Michael Cullen is the Operations Manager (Electrical Inspector) at Future Energy Skills.
A few lines about yourself.
I am 47 years old, and have had a few changes in my career journey. Having started in the Army at 17 and deciding that was not the place for me, so I went on to complete a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) at RMIT, predominantly working in the Emergency Department. Becoming tired of shift work, I commenced an adult apprenticeship in my early ’30s and went on to run a successful REC (Registered Electrical Contractors) business, working across many fields of the industry. After injuring my shoulder in a bike accident, I undertook the Cert IV in TAE (Training and Assessment) and commenced working as a sessional teacher to eventually leading to the Head of Department (HoD) role at Holmesglen Engineeering, Electrotechnology and Futuretech.. Commencing in late 2018, I’ve now been at Future Energy Skills (FES) for over a year and have had opportunity to successfully complete a Graduate Certificate of Education Business Leadership and become an LEI (Licensed Electrical Inspector)..
What interests you the most about this Industry?
The diversity of the Electrical industry and new and emerging technologies is what most interests me.. I believe the role of the electrician tomorrow will be in many ways foreign to what we see the role of electricians today. I also have a great interest in people, and seeing them succeed on their journey from apprentice to becoming A Grade Electricians.. My strong belief is to view each person in a holistic manner, and work with them to fulfil their goals.
What is the most rewarding part about being an LEA assessor?
The most rewarding aspect of being an LEA assessor is seeing the look on a candidate’s face or speaking with them after they have completed all three assessments successfully. Remembering, that for some candidates the Cert III and their LEA can be quite a difficult personal journey.
What are the challenges you face while overseeing an LEA centre?
The challenges that I face in managing the LEA assessment centre are ensuring that we continue to provide Industry and candidates as much support and information as possible at all atimes-no matter the workload. We have been set up by Industry for Industry, and every person is important to us. The challenge with this philosophy is to ensure that we are both supportive and approachable and that we continue to maintain our relevance.
What has becoming an LEI meant for your career?
Becoming an LEI is another step along my journey as an Electrical Tradesman and in many ways has reinforced what our candidates experience when undertaking their assessments. From the experience, I have greater empathy for their journey, be it LEA or LEI.
Anything else you’d like to add for our readers?
I would like to reiterate that we can be contacted at any stage and that we are not purely an ‘assessment centre’ but an Industry body that has been set up to support all of the Electrical Industry.
