1/3 tradespeople consider apprentices more important than ever

A third of companies and tradespeople (31%) who regularly hire apprentices feel that the program has been made harder due to the pandemic, as new ONS figures show a 30% drop in new construction apprentices between August and October 2020, compared to the same period the previous year. Demonstrating the effect of COVID-19 on the scheme, more than one in five (22%) companies that usually hire apprentices took on fewer in 2020, despite a fifth (19%) of tradespeople believing that the program is more important now than ever. Commissioned by IronmongeryDirect in the run up to National Apprenticeship Week, the study also reveals that one in 12 tradespeople (8%) believe that the government has not done enough to support apprentices throughout the pandemic. Looking at the year ahead, the positive news is that a quarter (23%) of businesses and tradespeople plan to bring on apprentices in 2021. Building surveyors (34%) and electricians (28%) are the most likely trades to be looking for apprentices this year, while painter/decorators and landscapers are least likely (15% and 5%, respectively). Men in the industry are more likely than women to think that an apprenticeship is a great way for people to learn skills (31% vs 23%). Contrastingly however, it is tradeswomen and female-led companies that are most likely to be looking for an apprentice in the year ahead, with a quarter of women (25%) planning to hire a trainee compared to only one in five tradesmen (20%). [caption id="attachment_23054" align="alignright" width="300"] Workers In Family Business Standing Next To Van Smiling At Camera[/caption] According to the Office of National Statistics, female apprentices in construction are also on the rise, increasing by 19% in the 2019/20 academic year compared to the previous 12 months. This represents a much larger trend in growth as there are a huge 333% more female construction trainees than in 2014/2015. So far in the 2020/2021 academic year, the percentage of female new starters has increased to 9%, suggesting that this growth is set to continue. The statistics also reveal a changing story for apprentices of colour. While BAME apprentices made up only 6% of new construction apprentices in 2019/2020, this represents a 16% increase to the previous year and an 82% rise since 2014/2015. What’s more, despite the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, the proportion of BAME trainees continues to grow as they make up 8% of new starters so far this academic year. The proportion of new apprentices with learning difficulties is also on the increase, making up 14% of the 2019/2020 intake. This is a 53% increase from 2014/15. This trend seems set to continue as 16% of the 2020/2021 year’s new starters so far have learning difficulties. Commenting on the research, Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, says: “It’s great to see many tradespeople and companies are still looking to make use of the apprenticeship program, despite the difficulty of the past year. “We think the apprenticeship scheme is an amazing way to help shape the next generation of tradespeople. That’s why we’ve launched a competition for a UK based tradesperson or company to win £5,000 towards funding an apprentice.” “There are so many people who do amazing work in the industry today who started out as apprentices, so it’s important that the program continues to be well-funded. More needs to be done to support apprentices throughout this pandemic to ensure that we continue to have great talent in the future, and we wanted to do our bit to help!”

BCL Enclosures launches new e-commerce website

BCL Enclosures has announced the launch of its new e-commerce website, which will enable customers to order from its range of products quickly, easily and securely. BCL Enclosures manufactures almost its entire range in the UK, which overcomes the supply issues often found when ordering from non-UK manufactured sources and provides the reassurance of dealing with a well-known and established company. BCL’s enclosure ranges include IP65/IK08 polycarbonate locking door enclosures with galvanized steel back plates, die cast aluminium enclosures rated to IP54 or water-tight IP65 versions, general and multi-purpose boxes in ABS and other materials, sensor enclosures, potting boxes, instrument cases, and many other enclosure types. BCL Enclosures also supplies power supply units. In addition to its enclosure ranges, the company also offers its full range of accessories on the e-commerce site, including cable glands, fuse holders, locknuts and venting elements. Customisation is a BCL specialism, with cut-outs, machining, drilling and manufacture in alternative materials all available. Additional customisation services include alternative colours. A high percentage of BCL Enclosures’ enclosure products are available from stock or on very short lead times. Advice on enclosure specification continues to be available by e-mail and telephone from its friendly and knowledgeable team.

Eurolite expands team in the South

Eurolite Wiring Accessories has appointed Clive Hicks as Area Sales Manager for the South of the UK. At a time of change and growth for the organisation, Clive brings 15 years' of experience of working with wholesalers, specifically working in the wiring accessories sector. Clive says: "I'm delighted to be working for Eurolite. The build quality of the products really is excellent, and there are some great heavy duty products in the range. I've been impressed with the fantastic range of finishes, which I know gives wholesalers and contractors such a wide choice for all environments." He continues, "The fact that Eurolite is part of the Arran Isle Group, and sits alongside Carlisle Brass, means we can call on significant resource, experience and scale to support our business development plans." The organisation is seeing unprecedented take up of its concealed flat plate range, with its contemporary style being specified and installed in many major hotel chains. Comments Glenn Ward, Sales & Marketing Director of Eurolite Wiring Accessories: "Having Clive on board in the South is a great asset to us. His knowledge, experience and connections in the industry are exemplary. We have an exciting year ahead and Clive's appointment strengthens our team."

A handy guide to fire alarm system designs from ESP

Keeping up to date with the latest regulations and standards that impact the work they do, can be challenging for installers. With fire alarm system design in mind, ESP, has produced a handy, pocket-size guide to highlight the key points of the latest version of the BS5389 Part 1: 2017. This standard deals with the code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. ESP’s new guide is designed for those designers and installers that need simple guidance to the selection, spacing and location of fire devices. The 24-page colour booklet is highly visual and very straightforward to follow. It covers the different categories of fire alarm and fire detection systems, plus the coverage and positioning for smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points, visual indication devices (VIDs) such as strobes and visual alarm devices (VADs). Details of ESP’s three fire alarm systems are also briefly explained – 2-Wire, Addressable and Conventional fire alarm systems – including the requisite cabling for each. A reminder of ESP’s free design and fire systems commissioning services is also featured. The guide can be downloaded from the ESP website and can also be accessed via the Scolmore Group app, under the ESP Catalogues section.

C-Tec's hush pro domestic fire system raising the grade at oxygen towers

C-TEC’s revolutionary Hush Pro BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire detection and alarm system has been chosen for three iconic tower block developments in Manchester. Located in the centre of Piccadilly, Oxygen Towers is a striking set of three new 31-storey, 16-storey and 10-storey buildings consisting of 345 stylish 1, 2 and 3-bedroomed apartments and 12 spacious family townhouses. Designed to provide the ultimate living experience, the futuristic ‘vertical village’ combines luxury accommodation with fabulous five-star leisure facilities including a swimming pool, cinema, gym and spa. The stunning development also features lush garden terraces and rooftop gardens. Selected for its cutting-edge technology and capacity to align with the building’s fire strategy, Hush Pro will integrate with the site’s BS 5839 part 1 landlord system to offer higher levels of fire protection than the Grade D unmonitored battery alarm systems typically used in domestic installations. As a fully-monitored BS 5839 part 6 Grade C system, Hush Pro reports open and short circuit faults and operation faults back to the fire panel and even allows management and maintenance companies to remotely monitor the system. Once the project is complete, each of the flats will feature an easily accessible low-level Hush Pro Controller connected to a series of Hush Pro smoke detectors, base sounders, multi-sensors and heat detectors all seamlessly interfaced to a powerful network of C-TEC 4-loop ZFP addressable fire control panels to provide all-encompassing fire and fault monitoring of the system. If, for any reason, part of the domestic fire alarm is compromised, this will immediately be reported to the building management team to allow them to action the fault and re-instate full fire detection coverage to the flat. John Blundell, Head of Solid State Living, the specialist fire company involved with the design and delivery of the project, says: “As well as enhancing the fire safety management, property and life protection of the buildings, a key factor in our client’s decision to invest in Hush Pro was the system’s ability to notify building management in the event of a real fire and, at the same time, its potential to virtually eliminate false alarms.” “Hush Pro’s unique capacity to differentiate between Fire Level 1, usually a false alarm reported locally in the dwelling, and Fire Level 2, almost always a real alarm activated outside of the dwelling, reduces false fire alarms, unnecessary call-outs and the risk of a real fire alarm being ignored. As our client requires immediate notification in the event of a fire but also first-class false alarm management, Hush Pro will prove ideal.” “Also of vital importance to our client is that, as the project consists of private balconies with an open plan flat arrangement, Hush Pro is the only fire alarm solution that can actually meet the requirements of BS 9991 Annex D3.” Jason Lawler, 24-7’s Group Director and the person responsible for delivering the electrical and mechanical systems for the project, comments: “Hush Pro is an outstanding solution. The system will provide residents with easy-to-use detection, alarm, silencing and test facilities so they can test their own devices, be alerted to system faults and hush any false alarms at the Hush Button which is positioned at light-switch level for safe and easy access. Hush Pro’s powerful false alarm management capability will also prove invaluable at the site.” Blundell continues: “Client satisfaction is incredibly important to us so we were delighted to be able to specify a robust and fully-compliant integrated BS 5839 part 1 and part 6 fire alarm solution for Oxygen Towers. With its capacity to provide high levels of fire protection yet also minimise costly and disruptive false alarms, Hush Pro is fast becoming the system of choice for fire strategy engineers and consultants dedicated to enhancing fire safety in high-rise residential and specialist housing projects throughout the UK.”

National Apprenticeship week; a reminder of our work future post COVID

“Apprenticeships are a hugely important part of the economy and are crucial for businesses of all sizes for long term growth,” says apprenticeship guru and director of The Apprenticeship Management Group, John Henry. This message, from the company that looks after apprenticeships for the Electrical Distributors Association, comes in the wake of National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February). With the theme, ‘Build the Future’ aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. The 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across England, will showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships. With a majority of industries being affected and impacted by the global pandemic and the restrictions it has brought in, there is “no better time to shine a light on the apprentices and apprenticeship suppliers about how they are involved with training tomorrow’s workers,” John adds. “Although not as immediately shocking as the first lockdown the latest stay at home demands have raised greater concerns for both employers and their apprentices. Many have just re-established themselves into a work routine, incorporating PPE and social distancing, but will again test the sustainability of hard pressed businesses for many reasons. “Whilst employers within the sector are able to continue to supply to a relatively buoyant construction sector, the number of colleagues that can coexist within the merchants and distributors is a consideration that must be addressed.“ Preliminary figures for the most recent financial year suggest a further drop of 13% up to April, at which point the statistics were suspended in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. John Henry also addresses the worry that so many apprentices face in light of the current lockdown rules: “As the young apprentice is often the last in they are fear that they may be the first out. Thankfully, excellent planning, within the working environment, part time furlough options and the support of trade associations have helped alleviate some concerns the creeping although the cost of national insurance and pension contributions transferred to the employer means that a conscious decision must now be made for each and every employee.“ The Governments Kickstart programme looks to provide young people with employment and training opportunities without breaking the bank of the employer. The initiative allows Employers to offer a six-month funded work placement. These placements are open to young people aged 16 – 24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment and are currently claiming Universal Credit. “Kickstart and apprenticeship incentives have generated renewed interest in planning the future intake of young people for many employers but the inability to meet; interview and scope new job roles will have an impact. The prospect of a vaccine roll out is obviously an extremely positive focal point. I would urge employers to plan their employment an engage with all of these initiatives now rather than in three months or so. It will take some time to advertise and source the best candidates for your business so plan now either through Kickstart if you are not sure or the apprenticeship route if you remain confident of a positive bounce back. “One of the advantages of an apprenticeship is that the individual will develop their relationship within the sector of choice and build a reputation within the working environment. They understand more about the workplace and what to expect, as opposed to going in cold after A-levels or a three to four year traditional degree.” John urges young people as yet undecided “If you have an industry you would like to work in you can now earn, learn and advance your career at the same time,” John concludes.

Benefits of the UK's first affordable energy positive house

Savings of up to £1,000 a year on energy bills could be made by living in the UK’s first affordable energy positive house, researchers have shown. The team from Cardiff University say that over the course of a year the house exports 1.3 times more electricity to the grid than it consumes, thus resulting in overall net negative carbon emissions, equating to around -179 kg per year. The team have presented their findings in a new paper published in the journal Energies. Built in 2015, the SOLCER House was the first affordable energy positive house to be built in the UK and was designed to generate more energy over a year than needed to heat, ventilate, light and power appliances in the building. The 100m2, three-bedroom house was built using locally sourced materials wherever possible at a cost of £1,200/m2 and adopted a ‘whole house systems approach’ that incorporates technologies for generating electrical and thermal energy into the architectural design. Each of the novel technologies used within the house were selected to work together and operate as a single system to provide heating and domestic hot water. Over the past five years, the team have been continuously monitoring the house at five-minute intervals using sensors integrated into the building and technologies, giving the researchers a wealth of data to pore over. Simulations have also been run using models that have been developed and enhanced by Cardiff University over the past 40 years, allowing the team to understand the annual hourly thermal performance of the building, combining local weather data, building construction details and occupancy profiles. Analysis has indicated that the house, under normal occupancy, imports about 25% of its energy from the grid, mainly to meet heating needs during colder months, but over the year 1.3 times the amount that it imports is exported back to the grid, therefore having a positive impact overall. The total annual electricity imported from the grid is 1112kWh compared to the exported value of 1458kWh, giving an overall energy-positive performance of 346kWh. “Our research has illustrated how a combination of energy modelling and detailed monitoring can lead to a better understanding of how a building performs. This is very important as we combine individual low energy components into whole systems”, says Dr Jo Patterson from Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture. Since the SOLCER House was built, Cardiff University research has led the Welsh Government to invest £91m in grants to private and local authority developers. This has seen the construction of over 1,400 affordable and low-carbon houses, many of which were based on technologies demonstrated in the SOLCER House. On Tuesday 9 February, Cardiff University is hosting an event in which Dr Patterson and host of Grand Designs Kevin McCloud MBE will discuss how sustainable housing for all can be achieved.

Drayton launches Six Nations fantasy rugby league

To celebrate this year’s Guinness Six Nations Championship, Drayton, the official sponsor of European Rugby Champions, the Exeter Chiefs, has launched ‘Drayton’s Big Tackle’, the fantasy league for heating engineers and electricians. Playing against fellow tradesmen, the Drayton team and merchants, installers will be challenged to build their own squad that will take them to glory. With points scored and lost for every try, tackle, red card and more, installers have the opportunity to swap players out every week based on their real-life performance in the tournament. As well as all-important bragging rights, the winner of the Drayton league at the end of the tournament will bag themselves an Exeter Chiefs shirt signed by the whole team. Clare Weller, Trade Marketing Manager at Drayton comments; “Whilst you may not be able to get to the pub to watch the rugby right now, there’s no reason not to be enjoying this year’s Guinness Six Nations from the comfort of your own home. ‘Drayton’s Big Tackle’ fantasy league is the perfect way to play against your mates and see who has the best game-day insights to build the strongest team. “We know lots of installers are big rugby fans, so as the official kit sponsor of our local rugby team, the Exeter Chiefs, we’re excited to be able to offer this great prize!” The first game is on Saturday 6th Feb at 2.15pm so installers don’t have long left to register before kick off.

Toolstation continues to support customers with Time to Change

Toolstation continues in its campaign with Time to Change to provide ongoing support for its customers and colleagues, marking Time to Talk Day on Thursday 4th February to encourage people to talk more openly. The campaign was established eight years ago by Time to Change which sets out to spread awareness of mental health issues, offering advice and guidance to encourage people to talk more openly about personal concerns and the impact on mental health. As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to affect its customers, Toolstation wants to encourage more of its customers to talk more openly about mental health. With current lockdown making it more difficult to meet face to face, worryingly, recent findings by Toolstation brought to light that over half of its customers expressed discomfort towards talking about important issues like mental health over Zoom or Facetime. Furthermore, respondents over the age of 55 highlighted they have lost access to the people in their support network since lockdown because they can’t meet face to face (66%) and can’t talk at the places they usually would, like football matches or at the pub (33%). The survey also uncovered the concerning impacts for millennial trade and DIY customers (under 35's), citing career (57%) and finances (53%) as the main concerns. However, they are more inclined to open up about mental health, with 89% confirming they had initiated a conversation and offered help to a friend they are worried about, and encouragingly 64% who have struggled with mental health themselves have reached out to friends or family to talk. Toolstation recognises the importance of raising awareness of mental health amongst its customers and as part of the campaign and its work with Time To Change, provides important and necessary practical guidance and digital resources through its dedicated hub and social channels. To support Time to Talk Day, Toolstation is working with Andy Stevens, a well-known tradesperson from DIY SOS to present a LIVE show with On The Tools on their Facebook page  (social media platform for the trades which has a reach on Facebook of over 4 million followers), to interview  two members of the Northampton Saints rugby team; Piers Francis and Harry Mallinder and a tradesperson, talking all things mental health. This LIVE show will focus on spreading awareness about Time to Talk Day, and sharing personal experiences of mental health issues, such as lockdown causing delays to trade work and sports, keeping motivated during these times, and how it can affect overall performance. Internally, Toolstation is also active at promoting positive mental health amongst colleagues. Its dedicated Wellbeing Centre on its internal intranet provides health and advice on all topics across mental health, movement, food, and money. The retailer also provides a code for colleagues to subscribe to an app called Thrive for free – a useful app offering a huge range of mental wellbeing resources, including cognitive behavioural therapy, through to meditation and mindfulness. In addition, Toolstation provides a link to the Employee Assistance Programme, which is an independent resource run by Care First, which helps with work based or personal issues and can offer counselling. Toolstation is encouraging colleagues and customers to get involved and have a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day – text a friend, chat to a colleague, or sharing something on social media using #TimeToTalk.

Age no barrier for power apprentices

Two dozen experienced apprentices are showing it is never too late to change your career path at any age after taking a new direction with the country’s biggest electricity distributor. The 24 power workers are set to complete their UK Power Networks apprenticeships, which started in 2019, in September of this year. Speaking ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (February 8-14), two of the recruits have insisted age should never been seen as a barrier to anyone deciding on taking on an apprenticeship. George Heath, 30, found life as a postman in Enfield, London was not delivering his career ambitions and is much happier with the package on offer to him now as an experienced apprentice overhead linesman. George says: “I was in my late twenties and had worked for five or six years as a postman. I wouldn’t say there was one ‘eureka’ moment as such, there wasn’t one day when I decided, it was just something I considered over time. “I didn’t mind being a postman at all, but in the end I felt it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more of a challenge and something with more responsibility.” Ben Pegg, 41, who works out of the Downham Market yard in Norfolk as an experienced apprentice overhead linesman, is the eldest of the group, but embraces any banter because age is just a number. Ben says: “Adult apprenticeships can be few and far between, but I knew it could be a great option for me. “I’m sometimes known as the ‘old man’ of the group, but there are others in their thirties and most are in their mid-to-later twenties. There’s always going to be a range of ages wherever you work so being a bit older doesn’t bother me, it’s all good fun. “By the time I finish this apprenticeship I’ll be 42 so I’m still going to have a good 20 years or more of my working life left, that’s a long time so for me it was worthwhile.” UK Power Networks distributes electricity across London, the South East and East of England and has a range of apprenticeships with the foundation scheme aimed at school leavers, while higher and experienced apprenticeships cater for older ages. Steven Read, trainee programmes manager at UK Power Networks, comments: “Apprenticeships and traineeships have a huge importance to the future success of our business and we are always determined to make the opportunities we have open and available to all. “The experienced apprentices who started back in September 2019 have shown that apprenticeships are not the exclusive preserve of young people, they can be taken on by different ages by people at different stages of their career who want to make a change.” Last year also saw UK Power Networks launch a new Leadership Academy for middle managers made possible through the Apprenticeship Levy scheme. 600 line managers at the company are being given the chance to gain the new qualification of a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) diploma in leadership and management to support their personal and professional development.