Tradespeople say apprentices are the future, but only a fifth hire one

Apprentices are crucial to tackle the skills shortage, the new research from omnichannel retailer Screwfix has revealed. 9 in 10 tradespeople questioned agreed that apprentices are vital to the future of the industry, but only 18% currently hire one, and 31% said they would never hire one, highlighting a huge shortage of future tradespeople having the chance to learn a trade. Not being able to afford extra costs such as insurance and pensions (19%), and not having enough support from grants (13%) are cited as the key barriers tradespeople face when trying to get an apprentice on their payroll. Other reasons included not having time to train an apprentice, and not knowing how to even go about recruiting one. However, with 31% having previously employed an apprentice and currently considering hiring another one, there are likely to be opportunities for apprentices to find a placement in the future. Additionally, of the 18% who currently hire an apprentice, 73% say they would hire another in the future, recognising the added value young tradespeople can bring to a company. The research has been revealed as Screwfix launches its annual Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition, to champion the best new talent in the industry. Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital Director says: “The fact is that there is a real shortage of tradespeople in the UK. And, as our research shows its clear just how vital apprentices are to future-proof the industry. “Our skilled tradespeople tell us there is a lot to be gained from a career in the industry, so every year we launch this competition to highlight the future champions of the trade and throw a spotlight on what a brilliant and rewarding career path it can be. Tradespeople are essential to the economy, and we need to ensure every trade has a future.” The survey suggested that businesses employ apprentices to create a sustainable talent pipeline, to pass skills on to a new generation, and to give people an opportunity to start out. Tradespeople cited that to be successful in the trade, the key skills needed include being honest (89%), being adaptable (88%), and being a good timekeeper (82%). Being skilled (79%) and being a people-person (66%) were also essential to doing well. With 8 in 10 tradespeople recommending a career in the trade due to no two days being the same (79%), seeing satisfied customers (72%), and being your own boss (58%), there is plenty to encourage people to consider learning a trade by doing an apprenticeship. Kaiden Ashun, 21, from Cardiff, won the Screwfix Trade Apprentice title in 2021. He says he wouldn’t change a thing about learning a trade: “My whole family is in the trade, and I’ve always known it’s where I want to be too. I am studying for my electrotechnical installations qualification, and it has been crucial in helping me to develop all the skills I need to run my own business in the future. The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition has given me a platform to encourage more people to get into the industry as well as giving my career a real kick start with the extra tools, tech, and training prize.” The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2022 competition is open for entries now (7 February 2022 – 20th February 2022). One talented individual will receive a career-boosting prize package worth £10,000. This includes everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business – £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget, and £2,000 worth of technology. The winner will also get £2,000 for the college where they study. Apprentices can enter directly or be put forward by their college lecturer or their employer. It is completely free and is open to all apprentices who are in college or working with a mentor. All entrants must be over the age of 16.

The Joint Industry Board supports National Apprenticeship Week

With this week marking National Apprenticeship Week the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is highlighting the reasons why an apprenticeship is the preferred route into the electrical industry. In England, apprenticeship funding is available for all ages, and the JIB has long promoted the benefits of apprenticeships as being one of the core ways the industry can bring through the next generation of skilled tradespeople and equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours. This is why the JIB works with more than 60 apprenticeship and training providers to register apprentices under industry recognised frameworks for training and promotion of career progression and employment standards for those in training. Alongside traineeships, experienced worker assessment routes and qualification frameworks, apprenticeships represent one of the main ways people achieve skilled status in their occupation and the award of an ECS gold card. An ECS apprentice card is a reflection that a person is on that route to a gold card and is building their valuable skills and knowledge, and so employers and clients can readily identify those who will need additional supervision to begin with. JIB Chief Executive Jay Parmar says: “If you’re looking for a career in the electrical industry the JIB recommends an apprenticeship. You’ll earn while you learn and train to industry standards, building your skills and knowledge over time. The JIB regularly works with the Department for Education, Institute for Apprenticeships and Further Education, trade associations, unions, awarding organisations and employer groups to ensure the content of apprenticeships is right for industry need and that new training routes, like T Levels, map into the apprenticeship programmes so that people are put on the right career path at the start of their career in the industry.”

BCIA announces new additions to Management Committee

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has announced three new additions to its Management Committee; Stacey Lucas, Matt Brown and Simon Patman. The BCIA is run by its members for its members and appointment to the Management Committee is by election. Members are however encouraged to participate in the Marketing, Technical and Skills Working Groups which enable the BCIA to tackle particular issues and projects in a focused way. Stacey Lucas is Commercial and Marketing Director at Sontay, a role she has worked her way up to since joining the company as a Customer Service Advisor in 2001. Stacey’s experience and insight learned in these years has given her a fantastic knowledge of Sontay’s product range and how it fits within the industry with a high level of technical understanding. Matt Brown is currently Managing Director of E.ON Control Solutions and is a qualified Management Accountant with over 25 years’ experience. As a relative newcomer to the industry, Matt brings a fresh perspective and diverse thinking and is very keen to work for the benefit of the building controls industry. Simon Patman is Director of BMeStimate, a service provider of BMS design and estimating services, providing contractors and manufacturers with resource to manage the peaks and troughs of the construction industry. He has almost 20 years of direct industry experience in various roles including design, engineering, project management and sales. Simon is excited to be involved in the betterment of the building controls industry, particularly during this age of rapid technological advancement. BCIA President Terry Sharp says: “I am delighted to welcome Stacey, Matt and Simon on to the BCIA Management Committee. Their diverse backgrounds and career paths will be extremely valuable as we look to increase our knowledge and influence in the building controls sector and continue working for the benefit of our members and the wider industry.”

KNIPEX expands its Tethered Tools range

KNIPEX has expanded its Tethered Tools range, which is now available for over 45 models of the company’s pliers. Working at heights is associated with increased risk and this was the reason KNIPEX initially developed its flexible fall protection system. The expanded Tethered Tools range brings safety and reassurance to users of tools working at height or in locations where falling tools could be a risk. The components of the flexible three-part fall protection system are perfectly coordinated. The tether attachment on the inside safeguards the ergonomics of the tool. The core element is the flexible tether, which permits a large operating radius and comfortable handling of the secured tool and stretches to a length of up to 1.5 metres when under strain. An adapter strap primarily guarantees that the tool can be switched safely, quickly and without problems from the tool bag to the tether. As with the tether, it can withstand strain up to a weight of 1.5 kg and is therefore also suitable for use with large tools. The strap itself is made of a sewn flat belt and cord and can be directly secured to the wrist, belt or climbing gear. The robust and light carabiner made of aluminium completes the set. It is space-saving and simple to operate, with large safety margin. A catch increases the tensile strength to a static tensile load of 780 kg, while the screw lock prevents accidental opening. In order to offer users several securing options, all parts are also available separately. Hazards caused by falling tools are significantly reduced as a result of the system and can protect against serious injuries, damage to property or loss of the tool. There are a huge number of versatile applications they are relevant for including roofing, building, the events industry, excavation work, wind turbine installation and well construction. The KNIPEX tool securing system is also suitable for its wide range of VDE-tested screwdrivers, corresponding to DIN EN/IEC 60900 with fall protection. These are equipped with a very strong tether attachment point that is welded tightly to the handle.

ElectricalDirect launches new 'Always Switched On' campaign

ElectricalDirect is powering into 2022 with a new brand campaign. Under the headline, ‘Always Switched On’, the company will be supercharging its activity with a multi-channel advertising campaign that will include, radio, PR, social media and more that highlight the specialist supplier’s fantastic reasons to shop and ‘trusted to deliver’ company promise. As a retailer unconstrained by store opening times and ‘always switched on’, ElectricalDirect is launching a schedule of exciting activity that raises awareness of the benefits trade professionals experience when shopping with the online specialist. Backed with engaging, creative adverts and playful straplines, the campaign will highlight how tradespeople can enjoy around the clock browsing of ElectricalDirect’s huge range of over 12,000 stocked electrical products, as well as its wide choice of flexible delivery options, exceptional customer service and easy free returns policy. On the campaign, Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, says “We are really excited to launch our new brand campaign that emphasises all the things that set us apart: 24-7 access to thousands of electrical goods to ‘pick and fuse from’, competitive prices and delivery any ‘switch’ way you like! Including next day and Sunday deliveries, as well as Click & Collect to 6,500 local shops and same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England.” Dominick continues: “Our ‘Always switched on’ campaign tagline encapsulates our business strategy and offering as an online retailer. Our easy to use website is packed with information including product specification sheets, technical documents, buyers guides and helpful blogs - all backed by our fantastic and dedicated customer service team who are on hand seven days a week to assist with orders or delivery enquiries.”

Makita's new products: Powering construction

Makita UK has expanded its powerful XGT 40VMax range of products and machines with the launch of the new HS009G 235mm Circular Saw and ML006G Flashlight. It has also released the DX15 ‘on-tool’ Dust Collection System (191X40-4) that is compatible with its HR007GZ XGT Rotary Hammer. HS009G 235mm Circular Saw The HS009G is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to reap the benefits of cordless, whilst still experiencing the power associated with corded models. Thanks to a large brushless motor and XGT battery technology, this machine can deliver the same - or higher - performance than that of corded alternatives. As such, the HS009G is ideal for higher demand applications. For precision cutting, the HS009G is compatible with the new 191141-8 guide rail and it can produce bevel cuts up to 1° left and 60° right, with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°. It offers a maximum cutting capacity of up to 61mm and a cutting speed of 4,00rpm, making light work of any cutting task. The HS009G also features an LED job light to keep the work piece clearly visible, regardless of the site conditions. To improve user safety, the HS009G features Makita’s Auto Start Wireless System (AWS). When fitted with an optional AWS chip, the HS009G can be wirelessly connected to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth and ensures that when the machine is in use, the extractor automatically turns on. Makita has also launched a range of accessories for the HS009G, including the 191141-8 guide rail and E-05664 guide rail holder, 196664-7 bevel guide set, 194385-5 clamp set and E-01909 Efficut Saw Blade. ML006G LED Flashlight This XGT 40VMax flashlight is the ideal site companion, featuring 18 extra bright LEDs that can deliver up to 500 lumens (depending on the setting chosen). The specially designed light diffusing lens softens the LED light to prevent glare and provide widespread illumination. What’s more, the ML006G offers an impressive 82 hours of continuous illumination (when used in low mode) and the flashlight head can be easily adjusted to ensure the work area is always lit. For ease, the ML006G features a battery capacity warning system, so users are not unexpectedly left in the dark. It is also compact, lightweight, has an ergonomic design and rubberised soft grip, making it easy and comfortable to hold and transport around site. DX15 ‘On-Tool’ Dust Collection System (191X40-4) Compatible with Makita’s XGT 40VMax HR007GZ Rotary Hammer, the DX15 makes dust collection a breeze. It can be used with drill bits up to 260mm and the depth gauge can be effortlessly adjusted. Thanks to the inclusion of a HEPA filter, the DX15 can capture even fine particles for maximum user safety – and the filter can be easily cleaned to ensure longevity. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “Makita’s XGT range has been designed to offer professional users a range of powerful machines that are ideally suited to higher demand applications. We are dedicated to providing the industry with an array of innovative solutions and have spent years refining our battery technology so that our products deliver the high output needed without compromising on battery run time, meaning professionals can work disruption free for longer.”

Hinkley Connection Project completes high voltage cable installation under the Mendip Hills

National Grid and Balfour Beatty engineers working on the Hinkley Connection Project have completed the installation of high voltage, 400kV cables under the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Since starting in February 2021, teams have pulled a total of 102km cables (the distance between Bridgwater and Gloucester). The cables were delivered on 108 separate cable drums. Each drum held approximately 1km of cable, weighed between 35-50 tonne and stood 5 metres high. Next follows a programme of jointing and testing with energisation expected in Autumn this year. Reinstatement of the land is already underway on different parts of the route. The Mendip cables section of the Hinkley Connection Project will be fully complete by the end of 2023. Once work is completed and existing WPD pylons removed in summer, this part of the Mendip Hills AONB will be pylon free for the first time since the 1960s. Last week, representatives from the AONB Unit visited to see the works for themselves and gain insight into what is involved in a project of this scale. Jim Hardcastle, Manager of the Mendip Hills AONB Unit says: “Placing the cables underground clearly requires complex engineering solutions but it also reinforces the importance of the AONB status. The status recognises the Mendip Hills as one of England’s finest landscapes and loved by many people. Organisations should go above and beyond the normal levels of delivery in such a special place like this. “The visit helped our understanding a lot so we can transfer this to others who ask us about it - especially the reinstatement after the work is completed.” James Goode, Project Director for National Grid comments: “Completion of the installation underground cables in the Mendip Hills is a huge milestone for the project, bringing us a step closer to bringing low carbon energy to 6 million homes and businesses across the UK. The project continues with construction of pylons - including the world’s first T-pylons - along the route between Hinkley Point C and Seabank substation, with completion due in 2025.” “We want to be a good neighbour and work with local charities and organisations like the Mendip Hills AONB Unit along the route of our project, supporting initiatives like Counting on Mendip and other projects.  We were delighted to welcome the AONB Unit onto site to see the works at first hand.”

Makita: Making it mess free

Makita has launched its latest XGT 40VMax vacuum cleaner, providing tradespeople with a powerful cleaning solution that they can rely on for quick and efficient clean up at the end of the working day. The XGT 40VMax CL002G Brushless Vacuum delivers the high output needed to tackle large areas and achieve a spotless clean up with ease. It offers an impressive sealed suction of 21kPa and suction power of up to 125W. Thanks to the option of four power modes, users can also adjust the output to suit different surfaces. It also comes with a redesigned nozzle for efficient floor and carpet cleaning when working in furnished premises. As part of Makita’s powerful XGT battery platform, professionals can use their existing XGT batteries to power the CL002G so that they can easily swap between construction and vacuuming tasks. The CL002G’s compact design means that it can be easily stored in the back of the van and transported to and from site when needed. As well as a cloth dust bag, the CL002G is also compatible with a paper disposable dust bag for easier and mess-free disposal. The redesigned filter structure also works to minimise dust ingress to the motor, ensuring maximum performance efficiency and extending the product’s life cycle. Despite its powerful performance, the CL002G is quiet when in operation (with sound power levels as low as 54dB(A)), making it ideal for use in occupied premises. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita says: “Our XGT range has been specifically designed to offer the increased output and optimum performance needed for professional applications, and we are delighted to extend our XGT collection to offer tradespeople powerful cleaning solutions that can aid them with quick and efficient clean up at the end of every job.”

ECS updates scheme for greater recognition of digital skills

Last year was a particularly busy year for ECS, with the construction industry generally still under immense pressure with ongoing restrictions caused by COVID-19, issues with supply chains and materials shortages, and availability of centres for training and assessment also an issue for some.  ECS introduced a number of new systems and technologies to assist such as a new CPD recording system and the development of market-leading AI monitoring software to allow ECS health and safety assessments to be taken remotely, saving travel time and cost. ECS also worked with industry and Government to update a number of apprenticeship and occupation requirements, and expanded ECS to recognise a greater amount of training and qualifications. This included the development of Digital Support occupations for the first time including: Digital Support Technician and Operative Network Security Technician Digital Network Engineer Digital Support Manager To develop these routes to personnel certification, ECS worked with the Department for Education, Institute for Apprenticeships, British Computer Society – Chartered Institute for IT, awarding organisations and providers, such as Pearson, CompTIA and CNET, a number of large employers and industry stakeholders. These occupations cover those using digital technologies across their organisations (likely as part of IT and/or telecoms infrastructure) in areas such as digital communications, network systems, data centre operations and management, network and cyber security, programming, software, support and user skills. Not only are these areas essential skills for organisations of all sizes in a growing digital age, but there are also growing overlaps between the traditional craft electrotechnical skillsets and the development of greater automation, controls, and programming requirements for those working within the built environment. As part of this work to ensure ECS is keeping up to date with employer and industry requirements, we are inviting those organisations who are involved in these areas of work to further develop the occupational structure around these digital occupations. Graham Hunter, Vice-President for Skills Certification at CompTIA, EMEA, Asia Pacific and Canada, says: “Technology innovation is progressing at an extraordinary rate and as the systems we use continue to become even more interconnected, it’s vital that those responsible for supporting and installing these systems have the skills required of them to keep pace with new practices and ways of working. New entrants and seasoned professionals alike will benefit from industry-created certifications based on recognisable job roles which help guide businesses in the latest developments.” He adds: “Additional awareness of topics such as security by design and system hardening are widening the skills required of professionals and by having agreed standards created by industry peers this can help create a foundation for employee development programmes. The Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme understands the importance of life-long learning and we are excited to work with them to create and support upskilling programmes that are engaging and relevant for their Digital Support Operatives and Technicians.”

Promotion for Ovia sales team members

As part of its ongoing commitment to the development and future growth of the business, Ovia is delighted to announce the promotion of two key members of the sales team – Reg Oldrey and Lee Bradshaw. Reg Oldrey has been promoted from Regional Sales Manager to National Sales Manager covering the whole of the South, while Lee Bradshaw is promoted from his role as Regional Sales Manager to the position of National Sales Manager across the North. As well as continuing to support the external team, Reg and Lee will play a key role in developing and implementing strategies to build on the success of the Ovia brand as it enters its third year of operating as an independent lighting company. Reg has more than 15 years’ experience within the electrical industry, with roles held with a number of leading wholesalers, as well as a major lighting manufacturer. Having worked for more than 15 years’ predominantly in the lighting sector, Lee has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share through this promotion. Mike Collins, Ovia’s Sales Director, comments: “Our sales team is key in nurturing our strong customer network. We are proud of our reputation for experienced and knowledgeable staff as well as first-class customer service and believe that in their new roles Reg and Lee will further enhance our offering and support for customers. The launch of the third Ovia catalogue, with a raft of new products, puts us in a very strong position to offer a comprehensive portfolio. The focus now is to continue to grow the business while still meeting the demands of an evolving market with the latest lighting solutions.”