Addressing Current Issues in the Electrical Industry

gazza — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

gazza Tue, 08/01/2013

My Local Electrician recently asked electricians if they would be willing to join a group which would help address current issues in the electrical industry. With changes to Part P just announced by the government, now is a great time for electricians to consider what they could contribute to this type of group and if so, how much valuable time would be on offer.

Without hesitation, it seems electricians would be willing to join and contribute to such a group. It remains unanimous that there are burning issues raging on within the electrical industry and electricians want their voices to be heard and something doing about it.

Electricians in the UK have much to say about competent person schemes. Electricians want to see a scheme which recognises quality workmanship and industry experience. Currently the feelings on the schemes are variable. Many electricians feel they are paying out money constantly to join a scheme, take the recommended courses and qualifications and constantly paying out to meet ever changing goal posts when others apparently join a scheme and produce work that is often shoddy and/or dangerous. The feeling amongst electricians is that the schemes are 'profit hungry' and are not ensuring high standards are maintained amongst electricians.

Electricians would like to be recognised as industry professionals and feel the electrical trade has been downgraded with the impression given that anyone can be an ' electrical industry expert'.

Electricians have expressed concern about the vast array of qualifications that exist. Concern over customers becoming confused, and not knowing one qualification from another. Electricians are keen to ensure that customers know who they are employing to do their work, the nature of the electricians training and background and most importantly, what is the difference between maintenance engineers, service engineers and electrical engineers? What about multi skilled tradesmen and handymen? Is it OK to use them to carry out electrical work? Electricians feel quality no longer matters and would like to see more dangerous work reported.

Electricians with years of experience are reportedly leaving the industry or tearing their hair out or just don't care reports 1 electrician.

Part P is fine says another electrician and if 1 group exists to 'take on' the other 6, it could lead to price fixing and monopoly.

There is without doubt interest in a group that exists solely on an individuals skills, experiences and training.

With changes afoot in Part P in April 2013, electricians are interested to see the validity of some electrical courses and with changes to notifiable works in kitchens and gardens already announced by the government as well as third party notifiable work changes, again raises concerns about electrical safety in domestic properties and how these changes will be monitored to ensure safety.

Will such a group come into fruition, answering every electricians prayer? Who knows? It won't be us who sets it up but for anyone who fancies a try, there is a lot of support out there for you!

An eventful year is looming for the electrical industry. One thing is for certain, we'll be in on all the action as it happens!

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Exclusive Industry News, Electrical Industry issues, Electricians Group