elecsa

Extensive changes to the Electrical Industry - Have your say!

gazza — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 07:43:24 +0000

Extensive changes to the Electrical Industry - Have your say! gazza Tue, 22/09/2020

Industry Comment From Niceic And Elecsa - Amendment 2 Draft For Public Comment (Dpc) – Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard

“Today marks an important day for the electrotechnical industry as the Draft for Public Comment (DPC) surrounding Amendment 2 of BS 7671: 2018 is released,” said John O’Neill, NICEIC and ELECSA’s Director of Technical Excellence

“Providing the first glimpse of the proposed changes to the regulations which are planned to be introduced in March 2022, this document is vitally important in shaping how our industry operates.

“Outlining some extensive changes, which, if implemented, could have significant ramifications for all electrical contractors, the DPC provides everyone within the electrotechnical industry with an opportunity to put forward their views, and I urge all to engage and comment.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure we form part of the process when it comes to important introductions such as this. As such, we will be working with NICEIC and ELECSA members in the coming weeks to explore the document in greater detail.”

A top-line summary of some of the proposed changes shown within the DPC are listed below:

•   The introduction of a new Part 8 – Functional Requirements. This includes Chapter 82: Prosumer’s Low-Voltage Electrical Installations.
•   Changes to the regulation surrounding AFDDs on circuits less than 32A
•   Removal of the risk assessment method for omitting additional RCD protection on socket outlets
•   Alterations to the model forms situated in appendix 6
•   New cut-off date for complying with the 18th Edition

•   Alterations surrounding SPD requirements
•   New foundation earthing requirements
•   New protected area requirements (protected escape routes)

John O’Neill continued:

“While it is important to remember that ultimately the proposed changes have been brought forward to improve safety and provide alignment with both International and European standards, we must ensure implementation is both practical and achievable for contractors.”

To view the full DPC, please visit:
https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2019-02917#/section.

Once there you will be prompted to log in – if you do not have a BSi account, you will have the option to register for one for free. Please note this is a requirement for viewing the DPC and providing comment.
The closing date for comment is December 11, 2020

NICEIC

elecsa

Draft for Public Comment BS7671

John O'Neill

Amendment 2 of BS 7671

Niceic And Elecsa Make Virtual A Reality With Their New Training Offer

gazza — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:03:34 +0000

Niceic And Elecsa Make Virtual A Reality With Their New Training Offer gazza Wed, 15/07/2020

NICEIC and ELECSA, have bolstered their comprehensive training portfolio to include all-new virtual classroom options. Covering the most popular subjects, the virtual suite includes four expert-led courses, all of which mirror the learnings and outcomes of classroom-based alternatives. Hosted by live tutors and developed to work seamlessly across multiple platforms, this latest introduction delivers a compromise-free solution for those wishing to train remotely.

NICEIC and ELECSA reaffirm their commitment to raising standards and delivering technical excellence as they expand their training portfolio to include a range of virtual classroom courses.

Hosted live by expert tutors the all-new virtual suite will initially focus on the following topics Electric Vehicle Charging, 18th Edition, Emergency Lighting Fundamentals, Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems.

Mirroring the learnings and outcomes of class-room based alternatives, contractors will benefit from downloadable course materials and live interaction with the experts.

“Our goal is to supply our customers with the tools they need to drive their businesses forward, and I firmly believe this introduction will do just that” said Neil Vincent, NICEIC and ELECSA Head of Training

“Delivering first-class technical training is a cornerstone of our business and as such we have invested heavily to ensure we provide the right courses at this time.

“COVID-19 has certainly highlighted the need for remote training options, but thankfully this was an area we were already developing. As such, our courses have been meticulously developed and extensively tested to ensure they are fit for purpose. At a time when our face-to-face training has had to pause temporarily, it is fantastic that we can continue to support our customers by supplying compromise free virtual alternatives.”

The courses, which have been running in pilot mode since May, have been well received by customers. Following his attendance, on the virtual Electric Vehicle Charging course, Peter Ash of Taunton Electrical Solutions commented

“I could not fault the experience, having attended NICEIC and ELECSA courses in the past I was keen to try the new virtual product, and it did not disappoint.

“The tutor was excellent, the software was easy to use, and the support materials, which I now have saved for future reference, are going to prove very useful indeed.

“COVID-19 has impacted so much of what we as contractors do, I am pleased the NICEIC and ELECSA have taken steps to ensure it doesn't have to impact our ability to train”.

For more information check out NICEIC and ELECSA’s short video at https://bit.ly/2DzAEGE. To book yourself a space on upcoming courses please visit www.shop.niceic.com/training/virtual-courses.

NICEIC

Approved Contractor, NICEIC

elecsa

niceic online training

Niceic And Elecsa Partner With Eca To Deliver Free Industry Webinar On Furlough Scheme

gazza — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:55:41 +0000

Niceic And Elecsa Partner With Eca To Deliver Free Industry Webinar On Furlough Scheme gazza Wed, 29/04/2020

Industry leaders NICEIC, ELECSA and the ECA, come together once again to deliver a free webinar exploring the current guidelines surrounding the government’s furlough programme.

Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Presenter NICEIC & ELECSA, will pose your questions to ECA's Director of Employment & Skills, Andrew Eldred, who will provide tailored advice.

Open to anyone working in the electrical contracting industry, the event will be broadcasted live on Friday, May 1 at 11 am

NICEIC and ELECSA will once again partner with ECA, the industry's leading trade association, to deliver the second in a series of business support webinars aimed at supporting electrical contractors. The next webinar, which takes place on Friday, May 1 at 11 am, will examine all the latest advice surrounding the government’s furlough scheme. Open to all, this session will answer contractor's questions and provide specific guidance on how the support programme applies to the electrical contracting industry. To register, please visit www.niceic.com/COVID-19-Support-Webinar

"As the economic realities of the COVID-19 continue to take hold it is vital that all electrical contractors have access to sound and tailored advice," said Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Presenter NICEIC & ELECSA.

"The landscape is moving at pace, and while the government's furlough scheme has been well documented in the media, we are acutely aware that there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the eligibility criteria and the process associated with claiming grants.

"By way of supporting our registrants and the broader electrical contracting industry, we have partnered with the ECA to deliver expert tailored advice to our sector.

"Please join myself and ECA's Director of Employment & Skills, Andrew Eldred, on Friday to get the answers you need to make the right decisions for your business.”

The previous webinar, which explored the financial support available to small businesses and sole traders, is available to watch on-demand via the NICEIC and ELECSA websites.

Charity Begins At Home

gazza — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:58:55 +0000

Charity Begins At Home gazza Wed, 08/04/2020

Niceic And Elecsa Announce Partnership With Electrical Industries Charity

The NICEIC and ELECSA, the nation’s leading certification bodies for the electrical industry, have chosen the Electrical Industries Charity as their official charity partner for 2020
The partnership, which was officially announced today, is a natural fit for the NICEIC and ELECSA who champion the EIC’s fantastic work in supporting members of the electrical contracting industry.
Formed in 1904 the EIC offers free practical support services to those working in the sector and their immediate families.

NICEIC and ELECSA, the UK’s leading certification bodies for the electrical industry, have today announced that they will be supporting the Electrical Industries Charity as their chosen charity partner for 2020.

The announcement marks the start of a year-long fundraising campaign by the NICEIC and ELECSA to raise much-needed funds for the charity who exist to provide free, confidential, practical support to those working in the electrical contracting industry.

“We are delighted to partner with the Electrical Industries Charity," said Kevan Parker, NICEIC and ELECSA, Managing Director.

“The work the charity undertakes on behalf of the industry and its members is truly remarkable, the service they provide offers a lifeline to so many, and we are proud to support them as they strive to help our colleagues and contractors in times of need.

“We all need a helping hand from time to time, now more so than ever, and knowing there is an organisation such as the EIC out there supporting our people is a great source of comfort.”

Offering a broad spectrum of services, including but not limited to, counselling and mental health support, general legal support, debt support and financial relief in immediate need; the EIC protect the health and wellbeing of anyone associated with our industry.

"It is wonderful to have the NICEIC and ELECSA onboard," said Tessa Ogle, Electrical Industries Charity, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

"We are incredibly proud of the support we provide and the positive impact we have on so many lives. People turn to us for many reasons, and thanks to the hard work of our many supporters, we are able to offer much-needed assistance.

"Having partners such as the NICEIC and ELECSA, will, I am sure, provide a real boost to our efforts and we very much look forward to working with them moving forward."

One of the charity's most in-demand services is their mental health support package. Operating a confidential helpline, the charity receives thousands of calls from people needing help. Working closely with the individual trained professionals develop programmes to best suit their needs. These programmes may include a series of telephone counselling sessions, face to face family group therapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The tools are wide-ranging and provide vital relief to those who need them.

If you are a member of the electrical Industry and you or a family member need assistance, please reach out to the charity to see what options are available. You can do this by logging on email on at support@electricalcharity.org or by calling their confidential helpline 0800 652 1618

NICEIC

elecsa

Electrical Industries Charity

Kevan Parker

electrical charity

Applications for The Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition coming in at lightning speed

gazza — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:18:16 +0000

Applications for The Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition coming in at lightning speed gazza Fri, 08/11/2019

Join the 350 students who have entered so far and battle it out for top prize! - Stage one will close on Thursday 12 th December 2019 - Fantastic experience says last year’s winner - For more information about the competition, or to complete stage one, visit www.niceic.com/apprentice.

Calling all electrical apprentices – be part of the Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition for a chance of winning fantastic prizes and an industry recognised title.
More than 350 electrical students across the UK have already taken part in the first stage of the competition, an online exam comprising of 40 multiple choices questions, as they bid to be crowned this year’s The Electrical Apprentice of the Year.

Darren Staniforth, group senior technical presenter for NICEIC and ELECSA said: “I’m amazed at the response we’ve had to the competition thus far, this is the best start
we’ve had in the history of the competition. But there’s still time for students to have a go and get involved.

“As the most recognised names in the industry, NICEIC and ELECSA have a responsibility to work with, encourage and promote apprenticeships and careers in the electrical industry to the next generation.

“Don’t just take our word for it. Last year’s winner, 31-year-old Richard Bradley from Southport, Merseyside said: ‘It was a fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to push themselves further to consider taking part. You’ve got nothing to lose and you never know what will come from it’.

“We have some fantastic prizes on offer, including a £2,000 holiday voucher for the overall winner, courtesy of one of our partners, The Scolmore Group. Scolmore also host the grand final at their head office in the Midlands, as well as the awards ceremony and barbecue that takes place at the nearby Belfry Hotel. It’s not just the contestants who get to take home prizes – colleges and employers can also win a host of other prizes by nominating their apprentices or students to take part in the competition so I’m hopeful that it will be another record-breaking year.”

The competition, which takes place over three stages, continues its partnership with The Scolmore Group, who provide prizes for all finalists including holiday vouchers, iPads, and tool bags packed with electrical accessories.

The Electrical Apprentice website, powered by Voltimum, have also partnered with the competition this year. Marie Parry, group marketing director for The Scolmore Group said:

“I am delighted to see that the number of entrants at this stage of the competition has increased by nearly 50% on last year. This shows that the competition continues to gather momentum and is becoming a key event in the industry’s calendar. As a group we are very proactive in targeting the next generation of electricians and the competition is one way for talented and hardworking apprentices to get recognition and help shape their future careers.”

Eddie Embleton, Managing Director of Voltimum UK said:

““Voltimum are really happy to see the number of applicants this high at such an early start of the competition. As the competition continues to pick up speed, we are excited to see how we can further support and celebrate the next generation of electrical professionals. We launched the website ElectricalApprentice.co.uk to help apprentices through their education and this competition celebrates all the apprentices who want to work at the highest standard.”

Stage one will close on Thursday 12th December 2019. The top performing 20% of students from stage one will then progress to the next stage which is a written practical exam. Stage three will see eight finalists take part in a series of practical tests at the Grand Final on Tuesday 2 nd June at The Scolmore Group headquarters in Tamworth.

For more information about the competition, or to complete stage one, visit www.niceic.com/apprentice.

Electrical Apprentice of the Year

ElectricalApprentice.co.uk

Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition

New technical director appointed for NICEIC and ELECSA

gazza — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:09:17 +0000

New technical director appointed for NICEIC and ELECSA

gazza Thu, 01/08/2019

John O’Neill has been appointed Director of Technical Excellence at Certsure (NICEIC & ELECSA). A well known and much respected figure in the industry, John has almost 50 years experience in the sector. He started his career as an apprentice at Vauxhall Motorsin Luton before working as a maintenance supervisor for General Motors in Canada and the USA. He returned to the UK to set up his own electrical contracting business specialising in electrical work and integrated control systems.

He joined NICEIC in 2010 and has filled a number of technical positions including Area Engineer, Customer Relations Engineer and more latterly the Technical Helpline Manager.

John commented: “I am delighted to take up this role at such a highly regarded organisation in the industry.

“My time spent as an Area Engineer gave me a great insight into the challenges contractors face on a daily basis and the many different environments they work in. “I look forward to helping them prepare for future opportunities in new markets whilst at the same time providing high quality, compliant installations. John will continue to represent Certsure on the JPEL/64 committee, contributing to the BS 7671 wiring regulations, which provides guidance for electrical contractors.

Kevan Parker, Managing Director for Certsure said: “John is a well known and respected individual within the sector. “He brings an immense amount of knowledge and experience to the role, both through his time as a contractor and with NICEIC and ELECSA.”

News Categories

Beware of fake electricians posing as registered electricians!

gazza — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 09:56:25 +0000

Beware of fake electricians posing as registered electricians!

gazza Mon, 21/01/2019

A man has been jailed for carrying out dangerous work while posing as a registered electrician. John Draco, 35, of Rowan Place, Newton Aycliffe, pleaded guilty to fraud and consumer protection related offences after falsely claiming to be a qualified electrician. He advertised his services on Yell.com as accredited by ELECSA and Trustmark-despite not having either accreditation. He also claimed to be NICEIC registered.

He was jailed for 13 months following a trial at Durham Crown Court in January. The court heard how Draco had offered to complete a full rewire of a property for £3,000, but had left it in a highly dangerous state. When his shoddy work was challenged by the homeowner, he abandoned the job and kept the full sum.

The homeowner got in touch with Hartlepool Trading Standards who took on the case with help from ELECSA. Such was the poor standard of the installation an investigation by an electrical engineer ordered it not to be used as it posed a serious risk of fire and electrocution.

Work to rectify the problems left by Draco ran into thousands of pounds. Draco, who traded under the name J and A Electrical Solutions ended up paying the victim back £3,820.

Ian Harrison, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, said: “This successful prosecution sends out a strong message that the courts will not tolerate rogue traders conning people out of their hard-earned cash.

Kevan Parker, Interim Managing Director of Certsure, which operates the ELECSA and NICEIC brands, added: “We take a dim view of those who pretend to be registered electricians when they are not.

“We will work with the appropriate authorities to protect those contractors who are legitimately registered with us and have the quality of their work assessed on a regular basis.

“Anyone thinking about using our logo fraudulently will be caught and dealt with appropriately by the courts.”

News Categories

NICEIC

elecsa

Fake NICEIC & ELECSA Electrician

Fake electrician

cowboy electrician

Dame Hackitt’s recommendations for improvements in the industry

gazza — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 09:36:58 +0000

Dame Hackitt’s recommendations for improvements in the industry

gazza Fri, 21/12/2018

Competency the key to safety! NICEIC and ELECSA welcome government response to Hackitt Report. Certsure, which operates the NICEIC and ELECSA brands, has welcomed Government’s intention to take forward Dame Hackitt’s recommendations for improvements in the building services sector.

Commentating on the recent government announcement, Certsure’s interim Managing Director, Kevan Parker said: “We welcome Government’s intention to take forward
Dame Hackitt’s recommendations.

“The Government has confirmed that competency, and the need for firms to take responsibility for competency at each level within their structure, is at the core of delivering improved safety.

“Certsure has always advocated that competency is a mix of knowledge gained through qualifications and training, skills and experience. This, in conjunction with third party assessment and certification, is vital to delivering ongoing levels of competency, within the building sector. It also provides a simple route for consumers to raise an issue if something goes wrong.

“Crucially, it is firms who work outside of these parameters where sanction is needed and we are encouraged by the Housing Secretary’s comments to take action against incompetent firms who fail to demonstrate the necessary levels of protection required.

Certsure will continue to work with colleagues across the sector to take forward the Government’s proposals to raise standards and drive cultural change in our industry.”

News Categories

NICEIC & ELECSA raise £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK

gazza — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:41:18 +0000

NICEIC & ELECSA raise £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK

gazza Tue, 25/09/2018

Certsure, which operates the NICEIC and ELECSA brands, has raised £20,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK), smashing its two year target one year early. Last year, Certsure staff chose to partner with ARUK, Europe's leading dementia research charity, as its official charity. Certsure committed itself to raise £20,000 across two years, but through various fundraising efforts, the firm has smashed its target one year ahead of schedule.

There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with the condition and is set to rise to one million people by 2025. It is only through vital research carried out by ARUK that finding a solution to the problem is possible.

Over the past year, Certsure employees have taken part in sweepstakes, charity auctions, dress down collections, charity auctions, bake sales and runs. One of the biggest donations came from a charity skydive which saw 22 Certsure staff parachute 10,000 feet from a plane and raised over £10,000 in the process.

Katy Abraham, Regional Corporate Partnerships Officer at ARUK said:

"It's been fantastic working with Certsure and I'm so impressed that they have already hit their fundraising target. The enthusiasm and support has been incredible as they have literally thrown themselves out of planes and into this partnership. Their efforts will make a real difference in our search for a cure to dementia."

Certsure will continue to work with ARUK and hold fundraising events throughout the year, raising even more money for the charity.

News Categories

Alzheimer’s Research UK

Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition

gazza — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 08:29:14 +0000

Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition

gazza Thu, 20/09/2018

NICEIC and ELECSA’s 2019 Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition is now open for entries. The competition, run in partnership with The Scolmore Group, measures the technical skills of electrical students across the UK. It consists of three different stages and regularly attracts more than 500 entrants. Technical Development Manager for NICEIC and ELECSA, Darren Staniforth said:

"Over the past three years, we have seen the standard of applicants improve each time so we are looking forward again to welcoming a new batch of contestants.

The competition is not only an opportunity for students to prove their knowledge and abilities but also a chance to win some fantastic prizes – all generously supplied by competition partner, Scolmore Group. Eight finalists will each receive a brand new iPad, with a £2,000 holiday voucher being awarded to the overall winner. There will also be two runner up prizes of a £750 holiday voucher and a £250 holiday voucher.

Each finalist will also receive a Scolmore Van Pack, Trophy and NICEIC and ELECSA Goody Bag.

Every college that enters 20 or more students into the competition will qualify for a College Pack from Scolmore, featuring: 25 Double Sockets, 25 Switches, 25 6" Pendants and 25 Batten Holders.

The College that produces the eventual winner will also receive £1,000 worth of Scolmore products.

Marie Parry, Group Marketing Director for Scolmore Group said:

"The competition continues to gather momentum and gain recognition throughout the industry. Students, lecturers, trainers and employers all recognise the opportunity and value it brings.

“We understand the importance of supporting the next generation of electricians. We have a number of directors currently working in the business that started out as electrical apprentices and through hard work and determination; they have worked their way up to the boardroom.

“This competition recognises the important role apprentices play within our industry and we look forward to working with them once again.”

Last year saw 650 candidates whittled down to eight finalists before 21-year-old Zach Swift from North Star Electric, Glasgow, was chosen as the 2018 Apprentice of the Year.

Zach said:

"When my name was called out as the Apprentice of the Year I don't think I've ever been so surprised. I never thought I would even pass the first stage, let alone win the overall title. The quality of work that the rest of the guys were producing was fantastic so when I heard my name called out, I was staggered.

“The competition is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your ability.

It doesn't cost anything to apply and I would say to anyone who is thinking about entering to just go for it. “

The competition consists of three stages and registration for Stage One is open now.

Students can enter the competition and complete the first stage by visiting www.niceic.com/apprentice.

News Categories

Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition