INDUSTRY UPDATE
BURSARY HELPS MORE WOMEN INTO THE INDUSTRY
NEWS IN NUMBERS
11% The proportion of health and safety assessments in rental properties that fail due to electrical issues, research by VeriSmart finds
30% The amount by which work in the pipeline for construction firms has fallen since 2018, according to Bibby Financial Services – the equivalent of eight weeks’ work
31% The number of small business vehicles expected to break down during 2019, the RAC predicts
Ten more women have been given a helping hand into the electrical industry thanks to NICEIC’s bursary scheme. The bursary offers grants to women already working as electricians or those looking to get a boost at the start of their career. It is open to females of all ages and can help with training, equipment or other associated costs, up to a maximum of £500. One recipient was 25-year-old Hannah Daly (pictured) from London. She recently completed a level two qualification in electrical wiring and will use the funding to further her studies. She said: “The bursary will help me complete the final weeks of my studies. It has given me an extra spring in my step.” Katie Harvey, 18, from Cumnor in Oxfordshire, is studying for her NVQ in electrical installations. She intends to use the funding to buy the tools and equipment she needs for her studies. “I’ve had a great experience in the industry so far,” she said. “I feel accepted and I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues. I try and spread
49% The proportion of construction suppliers who fear Brexit will be bad for business – but 27 per cent believe it will be positive, MRA Research finds
75% The proportion of engineering firms that maintained or increased turnover in the first quarter of 2019, the Building Engineering Business Survey finds
BURNLEY FIRM’S SENSORY SPIRIT Burnley-based Avon Electrical has done its bit to help the local community by partly funding the installation of a multisensory room at a day centre. The Charter House Resource Centre & Sensory Room aims to provide a safe
the word for female electricians as much as I can.” The bursary, now in its second year, forms part of NICEIC’s Jobs for the Girls campaign, set up in 2011. It aims to educate women on the opportunities available in the electrical trade, as well as dispel the myth that it’s a job only suited to men. NICEIC received more than 25 applications – an increase on the previous year. The money funded a variety of needs, including new tools, training courses and ongoing qualifications. NICEIC communications manager Paul Collins commented: “Our research suggests that just one in every 100 electricians is female. If we can help out those women who are just starting out, or inspire others who might be thinking about a career in the electrical industry, then we will be well on the way to addressing the skills gap and gender imbalance.” For more information about NICEIC’s campaign visit www.niceic.com/ jobsforthegirls
environment for adults with learning disabilities, the elderly and people of all ages with dementia. The firm’s award-winning apprentice, Zack Duxbury, headed up the project, installing mood and depth lighting and a sound system at a significant discount for the centre. Managing director Gareth Read said: “Everybody at Avon Electrical understands what it is to be a good corporate citizen and give back to the community where we can. That’s why we heavily subsidised the work we did at the new centre. “The new centre, and in particular the multi-sensory room, will act as an important place for people in Burnley, especially those who suffer from sensory depriving conditions.”
9 SUMMER 2019
6-10 News_Connections Summer 2019_Connections 9
11/07/2019 16:49
