“CED were great to work for, and I learnt so much, not just general electrical work but the challenges of solar power and off-grid installations, which gave me a desire to study further,” Liam said.
During COVID-19 in 2021, Liam enrolled for an online Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree at Geelong’s Deakin University.
While it took some adjustment for the young man to study from home, he soon got into it and enjoyed what he was learning.
He then took a break of 18 months to concentrate on his job with CED.
In February 2024, Liam went back to full-time study for 12 months at Deakin, where it appeared he was the oldest student on campus, with big expectations applied by his fellow students once word got around.
When he moved back to Cobram in November 2024, Liam obtained his contractor’s licence and started his own business, Blue Thunder Electrical, while continuing his degree online.
“At the current rate, it will take a further two years to finish, but I am all right with that,” Liam said.
“It’s interesting and quite honestly I can say I learn something new each day.”
While yes, he is a qualified A-grade electrician, to become an electrical engineer is a totally different field.
An electrician installs electricals and wiring, while an engineer designs the layout and equipment needed by the builder or business operator.
Students require four years of study to fully grasp the trade, while Liam also studied Certificate III in Electrical Technology, achieving the necessary skills, knowledge and competence required.
He then completed accredited training for solar, battery and off-grid installations through an additional accreditation body.
Being an owner-operator of his own electrical business puts considerable pressure on this engaging young man, for whom nothing appears to be too much trouble.
But he loves it and is delighted that word has spread far and wide from customers seeking his skills!
“While it is a bit scary initially, as sometimes things can go wrong, I am finding there is always a solution to every problem,” he said.
“It’s amazing to have calls from people in Geelong and Ballarat and throughout Cobram and the region, many of whom are fellow Apexians.”
If you thought he was a busy man, let’s add to the 31-year-old’s story.
He is also enrolled at GOTAFE in Shepparton, where he is undertaking a 12-month training as a teacher and assessor in the electrical industry.
He is required to attend one day a fortnight at TAFE and attend Zoom meetings each Wednesday.
With his day beginning generally at 8am and ending around 5.30pm, and in a trade where he can expect to get call-outs every day of the week — from anxious homeowners, builders, local factories and businesses needing help with an electrical issue — there is not much leisure time.
Blue Thunder Electrical, however, continues to grow at a steady pace, and Liam’s colourful truck, bearing a large blue elephant wearing a safety jacket, can’t be missed as he dashes off to another appointment.
Liam does, however, manage some time away from the job as a member of the Cobram-Barooga Apex Club, which he joined in 2019.
Since then, he has held the role of president and is currently the club secretary.
He is on the national board of Apex Australia, where he is the national membership director.
The role requires him to assist new clubs with membership and administration. Liam conducts three face-to-face Zoom meetings with each group.
In October, Liam will attend Apex Australia’s annual general meeting in Blacktown, NSW, and is excited to announce that in October 2026, Cobram will host the event.
“It means a lot to host the event, for us, particularly because six clubs applied to play host, and we were selected,” Liam said.
“For the town and local businesses, it’s a massive boost to the economy.”
Apex Australia has 90 clubs around the country with more than 1000 members. The first club was formed in Geelong in 1931 and unfortunately is no longer running.
The Cobram club is 68 years old and has a membership of 21 enthusiastic community-minded young men to the age of 45 who offer a lot to the community.
During the 1980s and ’90s, there was a boom period when membership reached 50 members at Cobram.
Last month the club held its annual Winter Ball, which was a huge success. The funds raised will now form part of the YAL Cobram-Barooga Apex Club Post Secondary Scholarship to be awarded in 2026.
