electrical

Apprenticeships and proper electrical training are key on the journey to net zero, SELECT’s Fiona Harper tells radio listeners

The skills supremo at Scotland’s largest construction trade association says the electrical talent of tomorrow needs a thorough grounding in ALL aspects of installation – not just the green technology that will help on the journey to net zero. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, insists it is essential for would-be electricians to follow the traditional apprenticeship route and undergo full training, not just try to specialise in low carbon…

SkillELECTRIC UK Champion announced

23-year old Craig Fairweather has been named 2022 SkillELECTRIC champion following a challenging two-day UK final event at Middlesbrough College. Employed by McDonald & Munro in Moray, Scotland, and trained by Moray College and SECTT, Craig excelled in a complicated task to install a range of first and second fix items including PVC/PVC surface clipping, plastic conduit, trunking and fireproof cable. Taking second place and a silver medal was Andrew Horne of A.…

Work continues to update Electrical Apprenticeship in England

Work is continuing to update the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard in England. Overseen by a representative employer group, which includes a number of ECA members, the changes proposed include greater coverage of net zero and digital technologies, especially around electrical vehicle charging. During September, an industry-wide consultation on the proposed new standard, including these changes, elicited over 300 responses, the vast majority of them supportive. A revised version…

Short courses and ‘six-week wonders’ are no substitute for proper electrical training, SELECT MD Alan Wilson tells radio listeners

The head of Scotland’s largest trade body has warned against the rising trend of “six-week wonders” who are trying to enter the electrical industry after taking just a short course in basic skills. In a hard-hitting interview, SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson dismissed the spread of fast-track courses and said people with inadequate training and experience pose a safety risk to both the electrical sector and consumers. He also insisted there was no substitute for…

SELECT warns that skills shortages could create challenges for green heating plans

Scotland’s largest construction trade body, SELECT, has warned that “significant investment” is needed to ensure there is a sufficiently skilled workforce to install new domestic heating technology and meet net zero targets safely. The campaigning electrical association says investment in “proper” apprenticeships and upskilling the existing workforce is essential – and it’s also vital to upgrade the nation’s electrical supply to accommodate green domestic technology. SELECT’s warnings came after it responded to…

Yorkshire electrical engineering firm welcomes pair of apprentices

A Yorkshire-headquartered high-voltage electrical engineering firm has extended its commitment to reducing the industry’s skills gap, by continuing its popular apprenticeship scheme – and is in the process of enrolling this year’s intake. Smith Brothers will provide vital hands-on experience to a pair of trainee cable jointers, which will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT). The candidates…

Six apprentices start roles at Oldham housing association

Six apprentices have joined First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) in a variety of apprenticeship roles, as it commits to creating employment opportunities for local people. The new intake comprises Jordan Kemp, Panashe Sharaunga, Baillie McLoughlin, Will Meredith, Illan Cooke and Ruhan Hussain into the roles of one electrician, two joiners and three plumbers respectively. The new recruits, aged 17-22, live across Oldham and the surrounding boroughs, and are part of…