Industry News

“We employ apprentices to provide opportunities to enthusiastic people who wish to succeed within the trade”

In support of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, running from 8-14 February, we speak to James Churchill, Operations Manager at C-Elect, an electrical contractor that has been employing apprentices for 10 years. Here, James explains why C-Elect employs apprentices and how they ensure they get the best out of them, to the benefit of both the apprentice and the company. Can you tell us a bit about C-Elect? C-Elect are a well established electrical contractor with…

‘Build the Future’ announced as theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021

“Build the Future” is the theme for NAW2021, taking place between 8 and 14 February 2021, aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. The 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across England, will showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships.…

Expand your lighting knowledge with a quick course on LED lamps

Find yourself drawn to the bright lights of lighting? Keen to expand your knowledge of the lighting industry? Got a spare 10 minutes? Let us introduce you to the Ledvance Training Centre. There’s a whole host of lighting info available on the platform, including technology, products and applications. It takes just a minute to set up an account and then you’re free to explore the world of light through short,…

Plumbing apprentices take part in Covid-19 testing as part of a company pilot scheme

Apprentices started his plumbing apprenticeship this week and is part of a Covid-19 testing programme carried out by Pimlico Plumbers, says In Your Area. The apprentices will be subject to daily temperature checking, the same as Pimlico’s tradespeople and head office staff. This is to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep staff safe. Around 60 per cent of UK employers are halting apprenticeship recruitment, this has heavily impacted the…

Bright sparks begin electrical apprenticeship training at Telford College

New apprentices have begun their training at Telford College, according to Shropshire Star. The trainees are on a three-year programme, studying for an advanced level three qualification. The trainees have come from businesses in Shropshire, including Now Electrical, CMK Electrical, Rose Electrical, TC Electrical, Roycroft, Randles Building Solutions, Swancote Energy, Albinroy, Lloyds Electrical Design, and PP Electrical. Lora Rogers, recruitment officer at Telford College, said: “These apprentices will be attending…

Should I install a PEN monitoring device on a problematic outside light?

Our ECA expert answers a question from a Voltimum user regarding outside conduit and BS7671 guidance. Question: The customer wanted an industrial type of installation for outside lights. The metal conduit is low level 2 meters and in reach. The supply is fused from the kitchen ring RCD protected via a swa to a metal box containing the terminals for the lights and motion detectors. During testing it was discovered…

Law to be changed to support those made redundant to help complete their apprenticeship

The government is changing the law to allow more redundant apprentices to complete their course according to FE Week. A Statutory Instrument (SI) has been laid in parliament that will allow the Education and Skills Funding Agency to fund apprentices to complete their training if they are at least 75 per cent of their way through their programme at the point of redundancy. Helping to support those who have been made redundant…