Career changers switch to power apprenticeships

UK Power Networks have been joined by 28 career changers to build new careers on the power network. A barber, zoo worker and a coastguard are among the recruits switching on to two-year experienced craft apprenticeships. Over the next two years, they will retrain as overhead lines people working at height, substation fitters and underground cable jointers, becoming experts at keeping power supplies safely and reliably flowing for 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England or work on electricity infrastructure projects at UK Power Networks Services. Foundation apprentices complete the programme in three years, while those with experience from other sectors cover exactly the same course, intensively in just two years. College courses and practical skills gained at the company’s bespoke training centres in Kent and Suffolk, are practised under close supervision on-the-job. Giving his job as a barber the chop, Ashley Poole, 34, from Essex, aims to become a cut above the rest, as an apprentice overhead linesperson in Purfleet. He previously worked in drainage, tiling, train building, barbering and as a doorman. Ashley regretted leaving a course in electrical installations in his teens but says, “I’m here now with a lot more life experience. This is why I’m so grateful to get this position and I’ve been so excited to get started since I was offered the job.” Former zoo worker, Samuel Newark, 20, from South London, landed an apprenticeship as a substation fitter with the commercial arm of the business, UK Power Networks Services, based at Heathrow. He says, “I worked in the zoo’s education team and if the queue was long, we’d get out a massive insect or snail and teach visitors about the creatures. It was fun and I did that for just over a year. Before that I’d worked in an engineering job but there wasn’t much of a career path.” Former volunteer coastguard, James Garrod, 30, from Clacton-on-Sea, works as a lifeguard in the summer. He joins the UK Power Networks team as an overhead linesperson in Colchester. James most recently worked for a family business, building TV news coverage trucks for live broadcasts. He says, “I work as a lifeguard because I enjoy helping people. To be able to do that in this job is something I am very pleased about, where I can support and restore power to elderly and vulnerable people like my grandparents." He continues, “UK Power Networks is very welcoming and friendly, and the course is well organised. They have kept us well informed about everything, putting us at ease straight away. Everyone is equal and everyone is respectful, which is something I value for a company.” Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, says, “Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers and this year we’ve welcomed a total of 54 experienced apprentices. This group have reached a junction in their life where they want to try something new.” Changing career can be unnerving but for many it’s a chance to follow their dream. In a survey of career changers, carried out by Joblist, 77% felt happier and 75% felt more fulfilled after taking the plunge. Charlie adds, “Our experienced apprentices view this chance to retrain while earning, as a ‘golden ticket’ which is an exciting gateway to the rest of their career. “We don’t always know at 16 what we want to do when we’re 30 and we are seeing an enthusiastic pipeline of talent with itchy career feet who have transferrable skills, life experience and are waiting for that opportunity to gain new skills and experience in their chosen career.” This autumn’s apprentices are the firm’s second cohort of 2023, which totals 54 apprenticeships and a similar number will be recruited next year. There were 907 applications for the latest 28 posts, showing strong demand for the experienced apprenticeship. Foundation apprenticeships continue to be an important part of the company’s strategy, coupled with experienced apprentices who are fast-tracked through the same programme in two years instead of three.

Advanced’s evacuation alert system keeps residents safe

Advanced has supplied its EvacGo evacuation alert system to three social housing tower blocks in Halewood, Merseyside. The three nine-storey tower blocks, Woolton Views, The Fairways, and Ashton Park on Sherbourne Avenue, Halewood, have benefitted from the installation of three Advanced EvacGo systems, one in each block. EvacGo is compliant with the BS 8629 Code of Practice which sets out the criteria for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England and Wales. ABM Fire and Security undertook the complete supply, installation and commissioning of the EvacGo systems which feature a four loop, eight zone evacuation alert panel in each 48-flat tower block. The three buildings are owned by independent housing association, Livv Housing Group, and partially managed by an onsite manager. The EvacGo panels are housed inside robust, security-rated GERDA enclosures meeting the STS 205 class BR2 security rating with patented BS EN 1303-compliant lock. This minimises tampering and restricts access to fire and rescue service personnel only, who are able to access the controls using a patented key, as stipulated in the BS 8629 code of practice. Argus Vega visual alarm devices and interfaces have been installed in all 144 flats to ensure that hard of hearing and deaf residents are kept safe and informed. Tony Cahill, Executive Director-Property from Livv Housing Group, says, “When we were selecting an evacuation alert system for the three tower blocks, it was essential that it met the criteria for BS 8629. Advanced’s EvacGo is already installed in all of our other tower blocks and it ticks all the right boxes for us to meet best practice and to protect our customers in the event of a fire.” Shaun Scott, Emergency Evacuation Systems Application Engineer at Advanced, says, “Following the Grenfell Tower enquiry and the increased awareness of the importance of effective fire evacuation, we have seen an increasing number of housing associations and landlords installing an EvacGo system. While the Building Regulations make evacuation alert systems mandatory in new residential buildings over 18m, we’re finding that, like Livv Housing Group, many landlords of smaller buildings or those being retrofitted, are keen to meet best practice and keep their residents safe.” All Advanced evacuation alert systems are custom-manufactured to reflect each individual building’s evacuation zones and have been developed to provide a bespoke solution that allows the fire services to control evacuation floor by floor according to the severity and location of the fire. The guidance states that the evacuation alert control system should be installed where a ‘stay put’ policy is in force, so that it can be used to facilitate a timely and ordered evacuation for all residents. An evacuation alert system is vital to help fire and rescue services inform residents of a change in evacuation strategy during an incident and can be used alongside existing methods of evacuation to improve safety for residents. It must be standalone, with its only function being to assist fire and rescue services in the evacuation of the building. Installation of evacuation alert systems is now mandatory in all new build residential apartment blocks over 18m. Mandatory from December 2022, Part B (Fire Safety) of the building regulations in England offers guidance to ensure tall buildings are made safer in England, as part of a wider package of reforms. However, for all other new build and retrofit projects, complying with BS 8629 is still seen as best practice, which is why Advanced’s EvacGo has been selected and installed at the Woolton Views, The Fairways, and Ashton Park blocks.

ESP products help prevent doorstep thefts

The number of parcels being stolen from people’s front doors, porches and gardens has been rising across the UK, recent reports have found. Using a freedom of information request to UK police forces, The Sunday Times reports data showed that around 2,700 parcel thefts were reported in 2019, but this figure rose to almost 10,500 by last year (2023). The average stolen parcel is worth £115. According to a separate report from a retail software company, the number of claims for missing parcels jumped by 59% in the year to June this year compared with the previous 12 months. The company attributed the rise to people returning to their workplaces post-pandemic and retailers switching to alternative parcel delivery firms amid Royal Mail’s industrial action. The rise in parcel thefts falls in line with an increase of shoplifting incidents during the cost-of-living crisis. The British Retail Consortium estimated that there were eight million store theft incidents last year at a value of around £950 million. With regard to doorstep thefts, police forces themselves have stated the number of reported incidents is just the tip of the iceberg. When parcels go missing, many people will often contact retailers and couriers, rather than the police. There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of doorstep theft. These include tracking parcels to ensure someone is at home to take delivery, arranging for parcels to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, or organising pick up from a local convenience store, for example. The installation of a security light or W-Fi doorbell are also good measures to deter any unwanted activity and security solutions provider, ESP, has a number of products that are both easy for installers to fit, and for end users to operate. The Aperta 2K (4MP) Wi-Fi Doorbell offers installers a higher specification, superior resolution product. With the typical resolution for video doorbells in the market currently at 1080p (two megapixel), ESP’s 2K (four megapixel) offer, sets the doorbell apart in a competitive market place, providing a key selling point for installers and end users. The Aperta Wi-Fi doorbell connects directly to a smart phone offering instant front door security and convenience to users. 2K (4MP) live view, visitor recording, automatic motion detection, and clear two-way audio are some of the key features and ESP has maintained its subscription free status, with the new door station available via the ESP Smart 2K APP. It will activate a notification to the user’s smartphone when the doorbell has been pressed. In the event that the user misses the notification, the event that triggered the notification can be recalled, as the doorbell has internal storage that will capture all activity subscription free. For additional security, the doorbell features motion and human detection feature. The camera offers a wide 170⁰ angle view to ensure good camera coverage. The doorbell also comes supplied with an angle bracket, which will not only assist with installation, but will help angle the camera to ensure it covers the area where visitors will be standing. As the doorbell requires a fixed power supply, users will not need to recharge or replace the batteries frequently as with some alternatives on the market. Part of ESP’s Fort Smart Security range are smart security floodlight and spotlight cameras which provide an ideal deterrent to unwanted activity. The Fort Wi-Fi Smart Security Floodlight with Camera and Spotlight with Camera – available in black or white – both offer full 1080p HD live view and recording along with a 2000/2500 Lumen light Output (25w). They have motion activated video record and clear two–way audio.

Get advanced protection with Carhartt’s Michigan S1P safety boots

Carhartt's Michigan Rugged Flex S1P Mid-cut Safety Boot (F700909) has been designed for hard-working tradespeople who refuse to compromise on protection or comfort. With a sneaker-inspired design, the Michigan safety boot blends advanced safety and smart design features with lightweight materials, setting a whole new standard in occupational safety in dry environments. This shoe has a strong fibreglass safety toe that meets the stringent EN ISO 20345:2012 S1P standards, providing solid protection from 200 joules of weight and impact. As comfort is so important for long days on site, the design includes a fully cushioned footbed with shock absorption to reduce fatigue, while the fit is carefully engineered to give enough space for your feet to expand over time, ensuring lasting comfort. This boot is ideal for all kinds of situations: the rubber outsole has (SRC) slip resistance, (HI) insulation and (HRO) heat and oil resistance, so you can be confident working a variety of conditions. Rugged Flex technology gives flexibility to the boot, so wearers can move around easily at whatever awkward angles they find themselves in on site. Constructed with a water-resistant treated suede leather and textile upper, the energy absorption heel in-sock also features anti-odour and absorption properties which can be removed for added convenience. With an anti-penetration G-zero textile plate to protect feet from sharp objects and a Polyurethane-injected midsole for lightweight stability, this safety shoe is the ideal choice for professionals in demanding industries.

HobSensus wins Safety Innovation of the Year award

Prefect Controls has been celebrating a feather in its cap for HobSensus. The hob safety device was announced winner of the Safety Innovation Award 2023 at the Electrical Safety First annual conference hosted by Katie Prescott, Business Technology Editor at The Times. The campaigning organisation aims to reduce death and injury caused by electricity. Electrical Safety First works with manufacturers, retailers, and consumer groups to improve safety regulations and standards. The Safety Innovation Award, in its seventh year, recognises excellence of product safety initiatives within the industry. The HobSensus idea was born out of a long-established relationship that Prefect has enjoyed with providers of student accommodation. Several customers discussed with Prefect an issue they had with cooking appliances being left switched on when unattended. This causes alarms to trigger, and in some cases, fire! HobSensus was developed specifically for the student market, but witnessing its performance, and recognition by this award Prefect are hoping kitchen doors will open to a wider market and make kitchens safer for people living with dementia, in hostels, holiday parks and domestic dwellings. The judges were particularly impressed with the products sensor and time safety features, robust manufacturing, the ease of retrofitting, and its affordability. Receiving the award from Maarten van der Dussen, Managing Director at ProductIP, Adrian Barber from Prefect, comments, “Recognition from an authority like Electrical Safety First demonstrates the scale of the issue that exists with kitchen fires. It would be reassuring if this type of device became as commonplace as CO2 and smoke monitors.”

Baxi explores improved opportunities for women in construction

Following the launch of the Construction Inclusion Coalition in September, Founder Member, Baxi, has hosted a roundtable discussion at RIBA, The Royal Institute of British Architects, focused on addressing gender imbalance and other equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations in the construction industry. The roundtable was hosted by Karen Boswell OBE, who was joined by 10 experienced leaders from around the sector, including from Wolseley, AtkinsRealis, Builders Merchants Federation and Baxi’s own HR Director, Carolyn Reed. The aim of the discussion was to answer the question: how can the sector and supply chain improve its attractiveness to women, and what can be done to improve retention rates and reduce women leavers? Recent CIC research has found that only 15% of construction sector workers are women, and just 6% are from ethnic minority backgrounds. Yet a CIC poll of over 2000 UK adults in July 2023 found that 46% of people said they would be more likely to look for roles in construction if the sector demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The group identified a number of barriers preventing women from entering the industry and considered ways to overcome them, including greater collaboration, gender neutral communication, increased relevance, better job design and a stronger expression of the social value created by the sector in order to attract people with a desire to participate with a sense of purpose. The discussion landed on three areas where companies across the sector could quickly start to make changes to improve their attractiveness to women: Allyship: Identify leaders to partner with women workers in traditionally male dominant areas of the business, to better understand their experience of the work place. Then embed this awareness into leadership decision making and board level discussions. Communication: Change visual, written and spoken communication, so that it better relates to women and their expectations. Use software / AI tools, such as Microsoft office software or similar, to identify problematic language and phrases and replace with gender neutral language. Collaboration: Use existing and new shared platforms to amplify the value of a diverse sector and to embed new attitudes and behaviours that more align with a gender neutral workplace and equal opportunity. Speaking after the event, Karen Boswell, says, “It’s essential that we keep up momentum following the CIC’s launch during the recent UK Construction Week, to make sure EDI stays firmly on the agenda across the construction sector. I didn’t want another talking shop and I’m really pleased that we have arrived at some tangible, practical and relatively easy steps that I’m confident will help make a difference.” The construction sector is facing a significant skills challenge in the years ahead if it can’t attract new talent from the whole spectrum of the work force. “We must ensure that everyone feels comfortable in their role regardless of gender and background – there is a growing body of evidence that clearly points to the improved commercial and reputational performance of companies who embrace diversity and use it to innovate, engage and collaborate to delight customers,” says Karen. The full report following the discussion is available to download here. Baxi hopes that its roundtable discussion becomes a catalyst for cross-industry collaboration to help address the obvious gender imbalance in the sector.

Danny McBean wins SkillELECTRIC gold

Danny McBean has been crowned 2023 SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in an intensive UK final competition over three days at Oldham College. Taking second place and a silver medal was Ben Gillin from Lloyd Morris Electrical and JTL. Third place and a bronze medal went to Conor McDonnell of Nesbitt Electrical and Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland. Danny, 21, a SECTT apprentice with UHI Moray and employed by Grants (Dufftown), took top marks over his fellow finalists in a complicated electrical installation task comprising four circuits, SWA and FP cable, lights, sockets, conduit, trunking and a smart module. The task had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria including wiring and connection skills, inspection and testing and measuring and marking out, which had to be accurate within +/- 2mm. In a first for this year, competitors also completed a solar PV-related task to reflect the fact that the core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in solar installation. The SkillELECTRIC final was one of 50 WorldSkills UK national finals being held last week (14-17 November) across Greater Manchester. Competitors from all events along with their supporters gathered at WorldSkills UK Medal Ceremony at the illustrious Bridgewater Hall in central Manchester, hosted by TV and radio personality, Edith Bowman. All finalists that took part received a range of fantastic prizes including: various gifts from Electric Center, interchangeable VDE screwdrivers from CK Tools, a TPT voltage tester from Megger, a full set of workwear, accessories and safety shoes from Snickers Workwear and Solid Gear, an iPad Pro and virtual training in energy storage systems and electric vehicle charging from the NICEIC, and a Scolmore goodie bag containing various Click products from the Aquip, Mode, Deco and Definity wiring accessories ranges, Ovia downlights, a Unicrimp product bundle, an ESP Fort Smart Security Kit and Scolmore Group merchandise. As winner, Danny also received a multi-function tester from Megger, an enhanced iPad Pro from the NICEIC and a tool set from Oldham College. Danny, Ben and Conor also received a VDE Plier Set from CK Tools and a voucher for £250, £100 and £50 respectively to spend in their local Electric Center branch. Speaking after his win, Danny says, “I’m absolutely over the moon; I still don’t believe it, when they read out the name I was just frozen for a second! Well done to all the other competitors; all the judges were saying it was really close and one of the most competitive years. I just want to say thank you to my dad who’s my lecturer, for training me and always looking at ways to work harder and more efficiently and to my employer for giving me the time off to practice and take part.” SkillELECTRIC is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET), in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, with Electric Center, NICEIC and Scolmore Group as its sponsors and delivery partners. Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC, Project Manager for NET, says, “The competition this year was closer than ever and the high standard of work from all competitors has been brilliant to witness. Congratulations to Danny and all eight finalists – they will go on to become amazing ambassadors and role models for our industry to inspire others to achieve.” Next year’s SkillELECTRIC competition opens in February 2023.

CEF brings 'TechTalks' series to 24 locations across the UK

CEF has planned to bring the third series of its popular TechTalks to 24 locations across the UK. The free and informative technical seminars aim to educate trade professionals by including the latest news and regulations with CPD-accredited training. In partnership with the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the new series will plug into current industry trends, with seminar topics including the electrification of heat, thermal imaging, safe isolation and DC system safety. At the end of each TechTalk, the CEF Renewables team will offer a Q&A, designed to help tradespeople looking to expand their knowledge, and businesses, into the renewables market. Attendees can view and trial a range of CEF supplier’s latest products and innovations, while it will also be showcasing its new renewables division, equipping trade professionals with the insights and tools they need to address its customers’ needs. CEF’s Head of Technical Solutions, Darren Staniforth, says, “TechTalks gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers and colleagues, face-to-face, across the UK with informative and helpful events. Each event is designed to help our customers be at the forefront of regulations, tools and technology, enabling them to leave with the insights and inspiration needed to operate successfully with their own customers. It’s so important to us at CEF to continuously give back to the trade we know and love.” Alongside the seminars, trade professionals will receive a CPD certificate, a pack of TechCards which act as a handy reference to the seminar topics and the chance to connect with over 20 supplier brands. Entrance is free to the events, and complimentary breakfast and refreshments are served. The talks commenced in September 2023, and will continue across different locations in the UK until March 2024. For more information and to secure a place, visit your local CEF branch or register for free here.

UK Power Networks unveils capacity visibility portal

UK Power Networks has heralded a new era of transparency after releasing new data to help connections customers better understand how capacity at the interface with the national transmission network is being used. For the first time, connections customers like renewable energy developers will be able to see exactly how much spare capacity is available at each Grid Supply Point (GSP), and how many projects are ahead of them in the queue all in one place. The new data, which will be hosted on UK Power Networks’ Open Data Portal, will enable new customers to see not just how many projects are ahead of them in the queue, but what they are and whether there are fast-track flexible connections available. It will mean developers of energy projects, like renewables and batteries, can make a more informed decision about when and where to site new projects, bringing more transparency and openness to the connections process and an integrated view with the transmission network. It comes as industry regulator Ofgem unveiled new rules to kick out ‘zombie projects’ which are not progressing, and stopping other ‘shovel ready’ schemes from being built. The industry regulator said the new rules would speed up connections to the National Grid for viable projects and force stalled or speculative projects out of the queue. Matt White, Head of Network Strategy at UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator, says, “Customers have called on us to demystify the available capacity at the interface with the transmission network and their place in the queue to access it. This is what we’re delivering, putting new datasets based on customer needs on our Open Data Portal. It will drive more targeted and efficient connections decisions for our customers.” Peter Clutton-Brock, CEO of Yottar, says, “UK Power Networks has made an important first step in opening up information on grid connection queues. Putting more data out in the public domain will help developers and services like Yottar identify and select sites where they can connect sooner and at lower cost.”

Zumtobel Group inaugurates its London Light Centre

Zumtobel Group has inaugurated its new London Light Centre at the esteemed Business Design Centre. The exclusive private view event welcomed 50 VIP clients, marking a significant milestone for the company. Tom Lobak, Regional Director for London Specification at Zumtobel Group, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Karin Zumtobel-Chammah, Chairwoman of Zumtobel Group, Mr. Alfred Felder, CEO of Zumtobel Group, and Jack Pringle, Founder of Studio Pringle and Chairman of the RIBA Board of Trustees. "We were honoured to host our distinguished guests at the first event in our London Light Centre," says Tom Lobak. "This marks the beginning of a new era for Zumtobel Group, and we are excited to showcase our commitment to sustainability and quality design through our Light Centre." The event featured insightful and thought-provoking talks from Jack Pringle; Dr Shelley James, Light and Health Consultant and Founder of the Age of Light Innovations; Yorgo Lykouria, Founder and Creative Principal of Rainlight Studio and designer of the group's elegant and innovative AMBITUS luminaire; and Julia Loughnane, Director of Architecture and Design London at David Chipperfield Architects. "We are thrilled to have had such distinguished speakers join us for this momentous occasion as we previewed our new London home," comments Paul Kilburn, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Zumtobel Group. "It was wonderful to hear our guests say how wowed they were with the Light Centre and by our speakers' insights, which added immense value to the evening." Commenting on the evening, Karin Zumtobel-Chammah, expresses, "I am delighted to be here tonight and really impressed by the new Light Centre. It is exactly what we needed to be able to demonstrate our innovations to the design community and to enter into dialogue, to create even better lighting solutions for our clients.” One of the guests remarked that the Business Design Centre is the ‘Harley Street of Design', emphasising the prominence and location of the new London Light Centre. Find out more about the new London Light Centre here.