Industry News

Scottish Minister echoes praise for employers’ commitment to training

Minister Jamie Hepburn has joined influential training providers, the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), in saluting Scotland’s employers for continuing to support young talent during COVID-19. The industry bodies have applauded businesses for recruiting, training and nurturing trainees during the pandemic and say their dedication is the perfect example of “business backing talent” – the theme of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 1-5). Anne Galbraith, chief executive…

“I would like to be an ambassador for female engineers”

If you could bottle enthusiasm and a passion for plumbing, you’d probably have to put Lily Clarke’s face on the label. She did her apprenticeship fifteen years ago and quickly overcame her initial misgivings about embarking on, what some at the time considered, an odd choice for an 18-year-old woman. “I started work on Monday and was in college on Tuesday, having never held a pipe in my life,” says…

Diageo apprentice in running for prestigious award

As reported by the Daily Record, Cameron MacDonald, from Bathgate in West Lothian, has been shortlisted for the Scottish Apprentice Ambassador of the Year award. Nominated by his employer, Diageo, Cameron currently works at the company’s site in Blackgrange, Alloa, having joined Diageo as a modern apprentice in electrical engineering, before progressing as a graduate apprentice in engineering – electrical design and manufacture at Heriot Watt. Cameron was shortlisted by…

Smart home case study from Legrand

The unique property has a raft of smart home devices to automate audio, lighting, heating, blinds and front door access. The property has been built to a high standard to create a truly remarkable home. Hawkes Place is a property like no other. Situated in Sevenoaks, Kent, one homeowner has created a truly unique building where every room is connected through home automation devices. Designed and built by Tony Gotts…

“When I first got to see behind a switchboard, it looked like a bird’s nest to me. Now I love switchboard work.”

As featured in The Guardian, Terease Wallace struggled at school and fell into retail before she got her licence to become an apprentice electrician at 50. Here’s her story… I went through school in the 1970s and early 80s. I would get in trouble from teachers. I’d write words backwards or mix up the letters. I’d have all the right letters, but I’d mix them up and I wouldn’t even…

Hundreds apply for 10 new apprentice roles with Tyne and Wear transport company

In January, Metro and bus operator Nexus announced vacancies for new apprenticeships across the business, in both operational roles and behind the scenes. Hundreds have already applied, reports Sunderland Echo, ahead of the 12 March deadline. Seven new recruits are being sought to work in Metro Infrastructure, including in signalling, track engineering, overhead line and electrical and mechanical operational roles. A further two business administration apprenticeship opportunities are also among…

Light Planning Simplified

Learn how to make a hands-on light plan and TCO calculation with simple tools. If you’re interested in lighting, you should check out the Ledvance Training Centre, an online platform packed with bite-sized training videos covering a variety of lighting topics, including technology, products and applications. With short run times between eight and 24 minutes, they’re perfect to fit in around your apprenticeship, and you can dip in and out of…