SkillELECTRIC title for Burton student

An apprentice from Burton-onTrent-based NICEIC Approved Contractor MW Cripwell Ltd has been crowned 2015 SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in an intensive threeday practical competition at the Birmingham NEC Skills Show. Charles Goodman, a 21-year-old student at the Burton Training Organisation, took top marks over his fellow finalists in a complex electrical installation task comprising various power, lighting and other circuits, components and control systems. The task had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria, including wiring and connection skills, inspection and testing, and measuring and marking out, which had to be accurate within +/- 2mm.

Taking second place and a silver medal was Christopher Evans of RJ Stern and West Herts College. Third place and a bronze medal went to Daniel Griff in of Coleg Gwent, who works for DP Dennehy & Son.

“This year we had a superb set of tasks, which really tested and challenged the finalists,” said Neil Collishaw, business development manager at BPEC, the organiser of SkillELECTRIC. “We are very proud of all the competitors; they are excellent ambassadors for the industry and brilliant role models for other young people who are considering a career in our sector.”

All finalists received prizes including tools donated from competition sponsors, workwear and vouchers alongside a competition medallion and certificate.

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE EARLY DAYS

This year is a significant one for NICEIC, which turns 60 in July. The organisation was first set up in 1956, as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, back in the days when contractors were working to the 13th edition of the wiring regulations.

To mark the occasion, we will be producing a special issue in the Summer issue of Connections, and we need your help.

We want to hear your stories about how the industry has changed in that time, from the earliest firms that registered with NICEIC and your earliest memories of inspections or interactions with area engineers, to some of the tools or equipment that might have been used back then which are not around now.

Maybe there are some old names and faces you recall, or particular projects that live long in the memory? Or even some people still working in the industry today who remember those very early days?

Feel free to share any amusing anecdotes from over the years. Please send any information to nick.martindale@redactive.co.uk

ON THE SPOT//PHILIP MARTIN

NICEIC and ELECSA employ 80 engineers across the country to assess contractors’ work and provide up-to-date technical advice. To many contractors, they will be the face of NICEIC and ELECSA. Here, we turn the tables and put them in the spotlight

» Philip Martin West of Scotland and the Scottish Highlands

How did you become an area engineer?

I had many years’ involvement with NICEIC in my previous roles, both being assessed personally for businesses I managed, and in my final role as senior qualifying supervisor with British Gas Business. I joined NICEIC in July 2012 and now enjoy sharing my knowledge with my contractors.

Tell us about your typical day?

Either a full-day or two half-day assessments with my contractors. This involves a site audit and then off to site to inspect samples of their work. I am very blessed with my areas as I see some quite remarkable scenery and meet some equally remarkable people.

What are the main issues contractors might overlook?

Neglecting to complete minor works certification for all relevant work, such as replacing accessories on a like-for-like basis.

What’s the strangest thing you have come across?

When I discovered that the meter was still going around in a property even though no power was being used. It turned out that the tenant’s neighbour had tapped into his supply from his attic and was running his heating at his neighbour’s expense.

What interesting jobs have some of your contractors done?

My contractors are located in hugely diverse settings, ranging from nuclear power stations to numerous famous castles such as Eilean Donan Castle, the set for many Hollywood movies.

What about outside work?

I am a keen historian, but my real passion has always been boxing. I am a member of the Scottish Ex-Boxers’ Association and I am friends with some true boxing legends such as Ken Buchanan MBE and Dick McTaggart MBE.

What superpower would you like to have?

Being able to make myself invisible would be extremely useful sometimes.

If you had a day off tomorrow, what would you do?

Probably doing something with my kids, even though they are all grown up now.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell Film: One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest TV programme: The Off ice

What’s the best advice you have received in your career?

Never worry about money. If you or your family have health issues, then you will have something to worry about.