FREE POCKET GUIDE Inside this issue of Connections you will find Pocket Guide 35 – Published Ze values. A printable version of each pocket guide is available on the NICEIC website. Additional copies can be obtained by contacting the customer service department on 0870 013 0382 or at enquires@certsure.com
WHICH? PARTNERSHIP BOOST FOR CONTRACTORS NICEIC and ELECSA registrants will soon be able to benefit from a new partnership with the Which? Trusted Trader scheme. As official partners to NICEIC and ELECSA, contractors will be able to apply for the Trusted Trader scheme at a massively discounted cost. The Trusted Trader scheme, which focuses primarily on providing exemplary customer service, brings about many benefits for registrants including use of the famous Which? logo, a company profile on the website and access to a dedicated customer support team. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon.
ENTRIES CLOSED FOR APPRENTICE COMPETITION The registration period for the 2016 NICEIC ELECSA apprentice of the year competition is now closed. More than 300 electrical apprentices have applied to take part in the contest and should have now received the log-in details for stage one, which is an online multiple-choice exam. The top 20 per cent performing apprentices from that stage will then go on to take part in a 90-minute practical exam at various locations across the country. The grand final will take place at partner sponsor Scolmore’s head office on 9 June 2016, where the first ever NICEIC ELECSA electrical apprentice of the year will be crowned.
New kit catalogue out Electricians can now access an even greater array of kit and equipment via the latest Direct Catalogue from NICEIC and ELECSA. The 2015/16 catalogue features a range of tools, test equipment and workwear. There is also an improved range of services to support firms, including discounted equipment hire, personalised stationery and training courses. “The contracting industry is constantly evolving, with tradespeople now offering a wider range of services,” says Paul Elcock, head of direct sales at NICEIC and ELECSA. “The new
catalogue reflects this, with a wide range of tools, workwear and equipment.” With more than 300 products from some of the industry’s leading names, including Click Scolmore, Irwin and Snickers, alongside Fluke, Megger, Milwaukee and Brother, the catalogue is a must for anyone working in the industry. “We have worked hard with our suppliers to find the best products at the best prices as well as providing goods suitable for people of all ages, from young apprentices to experienced contractors,” added Elcock. The catalogue also offers the best in training, books and certificates, with all material updated to the latest regulations including Amendment 3. To get a catalogue visit www. niceicdirect.com, call 0843 290 3485 or email catalogue@niceic.com
NICEIC takes training to Gibraltar Electrical contractors in Gibraltar have been brushing up their skills, courtesy of a new training programme developed by NICEIC. The British-owned territory, located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has around 30 qualified electricians. Many of these are employed directly by the Gibraltar Electricity Board or as electrical contractors in their own right. The British standard for electrical work, BS 7671, is similarly applied in Gibraltar, but there is no requirement for contractors to be registered with an approved regulatory body. NICEIC was invited to Gibraltar in January last year by representatives from the local Group of Professional Engineers. The subsequent talk and presentation was so well received that NICEIC was invited back to provide regular updates for electrical contractors. Alan Charlton, head of training at NICEIC, said: “We were initially invited to provide an update on Amendment 3
of the IET Wiring Regulations. There was little in the way of additional training and they were keen to find out more. “Gibraltar Electricity wanted to know what we could offer so we went back and held several courses on 17th edition updates and inspection and testing.” The courses were delivered by NICEIC’s team of technical experts, while NICEIC also transported its in-house testing facility and workshop to Gibraltar so attendees could get a full insight into the training offered by NICEIC in the UK. Around 30 Gibraltar Electricity staff attended the initial courses, and NICEIC intends to provide ongoing training.
Connections Winter 2015-2016
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