NICEIC is on the lookout for the next young crop of budding apprentices looking to make a way in the electrical contracting industry - and is particularly keen to hear from females considering a career as an electrician.
To help more youngsters become electricians, NICEIC set up an Apprentice Academy in partnership with Bedford College, last year. The organisation is now looking to recruit the second wave of applicants who are keen to benefit from the best training possible.
“The academy was set up with the intention to plug the skills gap of the future and provide young electricians with the confidence and assurance to go into the industry with the best knowledge around,” said NICEIC’s Chief Executive Officer, Emma McCarthy.
Recent research suggests young females aged 16-19 would be more interested in learning a trade than pursuing an academic career and as Emma added; “If we are to plug the skills gap shortage we cannot afford to ignore half of the working population. There is now a great opportunity for female electricians and so we would encourage young women to join.”
Course Manager at Bedford College, Jeff Welch, added: “The NICEIC programme includes six or seven additional modules compared to traditional courses including training on Solar Photovoltaic installations which will be vital to electricians over the next few years.”
Anyone wishing to apply must already be in full-time employment and able to attend Bedford College. NICEIC will help cover the cost of the apprentice’s salary by subsidising their wage by up to £2,000 per academic year. All other costs associated with the student’s learning are covered by the partnership with Bedford College.
If you would like more information about sending your apprentice on the course, along with details about subsidised funding, please email darren.staniforth@niceic.com
CASE STUDY
Jack Hawes, 19, was one of the first apprentices to sign up for last year’s Apprentice Academy. He is employed by Luton based firm Instalec. His manager, Paul Jones, discusses the benefits of the Apprentice Academy.
What have been the noticeable changes to your apprentice after attending Bedford College for a year?
Jack has become more confident and assertive in his approach to work. He is happier with the college and their care and attention than he thought might be the case.Would you choose the NICEIC Apprenticeship Academy again?
We have already made an application to ensure we can join the scheme with a new apprentice starting September. We feel that the training at Bedford is of a high standard and the tutors are delivering a quality service. They ensure that the students fully understand all that they are taught and spend time with them individually. The training manager spends time checking that we are happy with the service, the college, the tutors and regular communications are received with updates on progress.How do you think the NICEIC apprentice will add to your organisation?
We do not have the capacity to teach our trainees all that they need to learn so it is reassuring that this scheme provides all that we are unable to provide, at a high standard. The net result will be that we can be confident that our apprentice will develop into a skilled and safe worker who will project a professional image for us.Has block release worked for you and your business?
We are very happy to send trainees on block release as we feel they are able to acquire more information when learning on consecutive days rather than a single day a week.How has the NICEIC supported you and the apprentice through the apprenticeship?
At each point in the process the training manager has provided all the necessary documentation, answered all relevant questions, has kept us and the trainee informed and has been encouraging and positive throughout.