JTL to provide gold-standard green apprenticeship

JTL has announced that its Installation Electrician and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship has been handpicked by the Department for Education (DfE) as one of six ‘gold-standard’ green apprenticeships to mark the King’s coronation. The apprenticeship course now receives a new coronation emblem to permanently mark it as a leading course. The course, which is delivered by training providers nationally, was selected by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s expert green skills panel, who considered over 200 green apprenticeships before deciding upon the final six. Each newly awarded apprenticeship course was chosen to mark the coronation as they reflect the King’s commitment to integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring that natural assets endure for future generations. This aligns with JTL’s own green commitments that have led to its continued promotion of the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship as a leading asset in the country’s net zero targets, and the ongoing modernisation of its energy systems. Chris Claydon, CEO of JTL Training, says, “This acknowledgment from the Department for Education of the value of the Installation and Maintenance Electrician to the low carbon economy is really encouraging. At JTL, we are committed to delivering the skills that are so important to our economy and to meeting the country’s net zero ambitions. We believe that training our new generations in green skills is an integral part of that future. “The new coronation insignia that has been attached to this apprenticeship is an important symbol of the continuing relevance of the courses we work hard to deliver at JTL. It is wonderful to see apprenticeships receive the national attention that they deserve during this historic occasion of the King’s coronation.”

ElectricalDirect introduces new Trusted Trade Account

ElectricalDirect is now offering customers up to £10,000 instant credit, with the launch of its new Trusted Trade Account. Thanks to a simplified application process, the improved credit facility also makes it easier than ever before to trade with ElectricalDirect. The online application takes just a minute and - if eligible- the approval is instant, meaning customers can start using their account right away. Customers benefit from up to 60 days interest free credit and can access their account online at any time, to keep on top of their account status. ElectricalDirect Managing Director, Dominick Sandford, says, "In looking to improve the credit facility offered to our customers we wanted to achieve three key things; making the application process easier, the approval process quicker and the credit available higher and we’re proud of the result - our new Trusted Trade Account.”

Schneider Electric becomes the latest ECN Awards sponsor

Electrical Contracting News is proud to announce that Schneider Electric has been confirmed as the latest sponsor of the ECN Awards. Schneider will sponsor the drinks reception at the ECN Awards, which are being held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry on 30 November 2023. Schneider’s purpose is to empower the world to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability. Schneider calls this ‘Life Is On’. The company’s mission is to be a digital partner for sustainability and efficiency. Schneider drives digital transformation by integrating world-leading processes and energy technologies to realise the full opportunities of a business. It provides endpoint to cloud integration, connecting products, controls, software, and services. Schneider’s integrated solutions are built with safety, reliability and cyber security for homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure, and industries. The company describes itself as the most local of global companies; its unmatched proximity enables the company to better understand, anticipate and adapt with agility to support business continuity with high ethical standards in everything it does. Schneider Electric says it is very excited to be involved with the ECN Awards. The ECN Awards have been designed to recognise the very best of the electrical contracting industry. The electrical contracting industry is vast, and we believe that those who strive to make all sectors of the industry safer, more advanced, more efficient and more sustainable deserve recognition. This is why we have created 20 awards within the following categories: Products, Sustainable Products, Projects, Training and Companies. Please visit the Awards website to enter your company or project for an award and to purchase tickets to this not to be missed event. If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kelly Byne on 01634 673163.

Ansell Lighting appoints exclusive distributor in Ghana

Ansell Lighting has appointed Kissart Group as its exclusive in-country distributor in Ghana. The new partnership will offer Ansell’s innovative lighting solutions to consumers in the West African nation, where Ansell has operated for more than 12 years. The Kissart Group, a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) company, has previously partnered with Ansell on key projects, including Tamale International Airport and the COVID-19 facility centre at Korle Bu, and was keen to expand the relationship across Ghana. Nick Prince, International Account Manager for Ansell Lighting, believes the new partnership, which was launched at an event at the Marriott Hotel, Accra in Ghana, aligns with Ansell’s commitment to making a positive impact and providing environmentally friendly lighting services. He says, “We recognise the enormous potential of Ghana as a growing market. We have been conducting business in Ghana since 2011 and our partnership with Kissart on several prestigious projects has established them as a trusted ally, leading us to establish this long-term partnership. Our goal is to work closely with Kissart to expand our presence in both the project and distribution markets. Ultimately, we aspire to become a household name in Ghana.” As part of the launch, Ansell Lighting introduced the Octo-Casambi, a Bluetooth mesh system app that allows customers to have complete control over their lighting systems. Aloysius Attiogbe, Project Account Manager for Kissart Group, says, “We are a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) company, and our partnership with Ansell stems from their provision of the highest quality products. “The smart lighting solutions allow customers to achieve intelligent lighting without the need to replace their entire systems. And we consider this partnership a major milestone because by managing power consumption, we contribute significantly to reducing our carbon footprint. Consuming less power brings us closer to achieving sustainability and environmentally friendly lighting solutions.”

Net zero is not possible without the right skills, says ECA

ECA has welcomed the report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) urging government to prioritise workforce development and avoid a looming net zero skills crisis. The body highlights the CCC’s calls for stronger investment and governance in further education and the wider skills and learning system. This echoes ECA’s own work with Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). Here, ECA highlights severe mismatches throughout England between the courses and qualifications which many local colleges are currently delivering, and the skills which electrotechnical and engineering services businesses require. Over 99% of these businesses are SMEs, and the qualified, competent electricians whom they employ are essential for the safe and efficient design, installation and maintenance of low carbon installations, including electric vehicle charge points, solar photovoltaic panels, heat pumps and batteries. ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, Andrew Eldred, says, “We fully agree with the CCC’s statement that no net zero policy can succeed without skilled people with to deliver on it. “Without stronger links between education and SME employers, and alignment around training routes which command real industry credibility and support, the education system will continue to miss the mark in its efforts to support the transition to net zero. Both at national and local levels, the voices of 50,000 electrotechnical and engineering services businesses need to be heard.” The CCC report also says that with targeted intervention from the government, the net zero transition could potentially add up to 725,000 new jobs to the UK economy. Andrew adds, “The Installation Electrician and Maintenance Electrician standard in England recently received the King’s Coronation emblem as one of six apprenticeships recognised as essential for the nation’s net zero future. Although the apprenticeship attracts an average of 5,000 to 6,000 starts each year, that’s not anything like enough to meet our needs. “At the same time, around 20,000 learners are enrolled each year onto full-time, publicly funded electrical courses - most with little or no realistic prospect of progressing further into skilled industry employment. “Priority number one therefore must be to bridge the chasm between education and employment, and stem the present waste of ambition, time and money. Hopefully this new report will instil a welcome sense of urgency and realism into government skills policy and help support our industry to deliver a net zero economy.”

myenergi to exhibit latest tech at InstallerSHOW 2023

myenergi is set to exhibit at this year’s InstallerSHOW. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham between 27-29 June, the event will be the UK’s largest trade exhibition for heat, water, air and energy professionals. On a stand next to the myenergi-sponsored café, the team will showcase its latest range of home energy technologies, including the zappi EV charger, eddi automatic power controller, harvi energy harvesting sensor and all-new libbi smart battery. Designed and manufactured in the UK, each product can operate independently, or together as part of an integrated ecosystem to give users complete energy independence. Throughout the show, myenergi will also run a series of expert workshops. From getting to know the myenergi product portfolio and becoming an accredited installer, to upselling and exploring the USPs of the range, each private session will be run by myenergi’s dedicated in-house training team. Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, comments, “As a major event in the installer calendar, exhibiting at InstallerSHOW 2023 will provide an excellent opportunity to meet with thousands of visitors and talk to them about our latest eco-smart myenergi product range. “While we’re best known for our zappi EV charger, we also manufacture a much wider range of green energy solutions for savvy homeowners. As the smart home of tomorrow becomes a reality, innovative tech like ours will prove ever-more commonplace. This presents a massive opportunity for installers to become accredited and fill their order books accordingly.” Book your tickets here.

eFIXX partners with EI Live! for 2023

eFIXX, a leading multi-channel media platform for professionals working in the electrical industry, is partnering with EI Live! 2023 in order to spread the word on the opportunities delivered by the show for the smart home and luxury AV industries. With over 1.2 million members across both YouTube and its social platforms, eFIXX is a muscular partner to gain attention for the show from those working in the electrical industry and related trades.   eFIXX creates actionable content to help its audience be more effective in their jobs, focusing on industry trends, the latest technology and real-life installation practice. eFIXX is bringing a fresh approach to a rapidly changing electrical industry and that includes highlighting the opportunity for electricians coming into the smart home sector. This exciting deal struck between eFIXX and EI Live! 2023, will see the eFIXX team visit EILive! this year and create content live from the show floor, but the platform will also be promoting and telling its audience about the event in the run up to the show, which this year takes place at The Farnborough Exhibition Centre, 13-14 September. With a packed show floor, informative speaker line up in the Technical Theatre, and visitor registration now open, the event is building to be the best ever. Stephen Hurrell, Director at eFIXX, comments, “We are always looking for important industry developments and opportunities for our audience, so it was an obvious choice to partner with EI Live! and encourage our audience to attend the event. The smart home represents a major opportunity in the electrical sector and, as the UK’s only trade show focused on this sector, it’s an event we are keen to promote.” David Kitchener, Founder and Managing Director of All Things Media, Event Director of EILive! adds, “We are always looking for strong partners to help us promote the benefits of attendance and so our partnership with eFIXX this year is a major boost for the show. The site delivers a really vibrant and fresh approach to content delivery, so we are delighted to have the eFIXX team on board. Look out for more news on this year’s event as we get it.”

JTL reaches out to employers with new campaign

JTL is reminding employers that apprentices can bring new talent and skills into their businesses with the launch of its new campaign. The Just the Job! campaign highlights the benefits that an apprentice can bring to businesses, particularly those in the building services engineering sector. Offering apprenticeships across the electrotechnical and mechanical engineering services sectors, JTL trains over 8,000 apprentices each year and works with over 3,800 businesses. Each apprentice is equipped with training relevant to modern standards in installation, safety, and technology delivered at around 75 colleges throughout England and Wales. Employers that take on a JTL apprentice receive a dedicated training officer to manage the apprenticeship process from the initial appointment through to completion, and all JTL apprentices are supported with learning resources and provided with a free toolkit for their workplace. Hayley Tabberer, Employer Campaign Manager at JTL, says, “Our new campaign reminds employers of the benefits of taking on an apprentice and how JTL can ensure that the process of taking on an apprentice is simple, efficient and effective. Our system of care starts with the matching of a learner to an employer and continues all the way through to the end of their apprenticeship journey. “We really believe that taking on an apprentice can do wonders for a business, particularly as apprentices trained in modern, green technologies become more commonplace.”

UK Power Networks launches independent DSO

UK Power Networks has launched its independent Distribution System Operator (DSO), paving the way to help enable net zero targets. UK Power Networks’ new DSO will ensure that sufficient electricity capacity exists across London, the east and south east to support the anticipated uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and renewables generation. The DSO is working to incentivise customers to shift their energy consumption or generation, to maximise use of its existing electricity grid infrastructure and facilitate the lowest cost transition for customers adopting low carbon technologies. The DSO launch was celebrated at the IET London, with CEO Basil Scarsella and Director of DSO Sotiris Georgiopoulos presenting its vision and plans for the year, joined by industry leaders including Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley, Director of Regulation and Economics for Octopus Rachel Fletcher, and Electricity System Operator Executive Director Fintan Slye. Jonathan says, “We are in a massive transition across the country and that means a lot of really big stuff is being built. We’ve talked about transmission assets, we’ve talked about big offshore wind farms happening - but the same is happening locally and we need to make sure we have an integrated plan. “At the heart of this is Distribution System Operators and it’s great to see UK Power Networks leading the way. I’m really hoping that the DNOs make sure they are developing compelling and ambitious plans in terms of their version of the DSO model, but ultimately, we will look nationally, pick out the best bits and make sure we have a system that functions for this massive transmission that we’re on.” Basil says, “The DSO marks the start of a new era for electricity networks across the UK. We are pleased to be leading the way in supporting the energy transition through the launch of our DSO. It is an independent, legally separate entity, which we are confident will bring savings to customers, inform our network investment decisions in the most cost-efficient way and help the facilitate the transition to net zero.” Earlier this month, UK Power Networks DSO awarded more than 1GW of contracts to flexibility providers to compete to provide a flexibility requirement of 426MW.

WernerCo urges professionals to keep safe in the sun

WernerCo is urging professionals to take the relevant precautions to prevent sun damage when working outdoors this Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Following research undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive, construction workers were identified as a significant ‘at risk’ group when it comes to developing skin cancer, given their frequent exposure to damaging UV rays. In addition, research conducted on behalf of Toolstation found that more than one-in-five tradespeople in the UK don’t use sun protection at all, which is of concern considering the outlined risks involved in regular outdoor activity. While Skin Cancer Awareness Month falls in May, which means summer is fast approaching, it is essential that sunscreen is worn throughout the year to prevent this kind of cancer, even during the winter period. UV rays continue to penetrate clouds even on overcast days, therefore the requirement to wear SPF 30 or above is recommended throughout the seasons. Considering this, here is some NHS advice offered to ensure tradespeople stay well protected: Aim to use six to eight teaspoons of SPF for your entire body Apply 30 minutes before going out into the sun Apply to all exposed skin - including face, neck, head and ears Reapply according to manufacturer’s instructions It is also advised to look out for changes to the skin and seek medical advice should you notice any new moles, growths or lumps. Moles, freckles or patches of skin that change in shape, size or colour also require a trip to the GP. Paul Floyd, Commercial Manager for WernerCo UK, says, “WernerCo is passionate about raising awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, considering many of the people we work closely with are outdoors for a large portion of their day. “Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a great initiative. However, we recognise that this is an issue we need to be conscious of all year-round. Therefore, we take our role seriously in terms of educating those in the trades to always wear adequate sun protection. “We urge construction workers to follow best practices laid out by the NHS when it comes to preventing sun damage. We also ask teams to look out for one another on-site, encouraging colleagues and employees to wear sunscreen, no matter the weather.”