NICEIC Launches Bursary Scheme For Women In Electrical Industry

To celebrate International Women’s Day, NICEIC is setting up a bursary scheme to help women in the electrical industry. NICEIC has long campaigned for more women to enter the electrical sector. Now it is taking the next step by offering grants to women already working in the industry or looking to get a helping hand at the start of their career. The bursary is open to women of all ages and can help cover training or other associated costs up to a maximum of £500. Emma Clancy, CEO of NICEIC, commented, “Through our Jobs for the Girls campaign, NICEIC has been at the forefront of promoting opportunities for women. “We have helped bring the issue to national attention and are now seeing more women look to take up a career as an electrician. “However, getting started in the industry is still proving difficult for many women. Through this bursary scheme we want to take the next step and help those directly involved.” Since launching its Jobs for the Girls campaign in 2011, NICEIC has noticed a marked change in the industry’s attitude towards women in the sector. However, the numbers are still low, with estimates suggesting that women still only make up around 2% of all those who work on the tools. Emma added, “Over the last seven years, we have seen a marked increase in the number of women coming to us looking for help and assistance. Colleges and employers have also been in touch to see how they can attract more female candidates. “Where possible we have provided access to training, technical information and opportunities with our registered contractors. But, it has not always been possible to assist those who just need a helping hand along the way. “Through this bursary we will be able to offer practical and financial support and hopefully create a smoother route into the industry.” In 2015, NICEIC worked in partnership with Sheffield-based charity WEST (Women in Engineering Science and Technology) and The Sheffield College to help promote the opportunities that a career as an electrician presents. NICEIC then financially supported three women who wanted to become an electrician by paying their college fees and helping them find work with a local registered contractor. One of those who benefited was Shauna Wigglesworth. Following her studies, NICEIC managed to find her work experience with national housing provider The Guinness Partnership. She was eventually taken on as electrical apprentice and last year was named their Apprentice of the Year. “The pilot scheme in Sheffield has proved to us the positive effect we can have in assisting more women into the industry,” concluded Emma. “If we can create more success stories such as Shauna’s and all the other women who are already out there making a fine career as an electrician then we will be well on the way to addressing the gender imbalance directly.” For more information on how to apply visit the NICEIC website.

The LIA Team Up With UL To Simplify Luminaire Certification

The UK’s lighting industry trade body, the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), and the global safety science organisation UL have announced a new agreement aimed to establish a strong collaboration between the two organisations that will simplify the testing and certification services for UK lighting manufacturers wishing to achieve third party testing and approval. The LIA operates an independent lighting test laboratory, accredited as both a Certification Body Test Laboratory (CBTL) and Notified Certification Body (NCB). It serves lighting manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, designers and the wider UK lighting market. Additionally, as a highly-respected trade association, the LIA offers its members advice and support with technical guidance and direction. The cooperation between the British association and the North America-based safety science organisation will empower the LIA to test and certify lighting products for the North American market. This means that, in addition to the CBTL test reports, this agreement allows the LIA to issue UL certifications along with the ‘UL mark’. The agreement will streamline the processes that UK lighting manufacturers currently have to navigate in order to test and certify their products for global markets. It offers manufacturers access to a complete services portfolio from a single reputable unique local supplier. Speaking about the agreement, the global commercial leader for UL’s Lighting division, Roberto Inclinati, said, “The agreement with the LIA supports our effort to reinforce UL’s presence in the UK. It offers additional guidance to the UK lighting manufacturers and all those professionals who demand safe and good quality lighting products. “UL believes that this new cooperation will enable UK manufacturers to reach their goals more quickly and easily, and enable them to stand out from the competition.” Steve Davies, CEO of the LIA, added: “The strategic cooperation between the LIA and UL will reinforce the global recognition of the LIA – and what’s more, help its members to grow and achieve excellence in product design, specification and performance, protecting the interests of both the public and the manufacturers.” The agreement is not limited to safety and performance testing, but also extends to Wellness services – provided by UL – and to the UL Verified Mark, which allows manufacturers to scientifically validate their marketing claims.

Prices Continue To Fall For Ultra-Efficient Solar Panels

The price of solar power is continuing its downward trend, while the efficiency of solar panels continues to improve. That means that electrical contractors can now get their hands on ultra-efficient ‘mono crystalline’ solar panels that cost just 45¢/W; that’s a 37.5% drop when compared to previous prices, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Unfortunately, mono   solar panels are still slightly more expensive than their less efficient poly crystalline counterparts. It’s estimated in some markets that they’re 6% more expensive, although the trade-off is that mono crystalline is 10% more efficient. That means that the price of the electricity produced can often be cheaper. Renewable energy is already on course to become the cheapest form of energy in 2018, according to engineering consultancy Arup. That includes energy created from both wind and solar farms. The historically low prices should continue to fall, however. In fact, in the US the Department of Energy is aiming for a price of $0.05 per kWh. There are many factors contributing to the reduction in the price of solar energy. China is a key proponent of solar energy, and its ‘Top Runner Program' has led to manufacturers investing heavily in mono crystalline solar panels thanks to financial incentives. The programme has also been penalising poly crystalline manufacturers. As more companies invest in mono crystalline solar panels, it should drive prices down even further. It requires the industry to change tact, however. Poly crystalline is still popular in the industry, with it said to have represented 70% of solar panel production, and many of the solar panels specified in projects still use the technology. With prices being driven down even further, it’s expected that mono crystalline could reach the 50/50 mark in 2018.

NET Introduces New Checklist For AM2 Preparation

All those undertaking the AM2 or AM2S assessment must now complete a ‘Readiness for Assessment’ checklist in advance before the assessment can be booked, to help improve the candidate’s chance of passing the assessment first time.  NET, the industry charity responsible for the assessments, has introduced the checklist as a mandatory ‘gateway check’, this is in line with government requirements for the new apprenticeship standard introduced in 2015. The checklist asks the candidate, their employer, and training provider to make a judgement on each area of the assessment and whether the individual has the required knowledge and experience to undertake the test. By completing this task, it identifies any areas where further learning is needed before the candidate is ready to proceed. For over 30 years, the AM2 has been the final element of the electrical apprenticeship. This ‘end point assessment’, as it’s becoming known, is a rigorous practical examination and knowledge test where candidates are assessed on their skills and competence against a consistent criteria across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the ‘FICA’ is the parallel assessment. The AM2S assessment is now running concurrently with the AM2, for those who are undertaking an apprenticeship against the new standard. By introducing the checklist as a compulsory element before the assessment can be booked, NET hopes that it will reduce the number of instances where a candidate attends an assessment without preparation. “Our analysis clearly shows it’s the candidates who have prepared that are the ones who pass first time,” said Carolyn Mason, chief executive of NET.  “In the past, training providers or employers have rushed to put a candidate through the AM2 when there are gaps in their knowledge or skills, which means invariably they will fail the assessment. Having to re-sit can be damaging to the candidate’s morale, and it’s also a waste of time and money for the employer and training provider. By strengthening the checklist, we are helping all parties to ensure the candidate is confident going into the assessment and have everything they need to succeed.”

IET And BSI Announce Official 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Changes

The official list of changes set to be included in the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018) has been released by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). BS 7671:2018, the national standard to which all new and amended electrical installations in the UK need to comply, is due to be published on July 1, 2018. The announcement comes as the IET urges those working in the electrical sector to familiarise themselves with the changes, ahead of the 18th Edition coming into force from January 2019. According to the IET, a number of significant changes will be included in BS 7671:2018. Among others, these will include: the requirement for a ‘switching device’ to be implemented in the installation of renewable energy storage systems recommendations for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits a change to the requirement for methods of supporting wiring systems in buildings against premature collapse in the event of a fire requirements for devices for protection against overvoltage a new appendix focusing on energy efficiency Changes will also come into force for electric vehicle charging installations with PME supplies requirements, and new guidance will be issued for the design and erection of electrical installations featuring local production and storage of energy for optimising efficiency. The amendments to BS 7671 are the result of changes to international and European standards – the technical intent of which the UK is obliged to adopt. Members of the JPEL/64, the national Wiring Regulations committee, represent the UK on many international committees during which these standards are discussed. The IET ensures that the JPEL/64 considers all amendments to the Regulations to ensure they meet the best needs of the industry before a new update is published. “The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations contains some significant changes to the way all electrical professionals are required to carry out their work in order to safeguard themselves and the public. With this in mind, it is essential that all electrical professionals ensure that they are up to speed with the new requirements,” said Mark Coles, head of technical regulations at the IET. “The IET will make the amended IET Wiring Regulations available in traditional print format, and from our digital platforms, meaning there is no excuse for not being familiar with the current requirements for electrical wiring.” The full list of changes to BS 7671 can be found on the IET website.

Luceco Lights Kendal Rugby Union Football Club

Luceco has recently supplied LED luminaires for an £11m sports facility, the new home for Kendal Rugby Union Football Club (KRUFC). The brand new facility benefits from two large hospitality areas and a viewing balcony overseeing two pitches, one grass and one all-weather surface, a restaurant, physio practice and a community gymnasium, Esteem. P Wright Electrical – based in Kendal – were the electrical contractors for the overall project and undertook the installation. Paul Wright commented, "The client was looking to create a sports hub for Kendal as well as a new home for the Kendal Rugby team. They wished to build an outstanding venue for sporting events and hospitality functions. Working with Luceco, we installed over 560 LED luminaires, including Platinum downlighters in the gym, corridors and reception areas and LuxPanels in the offices and changing rooms. "LED Dali dimmable dual switched downlights were used in the lounge bar and main function rooms, with colour changing LED strips to give a modern and interesting twist in these areas and something special for hospitality events." The new facilities at Kendal RUFC will ensure that the Black and Ambers enjoy a state of the art venue to continue their club’s success on and off the field.

Smart City Lighting Strategy Launched For The Square Mile  

The City of London Corporation has announced it will bring innovative lighting proposals to the Square Mile, including remotely operated lighting that will complement the look of historic buildings, improve energy usage and help tackle light pollution. The strategy will use state of the art technology and see urban spaces coated in various lighting types, levels and colours at different times during the night. This will complement the work that is already underway to upgrade the City’s street lighting to high quality, energy-saving and cost-efficient LED. The strategy will assess the balance between darkness and street and commercial lighting. Surveys show that currently some streets may be excessively lit compared to how many people actually use them, or that the current street lighting adds little because of the impact that nearby commercial lighting may already have. The strategy will also consider the important role that lighting has on crime prevention and reinforcing road safety. Studies have found that artificial lighting at night is contributing to an alarming increase in the amount and brightness of light pollution across the world. This leads to less starlight in the night sky, disrupted ecosystems, a reduction in biodiverse populations and can impact on human health and sleep rhythms. The strategy also seeks to address the needs of nocturnal animals in gardens and areas along the riverside. The City Corporation is working with lighting designer Speirs and Major on the strategy which will be implemented in phases throughout the City.

Earnings For Trade Apprentices Set To Soar Above National Average By 2022, Says Screwfix

Screwfix is calling for the next generation to consider a career in the electrical trade as new research shows a job in the trade could lead to higher wages than other career choices. According to the retailer, future electricians are set to earn at least £2,500 a year more than the national average by 2022, bringing their average salary to over £27,500. In addition, apprentices can enter their chosen career free from the debt of university fees, which now averages £50,000, according to ONS' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). This comes from new research commissioned by Screwfix which examined ONS salary data from 2010-17 to forecast future earnings of apprentices entering a profession. Along with the benefits associated with a long-term career in the electrical trade, including flexible working hours, becoming a skilled expert, being your own boss and working with a wide range of people, research has found that pay really cements why a career in the trade is the right choice. Along with electricians, plumbers are predicted to be future high earners with a forecasted wage of over £31,000 per annum. Plumbers are forecast to see a five percent increase (over £300), while electricians are to see a rise of three per cent (over £150). The research was commissioned by leading trade retailer Screwfix as part of its Trade Apprentice initiative, which aims to celebrate and champion the best trade apprentices and future stars of the trade. Graham Bell, Screwfix CEO, said, “The research supports our belief at Screwfix that a trade apprenticeship is a strong career choice for young people in this country. Apprenticeships lead to careers in highly skilled jobs, which are in high demand and therefore attract a healthy, competitive salary. For young people starting out, they offer a great career choice without the burden of large debts from university fees." Meanwhile, in a separate piece of research conducted by the retailer with electricians and other tradespeople, it was revealed that more than half (57%) struggle to find skilled labour. For those who struggle to recruit skilled employees, more than one third (37%) believe it is because apprenticeships are not given the same level of respect as a university education, while 31% say poor public perception of a career in the trade means school leavers are not interested in pursuing a future in construction. “We believe the whole industry should play a part in encouraging and inspiring more people to undertake an apprenticeship. There is an ongoing focus on the importance of trade apprenticeships for the UK economy and for construction in particular, which is facing a significant skills gap. That’s why we are continuing to support the industry with The Screwfix Trade Apprentice initiative, which not only supports young people to kick-start their career but also inspires a strong future for the UK’s construction industry,” added Graham Bell.

J S Wright Launches New Apprentice Training Initiative

J S Wright has launched a training programme to help its apprentices fast-track their way up the career ladder. The J S Wright Experience will complement existing academic and work-based college courses to provide the company’s technical trainees with the all-round knowledge and skills to become high-flying corporate engineers. Dedicated mentors from within the company, which has its headquarters in Birmingham and offices in Bristol and London, will guide and support the trainees in understanding and experiencing J S Wright’s values, processes and procedures, and help them develop their leadership and communication skills. Over the four-year course, each apprentice will follow a monitored schedule of working in different office departments from contracts and design to aftercare, and on site in areas including commissioning, quality and health and safety. They will also get to learn industry design regulations and become involved in supplier and manufacturer visits and client networking as stakeholders in the business, attend mandatory training courses, and carry out a yearly in-house project that will also provide evidence for college qualifications. The J S Wright Experience has resulted from consultation with academic qualification providers and former apprentices, who will also be able to take advantage of the programme to hone their managerial skills as mentors. J S Wright is now in the process of devising a similar hands-on project-based experience programme for its craft apprentices.

NICEIC Launches New Membership Scheme For Students

NICEIC has launched a new student membership scheme to offer greater support to the electricians of the future. The scheme is free to join for all students and apprentices currently undertaking full or part time courses within the electrotechnical industry. All those who join will be able to access the latest advice and support which will complement their current training and development. Darren Staniforth, senior training development manager at NICEIC commented, “As the leading brand in the electrical industry NICEIC have a responsibility to work with, encourage and promote those who will be working in the sector for years to come. “The student membership scheme will ensure all those who join have access to the most appropriate technical information and advice which will ultimately help them in their career. “It complements the work we have done in the past with our Apprentice of the Year competition and Jobs for the Girls campaign and further demonstrates our commitment to helping those who will help shape the future of the electrical industry.” The scheme is open to anyone currently undertaking relevant technical competency training; full-time, part-time or apprenticeship within the industry. Those who sign up will receive: Welcome pack Membership certificate Regular e-news and bulletins Free quarterly Connections magazine Access to discounted products Free admission to award-winning NICEIC events Technical advice and support Increased visibility for future employment opportunities For more information about joining please visit www.niceic.com/join-us/student-membership