Mas National Celebrating 13 Years With LAI Industries

Mas National, part of the IntoWork Group, is proud to mark 13 years of partnership with LAI Switchboards Australia (LAI), a powerhouse in the electrical industry.

Since 2011, Mas National has been instrumental in supporting LAI’s growth and success, with more than 162 apprentices signed up, including 107 electrical and 55 metal fabrication apprentices.

Established in 1969, LAI has expanded significantly, with offices and manufacturing facilities in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Today, led by Managing Director Frank Larriccio, the company prides itself on its creativity, craftsmanship and timely production of quality products.

Carmine Signoriello, a representative from LAI, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the partnership. “Mas National has truly transformed the way we hire and support apprentices. Their approach is simple, exciting and perfectly aligned with our company values. It’s like having an extra team member who genuinely cares about our success,” he said.

LAI chose Mas National as its Apprentice Connect Provider because of the exceptional support and guidance they offer. Unlike other providers, Mas National has been proactive in addressing the challenges LAI faced, such as recruitment, retention and the quality of apprentices.

“Before partnering with Mas National, we struggled to find apprentices with the right skills and professionalism from Registered Training Organisations and labour hire companies. Mas National has been a game-changer, providing assistance and guidance throughout the entire onboarding process,” Carmine said.

One of the standout features of Mas National’s support is their mentoring app, which has been invaluable in ensuring the well-being of LAI’s apprentices.

“We had an apprentice who was going through a tough time with mental health. Mas National stepped in, offering a support network and one-on-one sessions. It made a world of difference, and the apprentice found it incredibly beneficial.”

The partnership has grown stronger over the years, with Mas National becoming an integral part of LAI’s operations. Carmine described the relationship as ‘very relaxed and comfortable’, almost like having Mas National as part of the Lai family. “They come in, have a chat, and we enjoy a coffee together. It’s a relationship that feels natural and supportive.”

LAI has ambitious plans to expand its operations into other states, and they are committed to continuing their partnership with Mas National. “We will definitely be using Mas National in Victoria and Queensland when the time comes,” Carmine said.

Mas National Acting CEO Ruth Hundertmark highlighted the importance of this partnership. “By investing in each apprentice, LAI ensures they have the skills and ability to grow within the company, contributing to its long-term success and vision. Our adaptability and commitment to meeting LAI’s changing requirements have been key to our shared success,” she said.

As both companies look to the future, they are eager to build on the success of their partnership with new initiatives and plans in the pipeline. Carmine is optimistic, “We are excited to continue our relationship with Mas National and explore new ways to support our apprentices and expand our operations.”