NEWS IN BRIEF
NEWS
Latest training options revealed NICEIC has unveiled a brand new training prospectus offering its widest ever range of courses. The brochure includes details on more than 40 industry-specific courses, including electrical training, options in gas, water and automation, and the rapidly growing renewable sector. “We are committed to providing the most appropriate and up-to-date knowledge, so that attendees to our training courses are equipped with the necessary skills to face the challenges of working in the trades profession,” said Asad Majid, national training manager at NICEIC. “Through our dedicated training team and network of partners we are able to offer cost-effective training at a range of centres across the UK. Our training rooms are fully equipped with modern technology and offer practical, hands-on teaching that replicates real-life scenarios.” NICEIC has launched its new blended solution to the City & Guilds level 3 certificate in inspection, testing and certification (2391-10). The schem scheme has been
NICEIC catalogue lands award Julie Blake and Michael Toolis (pictured) from the NICEIC marketing team visited the offices of trade title Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer to pick up an award for the NICEIC Direct catalogue in February. The catalogue of NICEIC merchandise was chosen by the editor as a “top product” in the electrical contracting industry.
Contractors feel cost squeeze
developed in association with Virtual College and blends online learning with two days at a centre for practical training and assessment. The blended 2391-10 course is now available for £540 plus VAT, and the first 50 applicants will receive a 10 per cent discount at £486 plus VAT. See our cover feature on training on page 24
Electrical contractors are finding it difficult to pass on the cost of price inflation to customers due to the pressures of competition from other providers, according to the latest analysis by Plimsoll. The research found 61 per cent of companies in the sector have seen their gross margin drop over the past 12 months, with the average profit margin now just 2 per cent. Businesses face a choice between operating at a loss or putting up their prices, said lead analyst David Pattions, although he stressed that it was possible to make a profit in the sector.
EEIBA success in Scotland The Glasgow branch of the industry charity EEIBA raised £7,500 for those in need of assistance through a Motown ball in February, attended by 240 people. The event was held at the newly refurbished Grand Central Hotel – Principal Hayley, where revellers danced the night away to live soul bands.
N NICEIC is constantly working to raise public awareness of the need to use registered electricians and NICEIC to t promote its Domestic Installers and Approved Contractors. Recent campaigns include: NS PROMOTIO Jobs for the Jo Gir Girls Camp Campaign to encourage more female contractors into the industry, featured in national press and radio interviews. Spring 2011 IET Awards Sponsorship of Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award. Spring 2011 Apprentice Academy NICEIC’s new apprentice academy aims to address skills shortages in the industry and was featured in several publications. Spring 2011 Botched jobs research Research publicised by NICEIC revealed that families waste
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£100 million a year calling in professionals to put right failed DIY projects. Spring 2011 Linda Barker The home improvement expert appeared in the national press and at the Ideal Homes Show, stressing the need for consumers to call in a competent person from an accredited body such as NICEIC. Spring 2011 Wall of Shame Website dedicated to naming and shaming rogue contractors who misuse the NICEIC logo. Winter 2010 Caution This Christmas NICEIC-backed press campaign urging homeowners to be cautious when installing festive lights. Winter 2010
Buy with Confidence Campaign with Trading Standards to support and promote businesses that demonstrate high standards of trading and commitment to customer care. Winter 2010 Advertising campaign Adverts appeared in a range of home lifestyle magazines including Build It, Home Improvement and Your Home, as well as the home supplements of the Daily Express, Sunday Telegraph and The Independent newspapers. Winter 2010 Watchdog Appearance by Tony Cable on BBC’s flagship consumer show warning against the dangers of employing rogue tradespeople. November 2010
Cowboy Trap Appearance by Tony Cable on BBC show, commenting on a substandard electrical installation. October 2010 MOT your electrics Campaign to encourage householders to bring in a professional to service their electrics. Autumn 2010 Help! My House is Falling Down Appearance by Tony Cable on Sarah Beeny’s show, highlighting the dangers of poorly maintained electrics. Autumn 2010 DIY electrics survey Research by NICEIC, which found that three in 10 householders had botched a potentially dangerous job. Achieved coverage in local and national press. Summer 2010
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