CEDIA launches the CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit

CEDIA has announced the launch of the CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit. This new collection of free resources, designed to complement CEDIA’s existing workforce development programs, will help the global CEDIA channel build awareness of industry employment opportunities and recruit new hires. “I’ve asked CEDIA members around the world what is the most important thing CEDIA can do for them. The number one answer is to bring new workers into the industry,” says Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. “They've also told me that, if given the tools, they will partner with us to reach out to potential employees. CEDIA NextGen provides those tools.” Building community awareness The CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit is designed to help integrators forge connections with local talent pipelines. The kit includes ready-to-use resources employers can present to colleges, trade schools, government agencies, community centres and more. Community outreach assets include:  Informative and energetic industry promotional video  Presentations explaining the industry and viable career pathways  Quick facts sheet  Jobseeker brochure  Print-ready promotional poster  Classroom presentation for integrators These resources make it easy for the CEDIA channel to give polished career fair and in-class presentations, educate career counsellors about the industry, and offer leave-behind assets for guidance offices, career centres and employment offices. The CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit also includes resources for individuals looking to begin a career in the smart home industry, such as:  A guide to career pathways  An overview of skills needed at each stage  Average salary ranges by title  A guide to relevant certifications and credentials “We already have an incredible network of local member champions working to build awareness of the industry and its opportunities in their regions,” says Mandy Beckner, Vice President of Education and Training for CEDIA. “These tools will help make those critical volunteer efforts easier and more effective - and encourage even more members to speak out on behalf of the industry.” Recruitment resources In addition to general community outreach, the CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit includes tools to expedite hiring and recruitment. The kit includes customisable messaging examples for job descriptions, email and social correspondence with target recruits, and phone interview scripts. These resources can help employers post open positions on job websites faster, including CEDIA’s Career Centre, and communicate more effectively whenever they need to hire.

NG Bailey opens applications to apprenticeship scheme

NG Bailey has launched the application process for its apprenticeship programme as the company gears up for further growth. The company will be offering apprenticeships across a number of different disciplines, with opportunities available in electrical, mechanical and technical specialisms. The scheme also includes a number of business-based roles, offering multiple opportunities for people to shape their careers in the construction industry. As part of the programme, NG Bailey will also be launching its new IT services apprenticeship scheme for the first time, which will aim to train the next generation of talent to support the UK’s transition to the latest digital connectivity. Rob Smith, Group HR Director, says, “For over 90 years, NG Bailey has been committed to training the next generation of talent through its industry leading apprenticeship programme. “It's an incredibly exciting time to be joining the business as it embarks on a journey of growth and continue to deliver major projects for clients across building construction, infrastructure and services. We are looking forward to creating even more opportunities for people to embark on a fulfilling career path in the industry and see their careers flourish in the years to come.”

Unicrimp unveils enhanced website

It has been nearly 10 years since Scolmore Group launched the Unicrimp business. The aim was to bring to the electrical wholesale industry a comprehensive range of cable accessory products that would complement Scolmore’s wiring accessories and lighting portfolios. Scolmore has continued to invest in Unicrimp to develop the product ranges and business infrastructure, so that today Unicrimp is an established player in the cable accessories industry with its Q-Crimp cable accessories, Q-Fire fire-rated accessories ranges and the number one sealant and adhesives brand OB1. As Unicrimp approaches its 10th anniversary, Scolmore says that it has made a number of significant investments to ensure the brand maintains its market-leading position. A new website designed to enhance the user experience has been unveiled, and at the same time the company has added a new category of products to its growing portfolio. The newly re-designed Unicrimp website provides the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout. For contractors, it offers access to detailed product information and technical support across the company’s entire product ranges. The technical information for all induvial products has been grouped into product groups to make it easy to access details on a range-by-range basis. For wholesaler customers, there is the additional benefit of the Unicrimp Marketing Hub which provides customers with a comprehensive range of resources. Included is a number of templates featuring some of the most popular products, which can be downloaded and customised with the stockist’s own details to optimise sales opportunities. Stockists can also take advantage of a comprehensive product image library, print-ready promotional leaflets, product videos and social media posts, which can all be accessed at the click of a button. Among the product ranges that can be accessed on the new-look website is the recently launched Q-Nect range. The launch of the Q-Nect range of lever connectors and connection boxes adds a new category of products to Unicrimp’s growing portfolio. Q-Nect brings together a selection of products that work in conjunction with each other to provide installers with strong, quick and reliable solutions that offer versatility on everyday tasks. The range will offer wholesalers another category to help them increase their revenue streams.

BGEN's headquarters certified as net zero

BGEN has completed the transformation of its headquarters into a net zero building. The project has seen BGEN invest in some of the latest sustainable technologies as the company looks to achieve net zero status by 2035 at the latest. “As a business we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint as soon as possible,” says Oliver Groarke, Head of Future Markets at BGEN. “This project has enabled us to lead from the front by showing tangible ways in which organisations can reduce their carbon footprint. As well as supporting our ongoing net zero efforts, the project has provided a great opportunity to implement new technologies which will be of benefit to our clients as they continue their own decarbonisation journeys.” The works, all undertaken in-house by BGEN engineers, included: Replacing the HVAC system Fitting solar panels Installing water reduction technologies Transferring electricity supply to an Ofgem certified eco-tariff Fitting LED lighting Installing electric vehicle charging points Setting up control and energy monitoring systems The above has enabled BGEN to eliminate all scope one and two emissions associated with the building. BGEN offset all remaining scope three emissions (which in reality can only be addressed and lowered as new technologies become available) by supporting verified carbon reduction projects and planting 207 trees in the north west. Net zero status was certified by Tunley Engineering, a leading decarbonisation consultancy. “BGEN has now implemented a range of carbon reduction strategies to ensure its headquarters is a net zero building,” says William Beer, Chief Executive Officer at Tunley Engineering. “We’ll be working with BGEN in the future as the company works to achieving its wider net zero ambitions as new technologies and ways of working become available.” Later this month, BGEN is set to launch its own sustainability offering and will provide a range of services and consultancy to organisations looking to reduce their carbon emissions. The carbon reduction offer includes feasibility and planning, implementation and project management, and ongoing monitoring and improvement recommendations.

ECA welcomes creation of new energy and net zero department

ECA has broadly welcomed the creation of the new government Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero. The body, which represents 3,000 electrotechnical businesses and 66,000 professionals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, says the move has the potential to make a step change in the efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR says, “We trust the new Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero will rapidly engage not only with the government’s own net zero carbon commitments, but also the recent recommendations of the Skidmore review, which confirmed the huge economic and other benefits of actively pursuing net zero. “The new department must focus on boosting UK low carbon energy from renewables and nuclear, and the skills base that will ensure safe and reliable delivery. “In the context of achieving energy resilience and net zero, it should also review the strategic potential for tidal energy to provide a major, storable renewable energy resource for the UK.” As Britain expands its use of renewable energy sources and electrifies its transport and heating infrastructure, the role of electrotechnical contractors and engineering services businesses is becoming ever more prominent. The industry’s workforce plays a vital role in delivering energy security and building safe and reliable systems for consumers.

CNet Training approved as Main Provider of apprenticeships 

CNet Training is now officially an Apprenticeship Main Provider, approved to fully deliver apprenticeships. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFSA) provided the approval for CNet to be listed on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP). The register is the go-to place for employers when selecting apprenticeship training and education companies. Being on the list recognises CNet as a Main Provider, and it allows the experienced CNet team to fully deliver apprenticeships as part of the UK’s government levy programmes. It also provides confidence and total reassurance for employers and apprentices, knowing that CNet has undergone rigorous assessment and meets strict criteria regarding the delivery and efficacy of the training. Part of this accolade also requires CNet to be regularly inspected. This provides further confidence that the quality of education, management and support services delivered by CNet will be continually scrutinised to ensure the expected high-quality standards are met. Initially, CNet will deliver the Network Cable Installer (NCI) apprenticeship, a 12-15 month program that is creating the next generation of competent, confident and qualified network cable installation professionals. Since the NCI apprenticeship launched in 2019, CNet has been delivering much of the off-the-job training elements, however operating now as a Main Provider allows CNet to take full responsibility for the end-to-end management and delivery of the apprenticeship. CNet Training’s President and CEO, Andrew Stevens comments, “This accolade further strengthens CNet’s position in technical education and the provision of apprenticeship programs for the digital infrastructure industry. With our existing experience of the NCI apprenticeship and our relationships with network infrastructure companies throughout the UK, we are well-versed in the required processes and quality standards needed, and the team is excited to further enhance our apprenticeship learning experience for all.”

Electrical apprenticeships offer best career opportunities

A new guide published by the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has highlighted the fact that electrical apprenticeships can offer some of the best career prospects for young people. ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs Andrew Eldred says, “This endorsement from the Department for Education and IfATE confirms what we in the industry already knew. An electrical apprenticeship isn’t just a popular choice. It also offers some of the best opportunities for an exciting and rewarding career - not least in delivering the UK’s net zero future.” The guide comes during National Apprenticeship Week, and forms part of a government campaign to highlight apprenticeships to young people. The ECA, along with industry partners TESP and NET, encourages anyone considering an electrotechnical career to visit the electrical careers website and learn about the training opportunities available for young people. As well as providing a route to a lucrative career and skills for life, the electrotechnical sector is at the heart of the net zero transition. ECA members and the wider industry are overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities to make low carbon living a reality. Chris Jenkins, Director at ECA Member firm, EFT Consult, says, “At 21, I became an electrical apprentice with RDM Electrical and Mechanical Services, and have continued my career journey from there, thanks to the opportunities RDM provided me with, which has now led me to working with our sister company, EFT Consult. “My day-to-day work is complex but exciting - working with clients, creative design teams, architects and structural engineers to make projects happen. “Throughout my career I have worked on a massive range of different projects, from defence sector projects for the Ministry of Defence, to the Bluestone luxury holiday park in South West Wales. “What I most enjoy about the job is the diversity of what we do and the speed with which things develop. I love staying on top of the latest technologies for building services. It all boils down to making everything work - without our sector, especially in today’s climate, buildings wouldn’t work - there’d be no power, light, warmth, water, cooling - our indoor environments would be cold, dark places if it wasn’t for us! “I also love the fact that you can come in as an electrician but end up specialising in an endless number of roles - there are so many opportunities to branch out once you’ve gained your apprenticeship.”

New Octopus Energy tariff lowers bills for businesses

Octopus Energy has launched a new tariff to help businesses with renewable generation to share the green power they generate on one site with the rest of their sites - and lower bills as a result. The new ‘Max Power’ tariff allows businesses with two or more sites to send any excess renewable energy they’re generating to their other locations in the UK. Octopus estimates it could save businesses like these up to 25% off their annual electricity bills. The model works for those that may have solar, onshore wind turbines, hydro power, geothermal or even battery storage in one location to share it with their other sites. This new tariff can help businesses across sectors including agriculture, retail, logistics, warehousing, supermarkets, FMCG, and many more. It builds on Octopus’ current suite of business tariffs including 'Panel Power', Octopus’ smart export tariff which pays solar-generating businesses 15p per kWh for excess energy they send back to the grid. ‘Max Power’ takes this a step further, so multi-site businesses can get the maximum out of the green power they generate by keeping it within their own business. This is all made possible by Octopus’ proprietary tech platform, Kraken. On Kraken, multi-site businesses are billed as one, making it easier to understand and manage their consumption. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy for Business comments, “Businesses generating their own renewable energy can now bring their bills down further by sharing their cheap green power across their entire estate. Innovation like this puts money back in the pockets of British businesses and gives them greater control over how they use their energy. We’re showing that the greener choice can and should also be the cheaper choice.”

Legrand and Superior Essex launch PoE cabling system

Legrand and Superior Essex Communications have teamed up at the BICSI Winter conference and exhibition to launch the brand new nCompass Systems Extended Distance cabling system. This product exceeds current industry benchmarks for deploying high-power power over ethernet (Hi-PoE) on an IP network, according to Legrand. The Extended Distance solution represents the next generation of cable connectivity for commercial customers. It is the latest product to result from cooperation between Legrand and Superior Essex. IoT, 5G, and the increasing number of connected devices deployed in commercial buildings today have created a demand for new communications cabling solutions that offer enhanced, multifunctional capabilities. The new nCompass Extended Distance solution does just that - enabling data and power transport over distances that exceed TIA standards. It is a premium solution that will enable cutting-edge network installations for nCompass customers, including some of the world’s largest commercial operators. Benefits of the Extended Distance solution include: Exceeds 100M (current TIA standard) Device agnostic Can deploy PoE and IP No special components Cost savings Warranty backed UL tested and certified “PoE solves many challenges for today’s forward-looking commercial building operators,” says Kristen Poulos, VP/General Manager at Legrand Data Infrastructure. “By using a single cable for transporting electrical power and data, commercial building operators can reduce overall infrastructure costs, optimise network efficiency, speed the deployment of vital IT and OT equipment and even improve sustainability. We’re proud to partner with Superior Essex on this new nCompass system, and believe it will play an immediate, critical role in helping commercial building operators reimagine their networks for the future.” “People and businesses demand more converged networks as they add smart devices to their daily activities. This innovative PoE solution allows them to interconnect more devices with greater efficiency and increased control over their entire network,” explains Brian Ensign, Vice President of Marketing for Superior Essex Communications. “This Extended Distance cabling system is a real merging of innovation from both Legrand and Superior Essex, and we’re excited to release yet another cutting-edge solution into the market with our partners.” Legrand will include the nCompass Extended Distance solution in its Clarity performance line, which consists of a suite of high-density jack and multi-contact cords, as well as Superior Essex PowerWise 1G and 10G 4PPoE cables and field term plugs.

ElectricalDirect extends its range of consumer units

Adding to its range of over 12,000 products, ElectricalDirect has a new line-up of 18th Edition and BS EN 61439-3 compliant consumer units from Wylex, Crabtree and Fusebox. Offering professional electricians and contractors even more choice, the extended range includes products required to protect electrical circuits, and to keep entire electrical systems safe and in good working order. Wylex Wylex offers configurations that can be installed in various property types, including homes and small business premises. One of the products available from ElectricalDirect is the Wylex 10-way High Integrity Dual RCD Consumer Unit 80A RCD Type A - unpopulated - a high integrity, dual RCD consumer unit with a main switch and two Type A RCD’s. The flexible setup allows optimal combinations of RCD protected circuits with RCBO or MCB protection, and is suitable for electric vehicle charging points. Crabtree Ideal for domestic installations and commercial requirements, Crabtree’s range with ElectricalDirect now includes the Crabtree Loadstar two-way 63A Main Switch Consumer Unit. This single-phase unit allows for total isolation of circuits, ideal for preventing nuisance tripping. It has a full metal enclosure, with no exposed plastic parts, with cable entry knockouts on all sides and large square knockouts on the rear protection to tails. Plus, a mains tails cable entry grommet for supplementary insulation, similar to class II level of protection to tails. Also available is the Crabtree Loadstar 10-way 100A High Integrity Dual RCD Consumer Unit with eight MCBs - 63A RCD Type A. This unit has a main switch and two Type A RCDs for flexible set-up, as well as allowing optimal combinations of RCD protected circuits with RCBO or MCB protection. Fusebox Established in 2017, Fusebox has grown to be one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of domestic circuit protection. Ideal for domestic or light commercial use, the brand has now expanded its range with ElectricalDirect to include over 40 products including consumer units, din rails and accessories, as well as a wide choice of MCB’s, RCBO’s, RCDS and RCCBs.