual skills and brain work. You need to be competent in both. And that's why it suits me, because I enjoy both working with my hands and using my brain."

"It is definitely a career path I can recommend to follow. You can choose your own adventure if you have the aptitude and skill."

Best part?
It is always a challenge to arrive at the right answer, because it is not fixed on one product or group. And I love the constant challenge, and coming up with the right answer for the customer.

Hardest part?
The flipside of the seesaw is: if (a system) it is easier it is for the customer to use, the harder for us it is to create, so that can be difficult.

What personal qualities do you need to succeed?
You must always be willing to learn new things. You can't stop learning for more than about six months or you'll get left behind.