News/Product news
Plugged in Need-to-know industry news for electrical installers DADS KEEN FOR DAUGHTERS TO JOIN THE TRADE
Contractors heard from a range of speakers at a packed-out NICIEC and ELECSA Live South at Epsom Racecourse in May. BBC Rogue Traders presenter Matt Allwright (above) topped the bill, talking about the need to build trust between contractors and customers. “I want their money to go to reputable traders like you,” he said. Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth were also on hand to advise attendees around new legislation, electrical supply issues and EICR observations and coding, while the IET’s Mark Coles provided insight into JPEL/64 and the upcoming 18th edition. In the afternoon, England’s World Cup final hat-trick hero, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE (below), enthralled the audience with his tales of 1966, and even revealed why he’s sure the ball was over the line for England’s fourth goal. Other notable speakers included Dave Quinton from Which?, who spoke about how traders could meet the requirements of new consumer rights rules, and Marc Gaunt of Schneider Electric, who offered advice on how to take advantage of the internet of things. Mark Huggins of Corporate Drama also presented a compelling interactive
18
session, using actors to demonstrate how contractors should – and should not – deal with difficult customers. Outside the conference itself, contractors were able to meet a wide range of suppliers in a busy exhibition hall, including partner sponsors Bosch, esp, Peugeot, Schneider Electric and Scolmore Group. Mark Smith, marketing director at Certsure, said: “This year’s event was the most diverse so far – with an array of different guests and speakers from all sectors. In addition to the technical seminars we had presentations on customer service and future market trends, which help our customers build their business. Live is a chance for contractors to have a day out and learn more about what is going on in the industry and the business opportunities out there.” Live North will be held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool on Thursday 24 November. Tickets cost just £29 plus VAT for NICEIC, ELECSA and ECA registered contractors, and £49 plus VAT for others. Exhibition-only and apprentice tickets are available free of charge. For more information visit www.niceic-elecsalive.com
Alamy
Live South’s new high
According to research by NICEIC and ELECSA, three-quarters of male electricians would be happy for their daughters to take up a career in the trade. However, a similar percentage feel old-school attitudes discourage females from taking up a trade. Emma Clancy, CEO of Certsure, commented: “Dads have an important role to play in shaping the career choices of their daughters, particularly in the trades sector, where many children follow in their father’s footsteps. “It is highly encouraging to see that up to 75 per cent of contractors would be happy to see their daughters become an electrician. Since launching our ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign in 2011, we are seeing a growing interest in women wanting to take up a trade. However, the numbers are still painfully low, so it is interesting to
note that many men feel certain attitudes from another era still exist.” The survey of over 100 electrical contractors found that 90 per cent of fathers believe it is their responsibility to advise their daughters on career choices, but only 20 per cent said their child had received any information from school or careers advice services about trade opportunities. Of the electricians surveyed, a quarter said their daughter had considered a career as an electrician, significantly higher than the average number of women entering the profession. “Our research suggests the interest is there,” said Clancy. “We now have to build on that and do what we can to break down any barriers that might be preventing young women from entering the trade. “We are quite used to seeing fathers and sons working as electricians. It would be great to see dad and daughter splashed across vans too.” For more information about Jobs for the Girls, visit www.jobsforthegirls.com
Summer 2016 Connections
18_19_news.indd 18
29/06/2016 09:30
