Sites are slowing down, people are switching off and everyone’s trying to get things wrapped before the Christmas break. But there’s still plenty happening across the test and tag space, including an unusually high number of product recalls and some important developments in the construction industry.
Here’s your December wrap.
Product Recalls – Stay Alert
December has seen an unusually high number of electrical product recalls, reinforcing why it’s important to stay aware of what’s in use on site - even if an item doesn’t typically fall under routine testing.
For anyone testing and tagging, recalls should always be on your radar, particularly heading into summer when higher temperatures can increase risk.
Some of the more relevant recalls for December included:
- USB Rechargeable LED Tealights – non-compliant with safety standards
- Belkin Auto-Tracking Charging Stand – lithium-ion battery overheating risk
- BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank – lithium-ion battery overheating risk
- Zap Pad Wireless Magnetic Power Bank – overheating risk
If you come across recalled items during testing, they should be removed from service immediately.
For the full and up-to-date list of recalled items, visit the ACCC Product Recall website.
Test & Tag in the Real World
We recently shared a real-world example of how testing and tagging plays out on site, following one of our former students, Jarrod, and how he built his test and tag franchise, The Local Guys.
It’s always good to see genuine stories getting a run - especially when they show how testing and tagging fits into day-to-day work, rather than being treated as just another box for businesses to tick and move on from.
Seeing experiences like Jarrod’s appear in mainstream trade media is a reminder that there’s real opportunity in the test and tag space when people take the time to learn it properly and apply it on site.
You can read more in Test & Tag in Practice: A Real-World Story.
Construction Workforce Shortfall
We’ve touched on this earlier in the year more than once, but a recent report from Infrastructure Australia has again highlighted a growing issue for the construction sector. The workforce is projected to need to almost double to meet future demand, with an estimated shortfall of around 300,000 workers by mid-2027.
As pressure on skilled labour increases, safety can’t afford to slip. Fewer workers, tighter timelines, and heavier workloads all raise risk on site - which makes fundamentals like testing and tagging even more important.
As the industry stretches to keep up with demand, having competent people on site who understand compliance, risk management, and proper procedures will only become more critical.
End-of-Year Message from Our CEO
As we head toward the end of another big year, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you.
2025 has been a busy one across the test and tag industry - from changing site demands and tighter audits to skills shortages and increased pressure on safety compliance. Through it all, we’ve continued to see people across the industry take testing and tagging seriously, not just as a requirement, but as part of doing the job properly.
Our CEO, Scott Beel, has recorded a short end-of-year message to thank our students, customers, and partners for their continued support throughout the year.
What's Coming Next & Christmas Closure
As we wrap up the year, we’d like to say a genuine thank you to everyone who’s trained with us, tested with us, or relied on our support throughout 2025. We appreciate the trust you place in us.
Christmas Closure Period
Our teams will be closed from 24 December and back on deck on 5 January.
If you’re planning training, calibration, or support early in the new year, it’s worth getting organised now. January fills up quickly every year, and the lead-up to Christmas is always busy.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While things slow down over the break, we’re already planning what’s next for the year ahead. The test and tag industry continues to evolve, and 2026 will be about helping people work smarter, stay compliant, and keep ahead of changes - not just react to them.
Here’s what we’re focused on rolling out and expanding next year:
That includes:
-
Our Top 5 PAT Testers for 2026, updated with real-world feedback
- Ongoing updates on compliance expectations and audit trends
- More real-world examples of how test and tag works in practice, not just on paper
- The most up-to-date industry insights and expert commentary, not just rule changes
- Practical insights into new equipment and AI related changes
Thanks again for being part of another big year. We’ll see you in 2026, when we celebrate 20 years in business.
