News/Product news
Plugged in The Wire woos viewers More than 600 contractors tuned in to September’s The Wire, a free technical webinar from NICEIC and ELECSA. The Wire is a live broadcast, hosted by industry experts Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth. It features technical updates with a chance to quiz the hosts in a technical Q&A session. The latest session included an overview of safe isolation, earthing and bonding and the main protective bonding requirements for both
overground and underground wiring. Anyone who missed the latest webinar can catch a recorded version of it at www.niceic.com, along with links to previous webinars.
NEW ONLINE SHOP NOW OPEN NICEIC and ELECSA have launched a brand new online shop, featuring a range of new products, training courses and services. With an improved design, layout and navigation, the site will become a one-stop shop for contractors across all sectors. The site will now operate on mobile and tablet devices more effectively, enabling you to shop while on-site or on the move. The shop features a huge range of branded certificates, workwear, essential publications and tools designed to help you get the job done. It also now includes free delivery on all orders over £50 – previously only available on orders over £100. The site will continue to evolve over the coming months as we introduce further benefits to you. Visit www.shop.niceic.com now to view the latest offers or check out the insert inside this edition of Connections.
RAISING AWARENESS OF ELECTRICITY THEFT TESP SCHEME GIVES DUO A CAREER BOOST Two newly qualified electricians have become the first operatives to successfully complete the new industry-wide TESP (The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership) career progression scheme. Former Royal Marine Luke Versfeld (pictured) of NICEIC contractor PB Electrical in Dorset was one of the first to complete the initiative, and he was joined by fellow newly qualified electrician Reece Kirk. Both received an electrotechnical certification scheme (ECS) gold card in recognition of them meeting the industry standard, a year’s free membership of professional engineering institution the IET, plus a cash award and training subsidy. The career progression scheme is intended to upskill hundreds of existing electrical workers to the industry standard of NVQ Level 3 and AM2. The programme has been developed and funded by partners including the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the Joint Industry Board (JIB), Electrical Safety First, the IET, JTL and NET. ECA research last year found that six in 10 contractors with 31-100 workers say they are facing a skills shortage in the workplace.
Certsure’s technical and standards director, Alan Wells, was the guest speaker for a series of discussions on BBC radio recently. The BBC was carrying out a report into the increasing number of electricity thefts, and Wells was asked to appear on several radio shows in the Midlands area to highlight the dangers that can arise from people attempting to fraudulently bypass their electricity meter to reduce energy bills. It is the second time this year Alan has been asked to comment on the issue, following an appearance on BBC TV earlier this year.
ARE YOU AFFECTED BY MK ELECTRIC’S RCBO RECALL? MK Electric is voluntarily recalling a limited number of RCBO products. Contractors who think they may have installed such equipment are being urged to check specific part numbers with specific dates of manufacture. Visit www.rcboexchange.co.uk for details of how to identify affected products and register your details so MK may contact you to arrange a free product exchange.
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Autumn 2016 Connections
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28/09/2016 15:01