NICEIC addresses National Apprenticeship Week

As the electrical industry celebrates National Apprenticeship Week (taking place from 10-16 February 2025), new research from NICEIC underscores the vital role of apprenticeships in addressing skills needs and building a strong foundation for future growth. The research has highlighted challenges across the electrotechnical industry surrounding technical skills, recruitment and those starting a career in the industry. Given existing research around the industry’s skills gap, this reinforces the pressing need to build a strong talent pipeline through apprenticeships and training to ensure the industry continues to grow and deliver the necessary transformation of UK infrastructure. The research found over half (52%) of the electrical businesses that had recruited or attempted to recruit technical staff during 2024 found it to be a very difficult process. Moreover, of the firms not currently hiring apprentices, the admin involved (36%), as well as the difficulty of recruiting apprentices (17%), were cited as significant obstacles. This points to concerns that the entire industry should stand ready to address: that the existing infrastructure is not doing enough to reduce labour market friction and connect talent with work. More also needs to be done to encourage fresh talent to enter the industry and support them through apprenticeships into technical roles. Richard Orton, Chief Executive at NICEIC, comments, “Apprenticeships are integral to the electrotechnical industry. They are a key part of the industry’s heritage, how skills and technical knowledge have always been transferred from experienced professionals to new starters, and looking forward, they will be crucial to closing the skills gap. When a business takes on an apprentice, they are not only making an investment in their business and that person’s future, but they are also helping to ensure the industry itself continues to grow. “This new research makes it clear that firms are looking to grow, take on new projects and invest in people, but the industry-wide infrastructure is not always there to facilitate that. There needs to be a collective effort to put better structures in place, that help match electrical businesses with the talent they are clearly looking for. NICEIC is committed to helping the industry in this area and we are actively looking for ways to support NICEIC-certified businesses as they look to take on new apprentices.” Nearly one in three firms surveyed are looking to achieve sustainable growth over the next three years, and of those, nearly half (44%) intend to take on a new apprentice in 2025. This points to a demand among electrical businesses to seize new opportunities and the recognition that one of the best ways to achieve this is by training new staff through apprenticeships. This is further evidenced by the finding that 67% of firms that did hire in 2024 took on at least one apprentice. Satisfaction with apprentices already employed also remains high, with employers giving their apprentices a net positive score of 3.93 out of 5. Although challenges do exist, including concerns about government funding (cited by 49% of firms) and the work-readiness of some apprentices (43%) - underscoring the need for initiatives like the recently introduced T Levels - the overall feedback from employers is encouraging. For those interested in an electrotechnical apprenticeship For those interested in pursuing an electrotechnical apprenticeship, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has a range of resources on training routes, apprenticeships and careers advice, as well as labour market insights. For current electrotechnical apprentices NICEIC is committed to supporting electrotechnical apprentices’ training and welfare and has partnered with Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) on its free online learning portal, which offers mental health awareness training and resources for apprentices. NICEIC’s Student Membership is available to support and complement the training and personal development of students undertaking technical competency training. It’s applicable for full-time and part-time students, as well as those studying through an apprenticeship within the electrotechnical industry. Benefits include the free NICEIC Pocket Guides app, access to the organisation's customer portal containing free technical information, regular newsletters and bulletins, the Connections magazine on a quarterly basis, and access to The WIRE – NICEIC’s live and on-demand technical webinars. Upcoming webinar available to all A new and upcoming episode of The Wire webinar - New opportunities: the future of electrical training - will be made available to the wider industry as part of NICEIC’s Apprenticeship Week 2025 programme. The episode will take place on 13 February 2025 at 8pm. THE WIRE webinars provide exclusive content to NICEIC-certified businesses and their employees, covering topics ranging from technical explainers to regulatory changes and skills. The upcoming episode will have insights for all looking to future-proof their career or their business, with NICEIC experts discussing the evolving landscape of technical education. During the webinar, the NICEIC training team will explore the different pathways to becoming a qualified electrician, from apprenticeships to T Levels, options for career changers as well as Experienced Worker Assessments (EWAs), and Electrician Plus. With insights on the latest developments in electrical training and qualifications, businesses will be better placed to make the right investment in the skills they need to grow; and those pursuing a career in the industry will be able to make informed decisions about the options available to them. To register, click here. For more from NICEIC, click here.

LEDVANCE to open new UK warehouse

LEDVANCE, a global lighting specialist, has announced the opening of a new warehouse and distribution centre just outside of Birmingham, UK. The centrally located warehouse will provide customers across the UK with swift access to LEDVANCE’s extensive line of intelligent and efficient lighting products for commercial, industrial and residential applications. The vast range of lighting products being stocked at the new warehouse include LED lamps and luminaires, LED strip lighting, smart lighting, and light management systems. Jean-Marc Vogel, CEO Europe West at LEDVANCE, says, “With the UK being the second largest market in Europe, our ambitions are to develop LEDVANCE lighting and renewable business in the UK. A new warehouse will support our portfolio extension and establish LEDVANCE as a lighting market leader, and at the same time increase our market presences and be closer to our customers in the UK.” Nelo Neves, LEDVANCE UK Managing Director, comments, “Until now, our stock was housed and distributed solely from our central warehouse and distribution facility in Molsheim, France, with a lighting portfolio that caters to the whole of Europe. However, the increasing awareness of sustainability and energy-saving technologies has driven the decision for us to establish a local warehouse to help meet customer demand more efficiently and cost-effectively by importing our UK-specific lighting solutions directly to the UK.” Lee Hickling, Logistics and Warehouse Manager at LEDVANCE, adds, “We wanted a UK-based warehouse to streamline our logistics and reduce lead times for deliveries to our wholesale customers across the UK. Any improvement in service levels greatly increases customer satisfaction. Another plus is that our UK warehouse reduces shipping costs and lowers import tariffs, which leads to significant savings in transportation expenses. It also gives us full control of our local stock. All these benefits ultimately accrue to our valued customers in the UK.” For more from LEDVANCE, click here.

Martindale introduces 'general purpose’ 18th Edition tester

For electricians and contractors who need an accurate, reliable and affordable 18th Edition tester, the new ET6000 Multifunction Installation Tester from Martindale Electric may prove the ideal option. Replacing the successful ET4000, the Martindale ET6000 is the latest entry-level model in the company's range and is designed for electricians looking for a basic and reliable installation tester. The ET6000 covers all the essential testing functions required to test to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, including fast, reliable high current and non-trip loop testing, auto RCD and ramp test (with all results on one screen), voltage measurement and phase rotation indication. The ET6000 has a full-colour TFT display, which provides clear, easy-to-read results and connection information. The tester also features multiple, context related help screens that guide users through the testing process, displaying easy-to-read test connection diagrams that are colour coded to match the supplied lead set, simplifying the most complex tasks. The ET6000 boasts a high level of input protection with a CAT IV safety rating, ensuring that users are protected when working in challenging environments. The tester is supplied with a full set of high quality 4mm test leads and a Martindale TL207 mains test lead, all contained within the test and go carry bag. Martindale also offers a wide range of additional accessories to enhance the performance of the tester including a rechargeable battery kit, Safebreak socket adaptor and stackable test leads. This ET6000 is engineered for durability and precision, making it an ideal tool for both routine maintenance and for all standard testing to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. For more from Martindale Electric, click here.

CEF releases Sustainability & Social Value Impact report

CEF has announced the release of its Sustainability & Social Value (SSV) Impact report. The report provides actionable insights into how the electrical industry can advance in sustainability, while exploring CEF’s journey towards social responsibility within key areas including product development, supply chain management and community partnerships. The report further aims to inspire wider stakeholders as it outlines CEF’s current progress, priorities and future commitments for the coming years. Product development and supply chain management One of CEF’s key missions is to manage and reduce their environmental and ethical impacts across their operations and value chain. As part of this commitment, CEF leverages EcoVadis to assess the sustainability efforts of their supplier partners. In November 2023, 82 of CEF's suppliers were engaged in the programme, growing to 104 suppliers by April 2024. With this momentum, CEF is targeting engagement with 80% of suppliers (by spend) to achieve an EcoVadis rating of their sustainability maturity before the end of the reporting period. In addition to supply chain initiatives, CEF has taken significant steps to reduce its operational carbon footprint by introducing Electric Vehicles (EVs) into its operations. CEF now operates 17 electric vehicles with plans to increase in the coming years. Notably, the mileage covered by EV’s increased by over 400%, demonstrating CEF’s commitment to scaling sustainable transportation solutions. CEF is also taking meaningful action to address the national skills gap, a critical issue given the UK’s shortage of approximately 150,000 qualified installers needed to support the transition to green energy and heating solutions. To tackle this issue, CEF’s technical solution team has developed a training programme focused on upskilling electricians. By equipping professionals to confidently work with sustainable products, the initiative directly supports the UK’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Community partnerships CEF is committed to supporting local communities and contributing to meaningful change. By collaborating with organisations that share a focus on improving lives, CEF seeks to make a positive impact both within and beyond the electrical industry. As part of this commitment, CEF has partnered with the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to help the well-being of individuals in the industry. Recently, the business has funded the development of an online training platform for the EIC, which is designed to benefit the overall well-being of 10,000 apprentices. Alongside this, CEF has committed to raising £1m for Macmillan through national and local funding. Since the partnership launched in 2017, CEF have raised over £800,000 and will continue to progress towards the goal through people-powered fundraising. Additionally, members of CEF are also dedicated to the causes that matter to them and their communities. For example, the CEF Isle of Man branch raised £1,000 for the Forget Me Not charity, which supports people on the Island living with dementia. Team member engagement Health and safety is a top priority for CEF, which established its first Health and Safety Policy in 2003. The policy undergoes an annual review to ensure it remains robust and up to date, while a dedicated Health and Safety Team works to monitor and promote safer working practices across the organisation. In addition, all CEF branches hold bi-annual health and safety meetings, providing team members with a platform to raise concerns and contribute to a safer workplace and further enhancing CEF’s commitment to health and safety. CEF has introduced a new Health and Safety Management system designed to improve accessibility and usability. This system will make it easier for team members to navigate and engage with health and safety processes effectively. CEF’s Director of Sustainability, Connor Dalton, says, “As we strive to be leaders in our sector, we’ve embraced the imperative of sustainability and social value, not just as a business priority but as a moral commitment to people, the planet, and the communities we serve. This report is a testament to collaboration, innovation, and the enduring impact we aim to create. We hope that our full transparency will encourage open dialogue about challenges and opportunities.” The business aims to inspire peers, customers, supplier partners and industry bodies to adopt similar practices, fostering positive change. CEF is dedicated to proving that business growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, setting an industry standard and contributing to a more sustainable future. To read the Sustainability & Social Value Impact Report in full, click here. For more from CEF, click here.

Entries now open for Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025

Screwfix has announced that its Trade Apprentice competition is back for 2025, with the retailer continuing its mission to recognise and celebrate the very best trade apprentices across the UK and Ireland. For more than a decade, Screwfix Trade Apprentice has helped young tradespeople boost their career. Previous finalists have shared their thoughts on the future of the industry, tackled sustainability issues, and emphasised the important role apprentices play in addressing the trade skills gap. The winner will receive a career-boosting trade bundle worth £10,000, including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget, and £2,000 worth of technology. The champion’s college will also receive £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on workshop equipment, helping to upskill tomorrow’s trade professionals. Matthew Rutherford, an apprentice carpenter from Bangor, County Down, won the 2024 competition and was the first Screwfix Trade Apprentice champion from Northern Ireland. At just 19 years old, Matthew impressed judges with his proposal for a product called ‘DoorMate’, which addressed the common problem of hanging doors correctly. Commenting on his win, Matthew says, “Winning this competition meant a lot to me. I have always been incredibly passionate about the work that I do. Being crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024 not only provided me with a confidence boost, but it also helped me develop my skills to go further in the industry. “Since winning, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved with other Screwfix initiatives. I visited Parliament to discuss trade skills and the importance of them for the UK’s growth. It was an incredible experience and one I never imagined I’d have the chance to be a part of.” Alongside winners of Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson competition, Matthew spoke to Lords, MPs and civil servants at the Houses of Parliament to share insights about the importance of attracting fresh talent into the industry. The event followed a recent Screwfix report, which highlighted that 79% of SMEs and sole traders have been unable to take on an apprentice due to financial concerns, shining a light on the importance of providing greater support for small businesses. Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, comments, “As a retailer to the trade, we’re committed to championing tradespeople across the UK. We are dedicated to supporting the construction industry because it plays a vital role in providing jobs, enhancing infrastructure and driving economic growth. “Screwfix Trade Apprentice recognises and celebrates apprentices while also highlighting the crucial contribution they make to the trade industry. “Every year we see an increase in talented young people applying, which makes choosing a winner a difficult decision for our judges. We know what a difference this competition makes to the apprentices who reach the final and we’ve seen them go on to excel in their careers. It’s a fantastic opportunity, so don’t miss out.” Free to enter, Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 is open to all trade apprentices who are currently enrolled at college, either on a part-time placement with an employer, or as a full-time college student. Not only can apprentices apply themselves, but they can also be nominated by their college or employer. All applicants must be over the age of 16. Entries are open until midnight on 23 February 2025. For more from Screwfix, click here.

Securing connections with Unicrimp’s new Conduit Accessories

Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, continues to invest in its comprehensive range of cable accessories and has just added a brand new collection of Conduit Accessories to its Q-Crimp portfolio. The extensive Conduit Accessories range comprises more than 90 individual products in total, with key products including Conduit Boxes, Light Gauge Saddles, Inspection Tees, Inspection Bends, and Metal Hooks. The range has been designed to offer essential solutions for ensuring the proper functioning, safety, and efficiency of electrical conduit systems. The durability, ease of installation, and protective features of these accessories make them ideally suited for electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Key features and benefits of Unicrimp’s new Q-Crimp Conduit Accessories: • Cable protection - conduit accessories protect electrical cables from physical damage, moisture, and chemical exposure, ensuring longevity and safety. • Durable materials - manufactured from galvanised steel, they are designed to resist corrosion and environmental stress. • Heat resistance - high-quality conduit accessories can handle high temperatures, making them suitable for industrial and commercial applications. • Ease of installation – innovative designs reduce installation time. • Variety of sizes - available in different sizes to fit various conduit diameters. • Safety - by securing conduits and providing smooth connections, they help prevent electrical hazards like shorts and electrocution. • Organisation - accessories like saddles and junction boxes contribute to neat, organised wiring systems, making maintenance and upgrades easier. • Compliance - conduit accessories ensure that installations comply with safety regulations and standards, such as IEE Wiring Regulations. • Versatility - they can be used in a wide range of environments, from residential to industrial applications, indoors and outdoors. • Flexibility - accessories like elbows, bends and junction boxes allow flexibility in conduit routing and expansion of electrical systems as needed. • Cost-effective - by reducing wear and tear on cables and facilitating easier installations, conduit accessories contribute to lower long-term maintenance and repair costs. Conduit Boxes - also known as BESA boxes - are designed to protect and route electrical cables within building structures. The new range includes 20mm and 25mm one-way, two-way, three-way, and four-way Conduit Boxes, available in a variety of Angled, Tangent, ‘U’, ‘Y’, and ‘H’ shape configurations. Light Gauge Saddles (20mm and 25mm) are designed to wrap securely around conduits, providing precise support and organisation that simplifies upgrades and maintenance. Featuring a BZP (bright zinc plated) coating, these saddles are resistant to rust and oxidation, ensuring long-term durability. They are available in 20mm and 25mm sizes. Inspection Tees (20mm and 25mm) create a three-way junction with a window for easy cable checking and access. Inspection Bends (20mm and 25mm) allow users to join two pieces of conduit tube for changes in direction (usually 90° or 45° angles) with an inspection window to check or access cables. Diecast screwed metal hooks are included in the range for suspending cables or light fittings. Unicrimp has produced a brochure to showcase the new Conduit Accessories range and this can be downloaded from the Unicrimp website, as well as from the Scolmore Group app. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YotaXCcanI[/embed] For more from Unicrimp, click here.

Speakers announced for Net Zero Lighting conference

The organisers of the Net Zero Lighting conference taking place on 29 April in London have announced the full line-up of speakers and an agenda packed with authoritative talks and discussions. The 2025 line-up is as follows: • Maria del Mar Rojas, Europe Engagement Manager with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), will outline how to set targets and have them validated by the SBTi. • Rahul Shah, Global Director, Built Environment at BSI, will take attendees through the key carbon-reduction standards in the market. These are: PAS 2080, ISO14064,67,68 etc., the suite of ISO/British standards, and ISO Net Zero guidelines (IWA:42). Rahul will explain how these can force change in the lighting sector. • Robert Allison, Director of Auditel, will explain how public bodies such as the NHS and the Highways Agency are all beginning to roll out procurement policies that demand visibility of suppliers’ sustainable policies and certifications. • Mike Collett, Director at Exalta, will outline the pitfalls and the opportunities in setting a Carbon Reduction Plan. Mike will also assess the priorities in terms of delivering tangible recordable gains that will be reflected in certifications. • John Gorse, Country Lead for Public & Government Affairs at Signify, will explain the Ecovadis scheme, the commitment required, and the demand-side drivers. • A speaker from Stoane Lighting will explain the B Corp process and whether or not certification confers any competitive advantage in the lighting market. Furthermore, three case studies will show how companies within and outside the lighting industry have tackled net zero: • Mark Helm, Quality Assurance & Lean Six Sigma Manager at the Thorn Lighting plant, will explain how the plant has reduced energy consumption by 1.3 million kWh. • Daniel Lintell, Sustainability Manager at Triton Showers, will discuss the practical changes the business has made to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard and carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060:2014. • Andrew Mullen, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs specialist at Beko, will explain the steps this global appliance manufacturer is taking to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals. Commenting on the agenda, conference Chair, Ray Molony, remarks, “The industry is beginning to move at pace on addressing its carbon emissions, and this vital event is set to give them the key information and actionable insights to move forward with confidence. I'm especially looking forward to hearing from experts outside the industry who are further on the journey and can both inform and inspire us.” Recolight CEO, Nigel Harvey, adds, “Decarbonisation and net zero are arguably the most important policies any business can implement. This one-day conference will be packed with advice that will help companies get on the path to net zero, and to explain how the different third-party certification schemes work.” To view the programme and book a place at the event, click here. For more from Recolight, click here.

NICEIC continues to support the Electrical Industries Charity

NICEIC, the certification and training body for the electrical industry, has announced that it raised a total of £39,000 for the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) in 2024. Through various initiatives throughout the year - including fundraising efforts, partnerships and sponsorships - NICEIC supported the EIC’s vital mission of providing support services and welfare care for individuals and families connected with the electrical and allied industries. The Electrical Industries Charity offers a range of services, such as mental health support, debt advice and financial relief to safeguard those working in, or connected to, the electrical industry. Throughout 2024, NICEIC carried out several successful fundraising events, including a £5 donation for every response by Certsure employees to the Best Companies survey, along with the proceeds from its IT recycling and laptop renewal programme. Frances Barnes, People Director, NICEIC, comments, "I am incredibly proud of the teams’ efforts over the past 12 months to support EIC. It is an organisation that plays an absolutely vital role in our industry, and the support provided over the past year will help ensure that its work continues and that EIC is there to support anyone in our industry that is in need.” Jess Vailima, the EIC's Managing Director, adds, “We are grateful to the NICEIC team for their continued support and for their significant contribution to our work in 2024. The donations enable us carry out vital programmes and make a real difference to so many people and families in the electrical industries.” If you are a member of the electrical industry and either you or a family member is in need of assistance, reach out to the EIC to see what options are available. For more from NICEIC, click here.

New appointment to Recolight board of directors

Recolight has announced that Thorn Lighting & Zumtobel Lighting UK & Ireland Managing Director, Paul Kilburn, has joined its board of directors. Commenting on the news, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey says, “We are delighted that Paul has joined the board. He brings with him great depth of experience and knowledge and I know that we will benefit from his contributions and insights. Thorn and Zumtobel are now in their fifth year of Recolight WEEE scheme membership, and the business is an active contributor to the scheme.” Speaking on the appointment, Paul Kilburn comments, “I am very pleased to join the Recolight board. Thorn Lighting & Zumtobel Lighting seeks to put sustainability and the circular economy at the heart of what we do. That makes for a strong alignment with the objectives and mission of the Recolight team. I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of the business.” Recolight has grown substantially, with 37 lighting companies joining the Recolight WEEE scheme in just the last two years, including 18 which transferred their compliance to Recolight from another scheme. The company has announced new partnerships with One Click LCA for access to life cycle assessment and environmental product declaration software, and Auditel for support on net zero and decarbonisation planning. Other board directors are Andreas Adam (Chair) of LEDVANCE, Steve Meadows of Signify, Andrew Clark of Feilo Sylvania, and Steven Reed of Trilux. For more from Recolight, click here.

SELECT releases neutral current diversion safety video

Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has continued its awareness campaign on the issue of neutral current diversion (NCD) by releasing an in-depth guidance video to help keep electricians and their customers safe. Produced in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Safety Checks for Neutral Current Diversion delivers a step-by-step guide to the potential dangers of NCD, how to test for it, and how to deal with it if discovered. The 20-minute resource is now available to view on the SELECT YouTube channel, and is the latest step in the trade body’s campaign to raise awareness of the issue as it celebrates its 125th anniversary as the world’s oldest electrical trade association. Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, says, “NCD constitutes an unknown risk that has huge safety implications, so we are keen to equip electrical contractors with the necessary knowledge to identify it and take action where necessary. “This video is designed to give an easy-to-follow overview of the issue, combined with practical steps to dealing with it safely and swiftly. “We are grateful to the IET for their assistance in making this resource and hope it will be shared widely to help raise awareness further throughout the industry.” Presented by Steven Devine and Darren Sweeney, the video explains how NCD occurs when protective measures fail and current is diverted via exposed metal fixings such as gas, water and oil pipes. Identified as a particular issue in multiple occupancy buildings, the duo explain how this can lead to a build-up of heat that could result in fire or explosion. Steven and Darren then demonstrate a range of tests for NCD, highlighting the many factors that contractors should be aware of, before the video ends with an animated testing walkthrough, adapted from SELECT’s original flowchart. Bob adds, “As well as our colleagues at the IET, we would also like to thank all the other senior figures from across the industry who have contributed feedback and technical insights during the video’s creation. “As Scotland’s largest construction trade body, we are committed to the safety of electricians and their customers and will continue to lead the way with further resources and information to raise awareness about the issue of NCD.” The video follows a suite of practical NCD resources produced by SELECT for members, apprentices and trainees, including posters for workshops and training centres, a digital flowchart and a pocket-sized foldout designed to be kept in toolboxes. NCD was also one of the key topics at the association’s Toolbox Talks in 2024, with briefings delivered to hundreds of contractors across Scotland. The activity also inspired West Lothian College lecturers Thomas Barlow and Scott Cavanagh to devise and build their own interactive fault board that gives young learners the chance to learn how to test for NCD. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs4WEApXZQ[/embed] For more from SELECT, click here.