When Mohamad Kabbara established the Electrical Trades College (ETC) in 2016, he dreamed of much more than a training institute.
He sought to build a platform for change and for opportunity: giving young Australians (Muslim and non-Muslim) the chance to mould careers, build businesses and ultimately change their lives.
“Helping people become qualified electricians and giving them the tools to broaden their horizons is what drives me,” the lifelong resident of Greenacre in Sydney’s southwest told AMUST.
As the founder, CEO and Director of ETC, Mr Kabbara, 39, has turned his passion for the electrical trade into an opportunity for others.
Mohamad Kabbara is the founder, Director and CEO of the Electrical Trades College.
His professional journey began with three and a half years studying Computer Science at university.
However, mindful of the competition for jobs in the ever-evolving IT industry, he opted to pursue a career in electricals and took on a role as an apprentice electrician.
“I wanted to work with my hands, and electrical work seemed like the perfect choice,” he says.
He completed a traditional apprenticeship through TAFE, became a licensed electrician and launched his own business in 2009.
“Some may have seen me starting my own business fresh from my apprenticeship as a leap of faith, but it opened so many doors,” he reflects.
Abdullah is one of more that 400 qualified electricians who have obtained their licences after attending the Electrical Trades College.
Over the years, Mohamad mentored numerous apprentices, which ignited his passion for teaching.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping young people succeed in their careers, particularly in the electrical trade,” he explains.
That passion ultimately led him to establish ETC.
The Electrical Trades College, registered as an RTO in 2018, specialises in delivering nationally recognised training and qualifications for the electrical industry.
“Our flagship program is the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician Pathway,” Mohamad points out.
Australia is still a very ‘young’ country in terms of infrastructure and the demand for licensed electricians continues to grow (Standards Australia photo).
“And we’ve created three pathways to help students become qualified electricians.”
The traditional apprenticeship pathway, subsidised by the NSW Government under the Smart and Skilled initiative, provides a structured four-year program.
“This fully NSW Government funded program opens doors for students who mightn’t have been able to afford private training,” he says.
For those who already have years of industry experience but lack formal qualifications, ETC offers a recognition model pathway.
“Many people work in the trade without being qualified; they can’t start their own businesses or sign off on their own jobs….they’re stuck,” he says.
“Our competency-based training program gives them the opportunity to become qualified without starting over.”
The third pathway caters to overseas-qualified electricians.
“We help them bridge the gap by offering training tailored to Australian standards,” he explains.
“Instead of a full Australian apprenticeship, they complete nine subjects and become fully qualified.”
Since its inception, ETC has qualified over 400 electricians.
“We focus on student support, which is often lacking in larger institutions like TAFE,” Mohamad notes.
“Our small class sizes – typically 17 or 18 students – allow us to provide individual attention, and we generally have two trainers in the classroom.”
Flexibility is another hallmark of ETC. “We operate late into the evening, so students can stay back and get one-on-one time with our trainers,” he says.
The college also uses a blended learning model with online components, making it also accessible to students from regional NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
“We customise training plans to suit each student’s needs.”
Looking to the future, Mohamad plans to expand ETC to northern NSW, near the Queensland border.
“We get a lot of students from Queensland, and this will make it easier for them to access training without travelling to Sydney,” he says.
“Inshallah, it will be a strategic move that will benefit everyone,” he enthuses.
Moment to cherish….Hajj Mohamad Kabbara with his father Hajj Shaouki Kabbara during one of their Hajj pilgrimages.
Mohamad Kabbara’s drive to uplift others is deeply rooted in his upbringing and family life.
He attended Islamic secondary school with his siblings before pursuing his higher education and career.
Now, a happy husband and proud father of four great kids, Mr Kabbara credits his family as his greatest source of support.
Mohamad’s own father, Hajj Shaouki Kabbara, is a well-known figure in the community and one of the founding members of Zakat House, a Sydney-based charity organisation, originally known as Bayt Al-Zakat.
“My dad’s commitment to helping others has always inspired me,” Mohamad says.
Mohamad and his siblings are so proud of their father! Here they are pictured with Hajj Shaouki Kabbara after he received a special recognition award from Zakat House, having served the organisation since its inception.
“He’s been the treasurer of Zakat House for decades and has dedicated his life to supporting those in need.”
Hajj Shaouki’s journey from Lebanon to Australia is a story of resilience and generosity.
“He moved from Lebanon to Ghana, worked there for nearly a decade, and eventually migrated to Sydney in the 1970s,” Mohamad recalls.
“Despite working multiple jobs at times, he still found the energy to give back to the community.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Mohamad joined the Zakat House committee two and a half years ago on the invitation of the organisation’s inspirational president Issam Obeid.
Mohamad Kabbara pictured with his father, Zakat House Treasurer Hajj Shaouki Kabbara and the organisation’s President Hajj Issam Obeid (right).
His role focuses on marketing and modernising the organisation’s digital presence.
“We rebranded from Bayt al-Zakat to Zakat House to make it more appealing while retaining the Islamic essence,” he explains.
“The new logo incorporates the Islamic star, reflecting our roots and values.”
Founded in 1981, Zakat House began by supporting 11 orphans.
Today, it assists over 700 orphans, as well as widows, disadvantaged children and people with disabilities.
“My dad’s passion for helping orphans is something that’s in my DNA,” Mohamad says.
“He lost his father at the age of five and understands the challenges they face.”
Zakat House currently assists more than 700 orphans and Mohamad has travelled to Lebanon to assist with this initiative.
Zakat House’s projects extend beyond Australia, with initiatives in northern Lebanon, Asia and Africa.
Recently, the organisation partnered with House of Sadaqa to support struggling families in Sydney through the Home Essentials program.
“There are so many families in need right here in our community,” Mohamad says. “It’s an honour to be part of this work.”
Despite his hectic schedule, Mohamad makes time for sport and other pastimes.
A lifelong Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs supporter, he also coached junior rugby league for seven years.
Originally known as Bayt al-Zakat, Zakat House has been doing magnificent charity work for three and half decades now.
“Sport is a great way to bring people together,” he says. “I believe in staying connected to my community, whether through sports, business or shared interests.”
Mohamad has performed Hajj three times, in addition to numerous Umrah pilgrimages.
“These journeys have been very moving and deeply spiritual – hopefully I will have the opportunity to go many more times,” he shares.
He also stays connected to his roots through WhatsApp groups with old friends.
“We live in an age where people are more dispersed, but it’s important to keep our communities tight,” he says. “Technology helps us stay in touch.”
For Mohamad, the success of ETC and his involvement with Zakat House are deeply intertwined as both endeavours aim to empower and uplift.
“I believe in doing the right thing, whether it’s helping someone earn their electrician’s licence or supporting a family in need,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Mohamad feels a deep sense of gratitude.
“Alhamdulillah, the electrical trade has taken me places I never imagined,” he says.
Every year, the Adahi Project is one of Zakat House’s many great initiatives.
“And through ETC and Zakat House, I’m able to give back in a meaningful way.”
As he looks to the future, Mr Kabbara remains focused on expanding his impact.
“Whether it’s opening a new training facility or supporting more families through Zakat House, my goal is always to help people to achieve their potential,” he says.
“That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
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