The chief executive of National Electrical Training (NET) has called for all apprenticeships to follow the electrical industry’s commitment to industry-defined standards.
Speaking ahead of the final of the SkillElectric competition, Iain Macdonald said: “Electrical apprentices undertake training that has a meaningful link to employers, which is measured against industry-defined standards through an assessment of occupational competence. In an era where the word ‘apprenticeship’ is being used to cover a multitude of disciplines, other industries need to adopt this approach. If not, we risk diluting the value of apprenticeships and distancing them from their vital link to industry.”
Macdonald continued: “SkillElectric is all about recognising and rewarding the effort that goes into training in the electrical installation industry, and reflects the high standards which the industry sets itself and its apprentices. As the training charity for the electrotechnical industry, our role is to help maintain and enhance standards. Sponsoring what is now the industry’s biggest skills competition is a great way to promote the high quality training and workmanship our sector can be proud of.”
In addition to the SkillElectric competition, the charity is sponsoring the Experienced Existing Worker of the Year (Electrical) award in the SummitSkills Awards for Excellence, which is also being held at the Skills Show. The new, dedicated vocational careers show will take place annually and this year’s event is expected to bring over 100,000 visitors to the NEC from the 15-17 November.
