Apprentice Voice

Got a question for our industry experts? Get in touch and we will do our best to get your question answered! Send your question to editor@sng-publishing.co.uk We asked learners and those already in the trade to tell us the issues that are affecting them, with experts across the industry helping to answer questions and provide advice. Got something that's concerning you? Get in touch and we’ll get your question answered!

ANONYMOUS The AM2S: it’s a criteria that not a lot of people can hit because we all work in a certain area.

“Your employer and training provider are responsible for ensuring you complete a rounded programme of practical workplace experience and that your study covers all aspects of the assessment.

The AM2S reflects the industry standard for an electrician's competence and thousands complete it each year. It does mean, however, that the assessment criteria must cover all aspects of industry work and not just certain areas. If your work is specialised, you’ll need to find opportunities to get broader experience if you are to complete your apprenticeship and become fully qualified. Ask your employer or training provider how you can do this.”

Darren Oates Technical Development Manager NET @JACK.SPARKIE I’ve heard the phrase ‘race to the bottom’ when talking about pricing work. Is our industry going downhill? “Although we all look for bargains in life, quality, honesty and reliability still go a long way in establishing and building a good reputation. Customers are usually quick to recommend quality work on social media and are unlikely to tolerate poor workmanship whatever the price. Larger clients will remember who treated them well during this pandemic, who helped them, who pulled together and who didn’t. It's not always about price.

The consequence of quoting absurd prices is that a race to the bottom is instigated. When pricing a job we need to ensure we price work based on covering our costs, including material costs, time, overhead expenses and so forth. When we do a good job, we should not need to lower our prices, even if other installers are doing so.” Neil McManus Construction T-Level Programme Area Manager