Regional news www.eca.co.uk East apprentice gains recognition


Award winner Andrew McCarron (left) with JTL chief executive Denis Hird (right))


Earlier this year, training charity JTL recognised the achievements of apprentices from across the country, with an awards ceremony held at the Tower of London to celebrate their accomplishments. Andrew McCarron, who works for Woolpit-based Lark Technology Group, an East region member, was named the best


electrical apprentice in the east of England, receiving a cheque for £700, plus a trophy, from JTL chief executive Denis Hird. ‘I’ve learnt so much in the last four years,’ said Andrew. ‘It’s been


tough, but I can’t imagine doing anything diff erent.’ Andrew continued with some advice for anyone else thinking about apprenticeships: ‘I’d recommend you go for it. You get hands-on experience while earning and gaining the qualifi cation needed to become an electrician.’ Andrew’s employer, Sean Stuteley, of Lark Technology


Group, said: ‘Andrew has been a real asset to our company. His enthusiasm and talent has been a great benefi t and it’s been a pleasure to work with him. I’m really glad he’s won – he absolutely deserves it.’


New regional manager appointed


Stephen Walker has recently joined the ECA as new regional manager for the East region. He replaces Geoff Cook, who spent many years with the ECA, and Stephen says he will endeavour to continue and build upon Geoff ’s successes in the region. Stephen has 30 years experience in the construction industry, having trained


as a surveyor and project manager. He spent a signifi cant period of his career with major contractors in London and the south east of England before moving on to manage strategic construction initiatives. These were related to regeneration, economic development and education and training with both public and private sector organisations. Stephen has also held a senior role with central government


and has worked in partnership with many of the industry’s trade associations, including the ECA. Most recently, he established and managed a certifi cation body operating competent persons schemes. He is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, and a member of the Chartered Quality Institute. Speaking about his appointment, Stephen said: ‘I have long


been aware of the high regard with which the ECA is held by the industry and am pleased to be part of the association and have the opportunity to work with, and on behalf of, the members.


West Midlands REC at ROBUS in Dublin


Joining the team


South East region would like to welcome new deputy regional manager, Steve Martin, who joined on 20 February. Steve takes over from Sue Arden, who retired on 28 March after fi ve years with the ECA. Steve’s background is solidly in the electrical industry. He


completed his electrical apprenticeship under JTL after leaving secondary education. He then started up a small electrical business in 2003, working across the domestic and commercial/ industrial sectors, before diversifying into access control, fi re and security and AV installations. For the last two years, he worked in the building services and maintenance sector, taking a lead role in testing and inspecting for social housing groups and local authorities. Said Steve: ‘I’m passionate about seeing our industry grow and


prosper through this incredibly challenging time, and I believe that the ECA is ideally positioned to support members and help them take advantage of the opportunities available. In the coming weeks, I will be at branch meetings, appointments and other events and hope to meet as many members as possible.’


Dublin visit for West Midlands REC


The West Midlands regional executive committee held its fi rst meeting of the year at the Dublin headquarters of ROBUS, part of the LED Group, on 21 March. The day included time in the new ROBUS visitor centre, learning about products currently being launched and involvement in new product design, where members provided input into design criteria and installation preferences. Regional members also participated in a ‘LEDucation’ session, covering a number of areas about LED technology and innovation. Steve Roberts, ECA West Midlands regional manager, said:


‘The meeting that took place with senior staff from LED Group was mutually rewarding, with ECA members learning about new technology and products available and the LED Group team benefi ting from the experience of members. Leigh, Rob and Mike from ROBUS were excellent hosts and organised a very interesting and rewarding visit.’


June 2013 ECA Today 51


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