The April issue of ECN is OUT NOW and packed with insights and information on the topics you care about.
From the Editor
Hello and welcome to the April issue of ECN!
It’s been another eventful month at ECN HQ. We had the pleasure of attending the Rolec Level Up event in Birmingham, where the company unveiled a range of exciting innovations. You can read all about them on page 50 and in the EV Charging supplement that comes with this issue.
Additionally, we’ve been busy recording podcasts with several industry leaders, so keep an ear out for those in the coming weeks.
I also had the opportunity to chat with industry legend Mark Allison about his multiple businesses, his ECN Award win, and the fantastic work he does for electrical apprentices – read more in our interview on page 28.
In the electrical sector, Schneider Electric has announced a new initiative to double its veteran talent intake to help bridge the UK skills gap.
The skills shortage has been repeatedly highlighted as one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s electrical industry and Schneider Electric’s Veterans Talent Programme aims to equip individuals leaving the armed forces with the industry knowledge and technical skills required for hard-to-fill operational and senior management roles in the energy management and electrical industry.
The programme lasts 12–18 months and offers a full salary, providing veterans with specialist classroom-based and on-the-job training without requiring any prior technical experience.
After a successful first year in 2024, Schneider Electric plans to more than double the intake in 2025, increasing from six to around 13 recruits.
This is a fantastic initiative that acknowledges the value of veterans’ transferable skills while addressing the industry’s skills shortage.
In this issue, we focus on LED Lighting, Software & Apps, and Sustainability/Circular Economy and bring you the latest case studies and thought leadership from these industry sectors. Plus, catch up on all the latest industry, contract and product news, along with all of our regular features.
I hope you enjoy this issue – see you next month!
Carly Weller
Group Editor