Management Committee

Meet the committee behind Electro Careers & Apprenticeships!

Andrew Cross

Director and Chair of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships

Managing Director of NSG Boffa

Andrew is the Managing Director of NSG Boffa – a leading electrical contracting and technology integration firm based in Adelaide, South Australia. With over 40 years of experience in the electrical, communications, and renewable energy sectors, Andrew has been instrumental in steering NSG Boffa’s growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the business has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality service and maintenance, construction, and 24/7 emergency response solutions. The company is renowned for its expertise in power generation, advanced lighting control systems, and integrated communications.

Andrew holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and qualifications in both Corporate Law and Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide. His extensive experience spans commercial, industrial, and transmission sectors where he provides strategic guidance and management to ensure operational success.

Andrew is actively involved in industry leadership – in addition to being a Director and the Chair of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships, he is also the President of NECA SA/NT and the Treasurer of the Specialist Contractors Association. His contributions to these organisations underscore his commitment to advancing the electrical contracting industry across Australia.

Chris Mattner

Director and Treasurer of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships

Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of CME

Chris Mattner is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CME, a global leader in sports and stadium lighting, with more than 20 years of expertise across the electrical, lighting, and sports infrastructure industries.

A driven and visionary leader, Chris has built his career on resilience, purpose, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Both personally and professionally, he has been recognised through numerous industry leadership and entrepreneurship awards, celebrating his influence in shaping the future of the construction and electrical sectors.

Beyond business, Chris is passionate about empowering others. Through mentoring, mindset coaching, and initiatives such as CME’s Female Apprentice Program for Women in Construction, he is redefining what’s possible for the next generation of tradespeople and leaders.

Respected for his authenticity, high-performance mindset, and pursuit of excellence, Chris inspires others to transform adversity into opportunity and to lead with purpose and conviction.

Dain Venning

Director and Secretary/Public Officer of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships

Executive Director of NECA SA/NT

Dain is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the NECA SA/NT branch, while also working collaboratively with other state branches to address national issues impacting electrical and communications contractors.

He represents the interests of members by actively contributing to a range of industry and government boards at both the state and national levels, where his insights play a vital role in shaping the future of the electrotechnology industry.

In addition to his leadership role at NECA SA/NT, Dain also serves as a Director and the Secretary/Public Officer of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships and is also the Secretary of the Specialist Contractors Association, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing the sector and supporting the industry.

Andrew Thorpe

Director of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships

Former Construction Manager of Niramar

With over 45 years of experience in the construction industry, Andrew brings extensive expertise and a strong commitment to developing the next generation of electricians. He has successfully managed complex projects across Australia, Europe, and Africa, earning a reputation for excellence in project delivery.

Highly regarded in the electrical and communications sectors, Andrew is known for his innovative approach to overcoming challenges and consistently delivering projects on time and within budget.

A dedicated advocate for the electrotechnology industry, Andrew previously served as President of NECA SA/NT, demonstrating his longstanding leadership and contribution to the sector.

Now retired from full-time work, Andrew continues to support the industry as a Director of Electro Careers & Apprenticeships where he remains passionate about training, mentoring, and ensuring positive outcomes for electrical and communications apprentices.