SELECT and SJIB warn against rise of rogue training providers and fast-track electrician courses

SELECT and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) have issued a fresh warning about the dangers of rogue training providers offering short courses which claim to provide a fast-track route into the electrical industry. The two organisations say there is growing concern that people are being encouraged to believe they can acquire the knowledge, practical skills and occupational competence required of a qualified electrician after only a few weeks of classroom-based training. They have now urged anyone considering a career in the electrotechnical sector – including adults looking to retrain – to make sure they follow an industry-approved route which combines structured learning with essential supervised experience in the workplace. Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “There is already a robust training programme in Scotland that raises electrical professionals to the high standard required of the modern contractor. This is proven to be the ONLY way to equip electricians with the skills required and give consumers confidence that work is being carried out safely and competently. “This also applies to retraining, with an adult training scheme that offers on-site working to help develop skills in conjunction with the classroom aspect. A short course simply doesn’t cut it and endangers consumer safety. “As we have outlined on a number of occasions, electrical installation is highly skilled, safety-critical work. It simply isn’t possible to replicate in a matter of weeks the combination of technical knowledge, practical ability and workplace experience that is developed through a proper electrical installation apprenticeship. People considering a career in the industry should therefore be extremely wary of organisations which suggest that a collection of qualifications or a short period of training will somehow make them a competent electrician.”  SELECT and the SJIB work closely with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), which manages the Modern Apprentice in Electrical Installation programme in Scotland. Taking around four years to complete, the programme combines college-based learning with extensive supervised workplace experience, culminating in the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA). Catherine Gillon, Secretary of the SJIB, adds, “Qualifications are obviously an important part of becoming an electrician, but qualifications alone do not demonstrate occupational competence. Working alongside experienced electrical professionals on-site is an essential part of the learning process. It enables trainees to put their technical knowledge into practice, encounter different situations and installations and gradually develop the judgement, ability and experience expected of a qualified electrician. “That is why there can be no shortcut to competence. Anyone who is being told that they can become an electrician simply by completing a handful of short courses in a classroom should think very carefully about what they are being promised. The consequences extend beyond the individual who may have spent considerable sums on inappropriate training. If someone then undertakes electrical installation work without the necessary competence, the consequences for customers and the wider public could be extremely serious.” SELECT and SJIB have urged would-be electricians to contact SECTT and also visit the Rogue Trainers campaign run by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), which helps identify misleading training offers and understand the industry-approved routes to qualification. “The Rogue Trainers campaign is extremely important because people looking for a new career can understandably be attracted by promises that they can qualify quickly,” adds Miller. “But becoming an electrician isn’t about collecting certificates. It’s about developing genuine occupational competence and being able to demonstrate that you can carry out complex electrical work correctly and, above all, safely. We would urge anyone considering electrical training to investigate exactly what a course will deliver before committing their time and money. The electrical installation apprenticeship remains the safe, recognised and proven route into our profession.”

EIC Support Helps Electrician Re-engage Following Devastating Bereavement

The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has highlighted how compassionate, person-centred support helped a self-employed electrician re-engage with counselling after the devastating loss of both of his daughters to suicide. Chris contacted EIC while experiencing profound grief and depression. He had been signed off work and was struggling to cope with day-to-day life, while becoming increasingly isolated from friends, family and support services. Although Chris had sought help from his GP and started taking antidepressant medication, he had also begun experiencing thoughts of ending his own life. Recognising that he needed specialist support, he contacted EIC for help. Following the referral, Chris's Case Manager recognised that his difficulties engaging with support were likely to be a consequence of the severity of his grief and mental health difficulties rather than an unwillingness to accept help. Chris was matched with a specialist therapist, who made immediate contact. However, he found it difficult to respond to calls, voicemails and text messages. Rather than treating this as a refusal of support, his Case Manager continued to check in regularly without applying pressure, allowing Chris to remain in control of how and when he accessed help. As Chris became increasingly withdrawn, his case was eventually closed in accordance with standard procedures. However, communication remained supportive and made clear that the door would remain open if he felt able to reconnect. Just a few days later, Chris contacted EIC again. He explained that he had not deliberately ignored the offers of support but had reached a point where he was spending extended periods in bed, withdrawing from everyday activities and finding communication with others extremely difficult. Chris also recognised that he had been in denial about the severity of his situation and had not been emotionally ready to accept support when it was initially offered. Receiving notification that his case had been closed prompted him to reflect on his circumstances and recognise that his withdrawal was itself an indication that he needed help. Chris asked to reconnect with therapeutic services and his case was immediately reopened. This time, he was able to engage fully with counselling and, over the following weeks, began making progress and developing a greater awareness of his mental health needs. During his sessions, Chris acknowledged that he had reached a point where he could no longer cope alone and that accepting support was an important first step towards recovery. EIC says Chris's experience demonstrates that recovery from profound grief and mental health difficulties is rarely linear and that people may not always be ready to accept support when it is first offered. By maintaining a compassionate approach and ensuring that support remained available, EIC was able to help Chris reconnect when he felt ready to do so. Further information and support are available directly from the Electrical Industries Charity.

Toolstation expands ROKTOR and Minotaur ranges

Toolstation has announced the expansion of its power tool range ROKTOR and hardwearing hand tool collection Minotaur, helping tradespeople and DIYers conquer each and every job at hand this autumn.  The expanded ROKTOR range introduces a brand new collection of 18V cordless power tools featuring combi drills, impact drivers, multi-tools, circular saws and more, with prices starting from £23.99. Customers can also access over 240 power tool accessories as part of the expansion, varying from screwdriver bits, sanding sheets, jigsaw blades and more, starting from £1.09.  Toolstation’s Minotaur supply has also seen the addition of over 100 new hand tools ranging from spirit levels, clamps, screwdrivers, utility knives and more. The expansion of ROKTOR and Minotaur comes at an ideal time for tradespeople whose work schedule will start to ramp up across the coming months. Research from the retailer found that just under half (43%) of tradespeople expect their level of work to increase over autumn and winter, with October to December being the second busiest quarter for emergency call-outs, just behind January to March.  ROKTOR and Minotaur are two of nine own brand ranges supplied by Toolstation alongside Hawksmoor landscaping, Pinnacle painting and decorating accessories, Lockworks ironmongery, Maverick workwear, Flume plumbing and heating, Ebb & Flo kitchen and bathroom accessories, and Wessex electrical and lighting. Beth Priestley, Senior Category Manager for Power Tools, Hand Tools and PTA at Toolstation, comments, “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our ROKTOR and Minotaur ranges, adding to our ever-growing own brand collection. Our role is to help customers conquer each and every job at hand, and the new collections are built to do just that with their robust, high-quality offering to simplify tradespeople’s construction and installation projects.”  Toolstation’s multi-channel service means local customers can order the expanded ranges online at toolstation.com or on the Toolstation App, and Click & Collect from the store within five minutes of ordering. Customers can browse the full ROKTOR and Minotaur ranges online.

Martindale launches electrical learning hub

A dedicated new resources hub on the Martindale website has been introduced to support students and apprentices as they start their journey in the electrical industry.  As an industry leader in the field of safety and test equipment, Martindale has collated a comprehensive library of free essential resources, guides and downloads for electrical students, apprentices and their educators – in one central hub - so that all concerned can easily build knowledge with practical articles and technical guides. Those using the hub can also access links to key industry information all in one place, test their knowledge with quizzes designed to reinforce learning, access free guides, posters and learning resources and upskill with essential safe isolation knowledge and advice.  “Electrical safety is at the heart of everything we do at Martindale and supporting the next generation of electrical professionals is a very important part of that,” explains Steve Dunning, Managing Director of Martindale Electric. “With our recent electrical safety in the workplace revealing 86% of professionals have experienced at least one electrical incident,  it’s imperative that students and apprentices get more safety insights to complement their electrical training, so the new hub provides easily signposted website access to our extensive library of guides, technical articles, posters and safe isolation materials.” 

NAPIT Launches New Electrician Qualification Pathways Quiz

NAPIT has launched a new Electrician Qualification Pathways Quiz, designed to help electrical professionals check whether they hold the qualifications required to become a NAPIT member or expand the range of work they or their business can undertake. The online quiz aims to make qualification pathways clearer from the outset. Whether users already work with particular technologies, are looking to upskill or are considering NAPIT membership, the tool helps identify whether they hold the mandatory qualifications required for their chosen pathway. The launch comes ahead of changes to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and Mandatory Technical Competencies (MTC) requirements, which will provide greater clarity around the qualifications needed for technologies including electric vehicle charging, solar PV and Electrical Energy Storage Systems. Both NAPIT members and non-members can use the quiz. It guides users through the available pathways before recommending an appropriate training course based on their experience and career goals, or confirming where no further development is required. Existing NAPIT members can use the tool to establish whether they already hold the qualifications required to add technologies such as electric vehicle charging, solar PV or Electrical Energy Storage Systems to their electrical membership. Non-members considering joining NAPIT can also use the quiz to check whether their current qualifications meet the necessary membership requirements. Brett Forster, Technical and Commercial Director at NAPIT, says, "If you are brand new to the industry or plan to upskill from allied trades, the training pathways can kick-start that journey. The tool will help guide you to the most suitable starting point based on your experience and goals." Take the Electrician Qualification Pathways Quiz

CEF marks 75th anniversary with almost 30 tonnes of donations for UK food banks

CEF’s 75th anniversary celebrations brought team members from across the business together with customers and suppliers to give back to food banks and communities across the UK. City Electrical Factors (CEF) customers, teams and suppliers have donated nearly 30 tonnes of essential goods to food banks across the UK, as part of the electrical wholesaler’s 75th anniversary celebrations. The nationwide community food drive saw CEF branches and other areas of the business become donation points for their local food banks, uniting local communities, team members, and industry partners to give back to the areas they serve every day. In total, the donations weighed the equivalent of 13 unladen CEF vans, or enough to fill around 30 CEF van loads. The initiative formed part of CEF’s “Day of Giving” campaign, created to mark 75 years since the business was founded by Tom Mackie in Coventry in 1951. Throughout its history, CEF has maintained a strong connection with the local communities surrounding its branch network. What began as a single electrical wholesale branch has grown into a nationwide business with more than 390 branches and over 4,000 employees across the UK. The food bank drive continued this tradition by giving each branch the opportunity to support organisations in its own local area. Donations reflected what individual food banks needed most, ranging from food and everyday essentials to toiletries and cleaning products. This campaign forms part of CEF’s wider 75th anniversary celebrations, a year-long series of events honouring its people, customers, and communities while looking ahead to the future of the electrical trade. It runs alongside CEF Cares, where the wholesaler inspires positive change in communities, one act of kindness at a time.

CEDIA and Essential Install to Reveal Findings from 2026 UK Professional Smart Home Market Analysis

CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals, will present the findings from its 2026 UK Professional Smart Home Market Analysis in partnership with ECN's sister title Essential Install at an exclusive industry event in London on September 30. Taking place at Home House Studio, the invitation-only lunch presentation will give smart home professionals the first opportunity to discover CEDIA’s latest insights into the UK market and the emerging trends shaping the industry. Ryan Bardach, Director of Research at CEDIA, will present the key findings from this year’s research, covering industry trends, business performance, market opportunities and the challenges likely to impact the future of the sector. Attendees will also gain insights from the 2026 U.S. Professional Smart Home Market Analysis, which debuted at CEDIA Expo in Denver earlier this month. Together, the two studies will provide a perspective on the UK and US residential technology markets, helping integrators and other industry professionals understand how the sector is developing and make more informed, data-led business decisions. Created for integrators, manufacturers, distributors and other industry partners, the free event will also provide an opportunity to discuss the findings, exchange ideas and network with industry peers over lunch and refreshments. Essential Install Editor Daniel J Sait says, “We are delighted to be working with CEDIA to bring this important research directly to the UK industry. Good market intelligence is incredibly valuable, particularly when businesses are making decisions about where to invest, which opportunities to pursue and how the market may develop. Having Ryan in the room to present the findings and discuss what they mean for our sector should make this a particularly useful afternoon.” Event details Venue: Home House Studio, 44 Great Cumberland Place, London W1H 7BS Date: Wednesday September 30, 2026 Time: 1pm–5pm To register for the event, visit here. The 2026 UK Professional Smart Home Market Analysis is also available to pre-order from the CEDIA Store.

WAGO Renews Nottingham Panthers Sponsorship for 2026–27 season

WAGO has renewed its major sponsorship of the Nottingham Panthers for the 2026–27 Elite Ice Hockey League season, extending the partnership into a fifth consecutive year. The electrical interconnection and automation specialist says the relationship provides a platform for bringing together customers, distributors, business partners and colleagues through live elite ice hockey. Under the renewed agreement, WAGO will continue to receive branding across the club, including shirt and helmet sponsorship, visibility throughout the Motorpoint Arena and digital matchday assets. The package also includes sponsorship of three Panthers home fixtures, customer and partner hospitality, player sponsorship and exclusive matchday experiences. The partnership reflects WAGO's 'Empowering Connections' purpose, with the company highlighting shared values around teamwork, performance, reliability and community. The renewal follows a successful 2025–26 season for the Nottingham Panthers, during which the club secured both the IIHF Continental Cup and Challenge Cup. Season tickets for the 2026–27 campaign have already sold out. Richard Beighton, Zone President, Northern Europe at WAGO, says, "We are delighted to renew our partnership with the Nottingham Panthers and continue a relationship that has become increasingly important to WAGO. "Our purpose is centred on empowering connections, and this partnership brings that to life. It connects us with the passionate #PanthersNation community while giving us memorable opportunities to bring our customers, partners and colleagues together. "The Panthers have created a strong culture built around teamwork, ambition and commitment. These are values that resonate closely with WAGO, and we are proud to continue supporting the club as it enters another exciting season." Omar Pacha, Chief Executive at Nottingham Panthers, says, "We are thrilled that WAGO has renewed its sponsorship and will continue as a major partner of the Nottingham Panthers. "Long-term partnerships are incredibly important to the club, and WAGO has become a valued member of the Panthers family. Their continued support demonstrates a genuine commitment to the organisation, our supporters and the wider community around the club. "We look forward to welcoming WAGO's customers and colleagues back to the Motorpoint Arena and building on an excellent relationship throughout another exciting season." WAGO first partnered with the Panthers in 2022 and has since used the sponsorship to provide hospitality, networking and matchday experiences for customers and partners.

Shelly launches Shelly Business Manager platform

Shelly Group, a provider of IoT and smart building solutions, is expanding its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) portfolio with the launch of Shelly Business Manager, a new cloud-based platform for professional users.  Designed for installers, resellers, system integrators and businesses, Shelly Business Manager enables organisations to create their own custom-branded environment for managing devices and sites, without the need for complex programming. The platform is intended to help businesses build data-driven services around energy management, building automation and device monitoring for their customers.  Shelly Business Manager has been developed for organisations that need to monitor and manage devices across multiple locations from a single interface. The platform brings together information on installations, energy consumption and device status, giving users a clear overview of their operations.  For example, a supermarket operator could use a central dashboard to monitor refrigeration, lighting and other technical systems across multiple stores. Abnormal consumption, device faults or other operational issues can be identified quickly, allowing teams to investigate and respond sooner.  Alongside device management, Shelly Business Manager provides reporting and monitoring capabilities that allow businesses to make better use of data generated by Shelly devices and offer additional services to their customers. Pre-configured templates support faster deployment, while custom dashboards and management interfaces can be created without complex coding.  Shelly Business Manager further expands Shelly Group’s portfolio of software solutions for professional applications. The portfolio also includes Shelly Fleet Manager, which supports the centralised configuration, updating and management of large numbers of Shelly devices across multiple locations, and Shelly Solar Platform, which provides centralised monitoring of photovoltaic and energy systems, including energy generation, consumption and operational data. Shelly Business Manager extends this offering by enabling businesses and partners to provide their customers with a custom-branded device and site management platform.  Shelly’s software platforms are developed by the company’s teams in Sofia, enabling close integration between Shelly hardware and software and the continuous development of new capabilities. The platforms are designed to support businesses, partners and professional users as they deploy and scale smart building, energy management and automation projects across multiple locations.  Shelly will present Shelly Business Manager in a launch webinar on 8 September, including live demonstrations and practical use cases. Register for the webinar here.    

BACHMANN launches AXIS S and AXIS L vertical freestanding models

BACHMANN has expanded its AXIS power distribution range with two new vertical freestanding models, designed to bring convenient access to power in flexible workspaces, hospitality settings, and lounge environments. In many environments, power outlets are located where they are difficult to access: on the floor or hidden beneath desks. This becomes increasingly challenging in flexible work and shared environments. With AXIS, BACHMANN rethinks this principle and reorients power distribution. The vertical power strip positions connections at user height, making access easier in dynamic workplaces, lounge areas and hospitality settings. AXIS S represents the entry point into the product family. The compact version is designed for placement on desks, sideboards or side tables, bringing power to where devices are used temporarily.  Four sockets angled at 35 degrees allow convenient use even with larger power supplies. An integrated Next Generation USB‑C charger with two ports provides 65 watts of charging power, supporting smartphones, tablets and compact laptops. For applications requiring greater range and flexibility, AXIS L extends this concept vertically. With a height of approximately 70cm, the floor-standing version positions connections next to desks, lounge furniture or sofas.  In addition to the four angled sockets, AXIS L features a more powerful USB‑C charger with up to 100 watts (optional), enabling reliable charging of higher-performance laptops. An extended supply cable further increases flexibility in positioning within the space. A stable base combined with an anodised aluminium housing ensures secure placement and a clear integration into modern environments. For AXIS L, an additional weighted base provides stability even in high-traffic areas. “We observe that power distribution in modern environments needs to become more flexible. With AXIS, we consistently bring power into the space and enable ergonomic access to connections across different usage scenarios,” says Pascal Pieters, Product Manager at BACHMANN.