NICEIC enhances training portfolio with the addition of EWA

NICEIC has announced the addition of the Installation Electrician Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) to its training portfolio.     This industry-approved pathway offers experienced electricians, who might not have completed an apprenticeship or secured a Level 3 vocational qualification (or equivalent), a formal means to validate their competence and industry experience.    Candidates applying to undertake the Installation Electrician EWA must have at least five years of proven experience working as an electrician (excluding any time spent in training) and must hold a Level 2 electrical qualification.    Acquiring the EWA and its endpoint assessment is recognised in the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification as equivalent to an industry apprenticeship, meeting the application criteria for electrical certification bodies such as NICEIC. Furthermore, the assessment meets the requirements for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) gold card.    NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins says, "It is essential that the industry values the role of all experienced electricians and that options are available to those who need their skills formally recognised.     "The industry has taken great strides in raising standards in recent years following the introduction of the updated Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), which tightened the entry criteria for certification bodies and the like.      "We now need to focus on ensuring those experienced electricians who currently fall outside of the criteria due to a lack of formal qualification can be included.’’        "However, this must be done in a way which protects the industry's integrity and guarantees everyone meets the same high standards. The EWA does just that, which is why we are adding it to our product offering."      As part of the process, candidates must compile a portfolio of work and undertake practical assessments. On completion of this phase, participants will be required to pass an AM2E assessment, which mirrors the AM2S assessment taken by apprentices at the end of their training.    To read more on NICEIC, click here

CMP Products walks away with two awards at the EDA Awards

CMP Products is celebrating after winning two major awards at the Electrical Distributors Association’s (EDA) Data Awards. The Cramlington-based business received the Overall Data Quality award for 2,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), while the other was a Gold Standard Data Quality award. Both were for its work within the EDA’s E-DATA Pool – an initiative established to allow manufacturers to share their product data with wholesalers and specifiers throughout the UK. The EDA is a trade association for electrical wholesale distributors in the UK and has a membership of over 250, which represents over 75% of the market. Its E-DATA Pool has over 220,000 SKUs live for wholesaler members to access, 25,000 of which are CMP products. Jade Appleby, CMP’s Marketing Manager, says, “We’ve put a lot of hard work into delivering top-quality product data for our customers and we were all delighted to be recognised for this by the EDA. “Looking forward, we have exciting plans for the next phases of our digital data journey during 2024, including improvements to our website and the finalisation of our new product information management software.” The fifth Annual Digitalisation and Data Awards were held at the America Square Conference Centre in London. Over 200 delegates and EDA representatives attended the event, which also included presentations and discussions on developments in digitalisation and AI.

ECA and FSA Members voice concern over apprenticeship cuts

Over 60 employers from across Wales, including several ECA and FSA Members, have joined together to call for funding for the Welsh Government's flagship apprenticeship programme to be protected, to ensure the economic prosperity of Wales.   In an open letter, employers say that cuts to the apprenticeship programme announced by the Welsh Government on 19 December 2023 will have a devastating effect on apprentices, employers, and communities, signalling very challenging times ahead for the FE and work-based learning sectors. It could mean 10,000 fewer apprentices able to start next year, with the reductions falling disproportionately on young people, and those in the lowest socio-economic groups.   ECA and FSA Member signatories of the open letter include:   · Powerlink Electrical Services · Lloyd Morris Electrical · Crimewatch Alarms · Chil UK · CMB Electrical · FP Hurley  · Fire Rite UK   Reacting to the Welsh Government’s draft budget, ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, says, “As Wales navigates turbulent economic times, colleges are the skills engine needed to drive our economic recovery, and it is critical that future inward investment is not damaged. The draft budget is a huge gamble for Wales’ economy and communities. The Welsh Government must think again and reverse the catastrophic decision to cut the apprenticeship programme.”   Further education colleges are fundamental to a fairer, greener and stronger Wales, but they need sustainable funding to support learners and to deliver for employers. The combination of the cuts to the apprenticeship budget and reductions in funding elsewhere means there is a perfect storm facing the sector because of the proposals in the draft budget.   To read more on ECA, click here. 

Free training course launched to unlock retrofit career paths

Electrical engineers and contractors can now access a free course from The Retrofit Academy, a retrofit knowledge and skills provider, to kickstart their career in retrofit. The new online course, Retrofit 101, has been curated and designed by The Retrofit Academy to provide anyone wanting to learn about the fundamentals of what domestic retrofit involves and why it is important in driving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Aiming to bolster understanding of retrofit for electrical professionals and the work they may already be doing to improve energy efficiency in buildings, the course is designed to unlock the potential for professionals to progress into further retrofit qualifications as they develop their careers. As government policy and funding for decarbonising homes and buildings continues to grow, the workforce required to deliver high-quality retrofit at scale must develop quickly to meet the growing demand. The organisation has launched the course to give more people the chance to understand retrofitting, why domestic retrofit is needed, learn about what goes into retrofit advice and understand the retrofit career paths available for people.  The new course joins a raft of accredited courses developed and delivered by The Retrofit Academy since 2016, equipping learners to take on PAS 2035 roles such as Retrofit Coordinator, Assessor and Advisor. Having already enrolled over 4,000 retrofit professionals and 7,000 learners, the organisation has designed the course to encourage many more to consider earning their qualifications and capitalising on emerging career opportunities. David Pierpoint, CEO and Founder of The Retrofit Academy says, “We have been developing and delivering accredited retrofit training courses since 2016 and have unlocked careers for thousands of individuals already. To create the workforce needed to decarbonise all homes in the UK, however, we must go further. With that in mind, we’ve developed our free introductory course with the aim of sharing our wealth of retrofit knowledge with as many people as possible, which we hope will make the world of retrofit even more attractive to a broader talent pool. “Whether an individual is eager to unlock a new career in the built environment, or a company is looking to upskill its team in energy efficiency considerations, Retrofit 101 provides a fundamental starting point to launch into the sector. From here, there is the opportunity to take on more of the leading qualifications from The Retrofit Academy and take on the thousands of roles opening up to deliver large-scale, high-quality retrofit across the UK.”

The LIA and Recolight announce Net Zero Lighting Conference

The LIA and Recolight are collaborating on the Net Zero Lighting Conference 2024, taking place on 2 May in London. The agenda highlights net zero-focused manufacturing practices within the lighting industry which covers strategy, materials, energy, packaging, and best practices delivered by a variety of key players and experts in the industry. The day will kick off with a welcome from Ayça Donaghy, CEO of The Lighting Industry Association, followed by an assessment of lessons learned and successes in minimising carbon footprint in its organisation by Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight.  The conference emphasises the practical steps that lighting manufacturers can take to reduce the carbon emissions of all parts of their operations to contribute to the low carbon economy. The two organisations have come together to organise this conference in recognition of the vital importance of this topic to the industry, drawing upon their combined expertise. Ayça says, "The LIA are pleased to announce our collaboration with Recolight as we collectively drive the industry to achieve net zero. The move to a net zero economy is no longer an option - it is an imperative. Specifiers and customers are increasingly demanding substantiated proof of green claims, be they embodied carbon, circular economy capability or wider life cycle assessment. Governments will not be far behind. Manufacturers need clear routes to follow, expert help and cross-industry coordination. Now is the time to move from speeches to action, where auditing carbon becomes second nature and comparable to our audited financial accounts. What you can measure you can manage. Net zero is our responsibility." Nigel adds, "2023 was the hottest year ever recorded – we all know that the climate crisis is the defining issue of our generation. Every organisation needs to be working towards net zero. But the challenge is significant. Recolight is delighted to team up with the LIA to help our industry get to grips with this vitally important task." By joining forces on this issue, the LIA and Recolight will help members of both organisations and the wider industry as they seek to fully decarbonise. The lighting manufacturing industry is invited to join the companies at the Net Zero Lighting Conference 2024 for a day of learning and practical strategies to push the lighting industry towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Read more from Recolight, here.

BGEN on how to save energy and money at a school assembly

To mark Energy Saving Week, BGEN has returned to a nearby primary school to talk about energy saving and why it’s important to our planet – and our purses. Dr Aaron Yeardley, BGEN’s Carbon Reduction Consultant, hosted the assembly, the firm’s latest STEM and Sustainability Partnership collaboration with St Vincent’s Primary. Aaron works with global businesses and organisations to assess and reduce their carbon footprints. The session examined why it’s so important to save energy at home and in school, how using less energy helps the environment and saves us money, as well as sharing many simple steps that everyone can take to cut their consumption – such as turning off lights, taps and gaming stations on standby, and walking or cycling to school. BGEN is also helping the school to improve its energy efficiency and carbon footprint, whilst reducing its running costs by supporting its switch to an LED lighting system. As part of the STEM and Sustainability Partnership, BGEN has also donated 20 Chromebooks to the school and, according to the company, enables pupils to enjoy real-life examples of science, technology, engineering and maths in action. “It was brilliant to be back at St Vincent’s as part of our continued STEM and Sustainability Partnership, this time to mark Energy Saving Week and the steps that we all can, and should, be taking to reduce the energy and money we waste,” says Oliver Groarke, Head of Future Markets at BGEN. “We discussed some very important topics during the session, and we hope that the children now have a clearer understanding of how important and easy it is to reduce what we use and the benefits this brings. Paula Williams, Deputy Headteacher at St Vincent's, comments on the visit, “We hope that by teaching our children to be environmentally aware, we’re instilling good habits that last a lifetime. This assembly certainly showed how making even small changes, at home and in school, can make a difference. We hope they each go away better able to consider their energy usage and the impact it has on both the environment and their household finances, and hopefully encouraging their friends and family to do the same.” Energy Saving Week is a joint initiative between Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice. It aims to help people across the UK reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions by sharing tried and tested tips to help save energy, reduce energy bills, and limit the impact of our energy use on the environment. To read more on BGEN, visit here.

Toolstation launches its 99th catalogue

Toolstation has launched the 99th edition of its catalogue, offering customers hundreds of new brands, products and offers to help customers conquer any job throughout 2024. The catalogue is available in over 550 Toolstation stores across the UK. Customers can also access the new catalogue online and through the Toolstation App, taking advantage of the retailer’s click-and-collect service, offering click-and-collect in as little as five minutes. Throughout the catalogue, a huge range of savings are on display, including £80 off a DeWalt18V XR Brushless Compact Combi Drill – one of many offers available on trade quality power tools from Milwaukee, Makita and more. Tradespeople will also be able to browse a selection of new power tools from trade quality brands, including a Makita 18V LXT Combi Drill Kit and 18V Compact Brushless Combi and Impact Driver Twin. For tradespeople and DIYers needing additional storage solutions for their new year tools and materials, Toolstation is offering savings across its storage selection, including £20 off a Milwaukee PACKOUT Storage System, providing a safe, sturdy option that aids in transporting items. For spring, the catalogue includes savings on pressure washers, ideal for customers who are getting their outdoor area ready for sunnier weather. In it is the Karcher K2 Power Control Pressure Washer, which currently has a 25% discount.  Customers can enjoy the new catalogue savings with an additional 5% off all orders by becoming a member of the Toolstation Club. The new loyalty club launched on 15 January will automatically take 5% off all orders during the first month of membership, with no basket size or price restrictions. Upon completion of the first month, customers who spend £75 or more each month afterwards will continue to benefit from the 5% discount. They will also be eligible for future prize draws, product deals, discounts and competitions throughout the year once they become a Toolstation Club member. To read more from Toolstation, click here.

QUEST apprentice in the finals of the local Themis Awards

Harrison Codd, 21, a business administration apprentice at QUEST Electrical, has been named as a finalist in the Future Boss/ Platinum Award at this year’s Themis Inspire and Achieve Awards. The awards claim to celebrate the success, the passion and the innovation of Themis Apprenticeships in Lancashire. In December 2022, Harrison achieved a Business Administration Level 3 qualification and decided to complete a CIPS Level 4 qualification, which QUEST agreed to fund. According to QUEST, Harrison encouraged the business to invest in the apprenticeship programme on a much larger scale through his attitude and exceptional standard of work. The company claims he quickly established himself as a valued member of the electrical wholesale team and contributes heavily to the department’s financial strategic performance objectives. This has resulted in Harrison being given lead responsibility for the purchasing of all materials and electrical components for contracting installation projects. Part of Harrison’s daily responsibility is to ensure all electrical engineers can carry out installations as efficiently as possible. His work directly impacts key data gathered around customer experiences - a key pillar for future growth. Harrison has also taken on the role and responsibility of trainer and mentor to new apprentices, ensuring they have a smooth transition into the workplace. Andrew Wood, MD at QUEST Electrical, says, “Harrison has a bright future with QUEST Electrical and with his determination, positive attitude and work ethic, he will go far. “One of Harrison’s biggest achievements was leading a small team on the strategy, design, development, and launch of a brand-new e-comm platform for QUEST. Through his hard work and strategic planning, the new website has opened up additional revenues and has provided customers, from all around the world, access to QUEST’s portfolio products. We are delighted to have him as an integral part of our team, and we wish him the best of luck for the finals of the awards in February.” To read more on QUEST Electrical, click here.

Wireless or wired lighting controls in smart buildings?

Helvar has introduced a new hybrid lighting control solution, combining its wireless Helvar ActiveAhead and wired Helvar Imagine solutions for design flexibility. Selecting the most suitable lighting solution for each space is paramount in ensuring optimal lighting conditions for occupants.   "We at Helvar believe that smart buildings can be smarter than they are today. At the same time, buildings should be better designed for the people using them and more sustainable in the way that they operate. The challenge is to make sure buildings can adjust to occupants' changing needs throughout their lifespan. Choosing technology shouldn't be confined to the initial design, as this choice will determine whether buildings can adapt dynamically over time,” says Adel Hattab, CEO of Helvar. "We are very proud of our recent innovation, linking Helvar's two industry-leading lighting control systems together to future-proof smart buildings around the world. Our hybrid solution sets a new standard for intelligent, scalable, and adaptive lighting control."   This hybrid lighting advancement empowers designers, consultants, and specifiers to utilise Helvar's entire lighting control offering, ensuring adaptability for future needs through system flexibility. As a result, it grants them the freedom to design environments in ways previously constrained by technological choices or even considered unimaginable. Renovations and extensions can benefit from existing integrations, and new installations can be connected seamlessly with existing ones.    "Hybrid Lighting Controls are not merely a fusion of wired and wireless, they represent a paradigm shift in the lighting industry,” says Matti Vesterinen, Director of Wireless at Helvar. "And why is this revolutionary? Imagine a world where adaptability doesn't require compromises. Helvar's Hybrid Lighting Controls seamlessly combine the best of both worlds — the wireless expandability and simplicity of Helvar ActiveAhead and the immense scalability and flexibility of wired Helvar Imagine solutions. This integration opens the doors to limitless design possibilities and ensures that the technology powering our spaces evolves alongside our ever-changing needs."     As lighting sensors are typically the densest sensor network in a building, intelligent lighting can offer further valuable building insights, such as real-time occupancy and energy data, leading to an improved understanding of how to optimise spaces.    To read more on Helvar, click here.

UK-based electronics innovators work on recyclable batteries

A pair of UK-based sustainable technology companies are partnering with a Nigerian supplier to transform the way automotive manufacturers recycle the batteries in electric vehicles once they have reached the end of life. The two companies, In2tec and AceOn Group, have joined forces to enhance AceOn’s portable power generators and mini-grid systems so they may be used in remote locations without easy access to electricity, such as Nigeria and other places in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the help of Liverpool John Moores University and Nevadic Solar, a supplier of solar products in Nigeria, along with funding from Innovate UK, the aim is to utilise batteries from electric vehicles that have reached the end of their life, to create interchangeable power packs providing electricity to remote locations. Once removed from the electric vehicles, the batteries can be installed in AceOn’s new swappable power packs and can be used for portable, mobile, mini and stationary energy systems. The HIGHESS project will facilitate a steady supply of electricity to rural and unserved areas and reduce energy access gaps between rural and urban communities where inaccessibility to affordable electricity is one of the main drivers of poverty for over 600 million people. In2tec’s part in the project is a bespoke Battery Management System (BMS), which is mounted to the battery pack and monitors the charge and how the battery can be discharged. Utilising In2tec’s patented ReUSE PCBA, the BMS can be completely recycled at the end of life or easily repaired should a single component fail on the PCBA itself using its ReCYCLE technology. In2tec’s sustainable electronics solution, ReUSE and ReCYCLE, is a closed-loop process allowing manufacturers to remove components from existing electronics at the end of their useful life and reuse them. The project's vision is to rapidly accelerate access to affordable off-grid electricity from clean energy sources. This project taps into the expanding global mini-grid markets to offer affordable energy access for social mobility and inclusion in communities not served by main power grids.