White Paper Lifts The Lid On The Future Of Electrical Apprenticeships

An industry white paper about the future of apprenticeships in the electrical sector has been launched this week (6th March) to rally the industry to make positive steps towards improving the way it attracts, trains and retains young people. Launched to coincide with the 10th annual National Apprenticeships Week, the white paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of current apprenticeships, routes to learning and how the industry can attract the talent it needs for future growth. The white paper was written by Malcolm Duncan, managing director at Super Rod, as a follow up to the industry roundtable hosted by Super Rod in Coventry last September. The roundtable was attended by people from all walks of the industry including electrical contractors, educators and trainers plus representation from the NICEIC, electrical wholesalers and distributor networks. The easy to read and free to download white paper is a collection of the views and ideas discussed on the night, and will open the apprenticeships debate up to more people within the industry. Malcolm Duncan says: “As a manufacturer and employer in the electrical industry, I see first-hand the need for more bright, young people who have the skills and aptitude to keep up with the increasing complexity of our business and the pace technology is advancing. “To attract these people, we need to promote our industry and the diverse and exciting career opportunities we can offer. Getting apprenticeships right is very much part of how we can achieve this and why I am pushing for more industry discussion on this topic, leading to real and lasting changes.” Have your say – visit here to download your copy of the white paper and have your say on the future of electrical apprenticeships.

Smart Lightbulbs Play Central Role In Building Efficient Homes Of The Future

Last year, the term ‘smart home’ became common spread but in 2017 this has already gained more traction with the release of Amazon Echo and Google Home being welcomed by consumers. Steven Ellwood, managing director of BLT Direct, explains: “People are enjoying the idea of a smart home as it makes life convenient. It feels as if we are living in the future, now, and this is incredibly exciting. However, beyond the novelty hi-tech aspect, the rise in smart homes and the use of smart devices such as lightbulbs could be a huge step forward for making homes much more energy efficient in the future.” Steven continues: “‘Home assistants’, such as the newly released Google Home and Amazon Echo enable users to adjust the sensors around their home to suit their needs exactly. This includes turning the music to optimum level, locking windows as they leave the house and turning lightbulbs on, off or at different levels of brightness, depending on their mood or the task that is at hand. With this level of control, energy is only required when it is actually needed, rather than wasted unnecessarily. This could be a game changer for the environment.” Predictions from Business Intelligence, the premium research service from Business Insider, suggest that 193 million smart home devices will be shipped to new users by 2020 – growing from 83 million in 2015. With consumers accepting this hyper-connected upgrade to home life, this could in turn make a positive change to average energy output across the world. Steven concludes: “The possibilities that mass adoption of smart home technology has for increasing energy efficiency is vast, but consumers must take action now to drive the ‘tipping point’ that is needed. Even without a complete connected home, like that offered by Amazon Echo or Google Home, investing in smart lightbulbs connected by an independent hub can make the simple change, fast.”

Apprenticeship Ambassador Set For French Alps Trip

The reigning ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Harry Bartle is set to visit the base of manufacturer Schneider Electric in the French Alps in April. Harry’s trip to the picturesque city of Grenoble from 18th–20th April will include a range of activities. These include a visit to Schneider’s research and development centre and its manufacturing plant, and some leisure time, which is likely to involve a cable car trip up the mountains. [caption id="attachment_11402" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The reigning ECA Edmundson Apprentice of Year, Harry Bartle[/caption] Harry, who works for Morecambe based ECA member firm Chris Bowker, overcame fierce competition during the 2016 competition. At the time, the judges said that Harry would make an excellent ambassador for the industry following the award. Harry comments: “The opportunity to represent the ECA on a study trip with Schneider Electric to Grenoble is an experience I am very much looking forward to.” Louise Smith, customer marketing manager at Schneider Electric, says: “At Schneider Electric we believe there’s no better place to learn than from inside an organisation. It’s because of this that we run an extensive apprenticeship programme and encourage collaboration with those in partners' training schemes too. “We’re excited to be welcoming Harry to Grenoble where he’ll get hands-on experience and valuable insights into the work we’re doing to provide reliable, efficient, sustainable and connected energy for everyone.” The 2017 ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award is currently open to entries from the leading electricians and engineers of the future. There is an array of prizes on offer to those entering the awards, including a unique study tour abroad and cash prizes worth thousands of pounds. The deadline for entering the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award is Friday 7th April. Please click here to complete the online application process. Shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed by a judging panel during the summer. The winner will be announced in late September, during a prestigious event hosted by Edmundson in London. The study trip announcement coincides with the start of the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 6th–10th March, and celebrates the positive impact of vocational training on the economy.

Pastel Coloured LED Lighting In Shops Significantly Boosts Retail Sales

Philips Lighting and Globus, a major grocery retailer in Germany, have measured the positive effects of lighting in a joint research project. In collaboration with German Research Center for Artificial Intellifence, a series of experiments were conducted at the Globus supermarket in Saarbrücken to study the impact of different combinations of coloured lighting on sales and customer behaviour. The results showed that using coloured uplights together with Philips StoreWise lighting system helped increase sales while enabling energy savings of up to 75% compared to conventional lighting. For the experiment, researchers spent two months testing different lighting conditions at the supermarket’s 180m2 promotional display area that was equipped with Philips StoreWise and Philips LED lighting. Three settings were tested; the store’s uniform overhead lighting, regular spotlights and a combination of spotlights with pastel coloured uplights. [caption id="attachment_11464" align="alignnone" width="640"] Study shows that the most effective setting for enticing shoppers is using spotlights with pastel coloured uplights[/caption] The study showed that the most effective setting for enticing shoppers was using spotlights with pastel coloured uplights that led to a 6% increase in sales of goods from this promotional area. The same combination of coloured lights created the best stopping power for this promotional area and increased customer visits by 15%, compared to the standard store lighting. When conventional lighting was replaced by spotlights alone, 7% more customer visits occurred. “Adding soft pastel colours to highlight products is a potential game changer for the retail industry. For the first time research has shown that different lighting conditions can affect shopper behaviour and drive increased store revenues,” says Gonneke Gros, Segment Lead Food and Large Retail, Philips Lighting. "With new lighting systems like Philips StoreWise and Philips’ indoor positioning system, we anticipate retailers to analyse sales and traffic data within their store in real time and adjust the lighting conditions to optimise sales.” Retailers have traditionally lit stores using uniform, white, overhead lighting. The research showed that the 58 spotlights used in the experiment strengthened the appearance of products by increasing contrast. Adding coloured uplighting (aimed at the ceiling) as well, helped differentiate the promotional zone and make it more visible from far away. Norbert Scheller, store manager at Globus supermarket in Saarbrücken, comments: “As a retailer, to stay ahead of the competition, you have to create a multi-sensory environment and a ‘wow-factor’ in your stores. Working with Philips Lighting has helped us realise the immense potential lighting can have and we have successfully been able to create triggers to direct our customers to promotional areas in our store and to inspire them in new ways.”

Lumilow Lighting Confirms Relationship With Relco As Exclusive UK Distributors

Yorkshire based lighting Lumilow Lighting has confirmed it has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Relco Lighting, part of the Relco Group. For Lumilow Lighting, the agreement with Relco will allow the company to offer a high quality product offering through the wholesale market - with particular emphasis on technical LED products for residential, retail, industrial and amenity applications. Lumilow’s commercial relationship with Relco is focused on the exclusive UK distribution of products manufactured by the Relco Lighting brand. The company is widely acknowledged as one of the most important Italian companies in the lighting sector and its distribution agreement with Lumilow offers a double layer of confidence in these two well respected, trusted brands. The Relco Lighting product range - which will be available through selected electrical wholesale and lighting distribution partners - includes: LED commercial downlights, LED recessed and track light systems, LED suspended luminaires as well as LED industrial high bays and exterior luminaires. They are suitable for retail, commercial, industrial and public areas. Andy Chell, Lumilow’s managing director, comments: “Relco’s strength is in innovation – and this is what drew us to their brand and their technology. There is no doubt that the company is a pioneer in the field of LED lighting which means customers can be sure they are buying the highest quality technology from a true market leader. I am both proud and delighted to be able to offer this range of exceptional technology to the UK market place.”

Free CPD-Accredited Webinars From Fluke

Throughout 2107, Fluke is running a series of free, scheduled, CPD-accredited webinars. The first of these is titled, Detecting Electrical Energy Loss Using Thermal Imaging, and is suitable for electricians, electrical contractors, electrical engineers, plant maintenance facility managers, and energy managers. Other topics covered by the CPD-certified webinar series include power quality and energy saving which are also aimed at personnel including Electrical Engineers, Plant Maintenance Facility Managers, and Energy Managers. The Detecting Electrical Energy Loss Using Thermal Imaging webinars focus on the use of thermal imagers to detect electrical energy loss. The content covers fault finding in electrical equipment such as cables, connections, fuses, breakers, transformers, motors, etc., which can be associated with abnormal electrical energy losses. During the webcast, participants will gain a good introduction to the possibilities of using thermal imagers to find faults in loaded electrical equipment without disturbing production. The webinars are not intended as a full training package and are suitable for personnel with entry-level to intermediate knowledge of thermal imaging. Each 45 minute webinar concludes with a 15 minute Q&A session. The repeated schedule of dates and the means to apply can be found at http://www.flukeacademy.shuttlepod.org/UK-Seminars

Industry Backs New Power Players Initiative

A series of leading organisations from across building services engineering are backing the new industry-wide Power Players initiative, which is being run by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), and is set to formally launch in late spring. [caption id="attachment_5099" align="alignright" width="199"] Steve Bratt: CEO, Electrical Contractors' Association[/caption] Publishing and events group All Things Media – which is running this year’s Electrical Design & Install Expo – will be an official partner of Power Players. As part of this, the finalists will be showcased during the ECA sponsored ED&I Expo in September, with the winners announced during the show. The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) will also be partnering on Power Players, with the EIC’s CEO Tessa Ogle to feature on the initiative’s judging panel. ECA CEO Steve Bratt comments: “I am delighted to confirm that our new Power Players initiative is attracting support from right across the engineering services sector. With recognition and some great prizes on offer, we look forward to seeing top talent from the sector taking part in the initiative.” Electrical Industries Charity CEO Tessa Ogle said: “Power Players is a very important initiative because it will provide recognition for young people who are already making a positive impact in the early part of their careers. The Electrical Industries Charity is delighted to be involved and I look forward to working with all of the partners to highlight and reward the successes which the younger generation are bringing to the industry.” Power Players is also being supported by a range of other industry bodies including: - Scottish electrical trade body SELECT - Joint Industry Board (JIB) - Electrical Distributors Association (EDA) - Building Services and Environmental Engineer (BSEE) - Voltimum, the electrical industry portal Power Players is a completely digital initiative aimed at the younger generation who have already made a positive impact in their careers. In addition to recognition and publicity, there will be an array of prizes and opportunities on offer to the top entries, worth thousands of pounds. Power Players will open to entries in late spring, and in the meantime anyone interested in the initiative can simply click here and provide their email address to sign up to updates.

Checkatrade Becomes Official Sponsor Of New TV Series

Checkatrade.com has recently secured sponsorship for ITV’s latest television series, Lethal Weapon. The new show will run for 18 weeks and features Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford as the two protagonists. The original Lethal Weapon franchise comprised four feature films and were a huge hit on the silver screen from 1987 to 1998, with the first film grossing $120m at the box office. The film focused on two mismatched detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department played by Hollywood big shots Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. In 2016, some 18 years after the success of the film franchise, Fox TV premiered a spin-off television series of the same name. After receiving a great reception in America, ITV purchased the series which is set to air in the UK on Friday 3rd March at 9pm. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for Checkatrade to sponsor and associate itself with a hit television show, but is also a prime opportunity for them to capture the attention of an estimated audience of audience of 24.4 million. Kevin Byrne, founder and CEO of Checkatrade, enthused about the new sponsorship deal, says: “Myself and everyone at Checkatrade.com are extremely excited about this new sponsorship opportunity. In recent years we have invested a lot of time and attention into branching into new areas through sponsorship. This television sponsorship is proof of it succeeding. The programme has been a huge success across the pond so I am really looking forward to watching it become an equally great success over here.”

Schneider Electric Opens Customer Experience Centre

Schneider Electric has announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Customer Experience Centre in Telford. The new facility provides a means of showcasing digitised and connected technology, systems and equipment and is open to everyone. As part of the investment, the new site will become a key European facility for showcasing Schneider Electric’s partner offering, as well as providing a place for prospective customers to engage with some of the top engineering minds in the industry. The Customer Experience Centre will feature the latest range of products from Schneider Electric, including wiring devices, smart panel, Masterpact MTZ and spacial SFM. [caption id="attachment_11103" align="aligncenter" width="1197"] The facility provides a place for prospective customers to engage with Schneider's engineers[/caption] Furthermore, due to its location, next to the Schneider Electric manufacturing warehouse, customers visiting the new site now have a real time view of their products being built on site. They are also able to log-on to the Schneider Electric website to check the build status of their product via webcam connectivity, as well as accessing information on when it will be delivered. The centre comprises three core areas: Innovation centre - An area to showcase products manufactured in the UK. Solutions are fully modularised to keep up to speed with product enhancements and market trends. Designs can be created that can be replicated at customer events and exhibitions around the country. Training Centre – A space dedicated to training graduates, customers and to host meetings. The training facility and conference suite can be utilised by customers that wish to be trained on the equipment or hold internal meetings. All products are fully controllable from an iPad. Customer reception area – An area to allow visitors to relax, unwind and socialise. Connectivity stations provide an opportunity for visitors to catch up on work. The UK’s skills shortage is one of the biggest threats to continued economic growth, with one of the worst gaps in Europe, between the skills that companies need and those available. Schneider Electric aims to help address this problem and close a widening skills gap with the opening of its new centre. Stewart Gregory, vice president, Partner Projects at Schneider Electric comments: “By educating visitors on energy management best practice, we are taking significant steps forward in helping to achieve the goal of making the industry more connected, safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable for today and for future generations.”

SSIP Saves Buyers And Suppliers Over £50m Annually

New figures compiled by the Safety Schemes in Procurement Forum (SSIP) highlight over £50m of savings to clients, other buyers and suppliers in 2016. The figures show the total savings, linked to cross-recognition between health and safety supply chain assessments, reported to SSIP by individual assessment schemes. Cross-recognition reduces the need for clients to recheck suppliers' details or to specify a particular assessment scheme, and for contractors to fill in numerous health and safety questionnaires. The total savings, based on a standard SSIP calculation, also suggest that SSIP, which was set up in 2009, has delivered hundreds of millions of pounds of savings to buyers and suppliers who carry out construction, maintenance and other contractor activity. Eleanor Eaton of CQMS, and chair of SSIP, comments: "We have known for some time that SSIP saves the supply chain tens of millions of pounds annually. Our metrics have enabled us to home in on the extent of these savings, and we expect them to increase annually.” [caption id="attachment_11347" align="alignright" width="640"] Paul Reeve, deputy chairman of SSIP, and the ECA's director of business[/caption] Paul Reeve, deputy chairman of SSIP, and the ECA's director of business, adds: "These figures show SSIP is making a real contribution to reducing excessive health and safety pre-qualification. It's a huge burden on the supply chain, and we look forward to further action by SSIP scheme members to reduce unnecessary costs to buyers and suppliers.” The £50m in savings reported in 2016 went straight to company bottom lines - in construction, it would typically take £2bn in contractor turnover to achieve the equivalent amount as profit. Eleanor concludes: "Crucially, less time wasted on unnecessary health and safety assessments also means more time for buyers and suppliers to address project related risks, which should help to improve health and safety outcomes.”