ECA experts speak at Installation Seminar

Key industry figures gathered in London for a major new electrical industry event focused on how to move the sector forwards in both skills and standards as we get ever closer to the UK government’s 2050 net zero carbon target.

Opening the event, Lord Don Foster welcomed ECA's Skills Charter. ECA Head of Technical Standards Gary Parker, and Senior Vice President Ruth Devine, joined a panel discussing the importance of electrical core competencies to safe installations.

The half-day event, run by Electrical Safety First and sponsored by AICO and CEF, covered growing the installer base, and discussed the challenges in finding sufficient numbers of suitable trainers.

Additionally, how funding for the apprenticeships and providing support for apprentices and their employers was explored, particularly for the 80% of small and medium sized organisations, who may lack the capacity to offer the variety of work needed within the apprenticeship.

Quickfire presentations gave the audience food for thought on the potential risks of poorly designed and installed LCT (low-carbon technologies) and further emphasised the work needed to be done in ensuring a safe and just transition to net zero.

The seminar was held at IET London, Savoy Place on 23 April with more than 100 delegates drawn from the electrical industry, manufacturers, wholesalers, education, government bodies, insurers, housing associations, and fire and rescue services.

Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, noted: “The increasing need for electricity means we have an increasing need for electricians, as does the move towards getting our homes and our electrical installations ready for net zero. Electrical Safety First fully supports the net zero transition, but it must be done safely.”

She closed the event by highlighting the importance of the electrical industry, saying: “This industry is crucial to our future and, working together, we can make that future a safe and successful one.”

ECA works closely with its Members, industry partners and Government to raise the profile of electrical contractor in the transition to Net Zero Carbon. We produce regular guidance notes, technical bulletins, and industry updates to keep Members at the forefront of the Net Zero transition.

This article appears on the ECA news and blog site as 'ECA experts speak at Installation Seminar' dated May 8 2024.

--ECA

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