News
Definition of apprenticeships ‘should be protected’
Macdonald added: ‘While government
has taken steps to redress the balance between academic and vocational routes to qualifi cation and careers, unless we have a clearly defi ned and respected apprenticeship standard, we will never achieve parity with academia. ‘ He continued : ‘There are too many
Iain Macdonald, chief executive of National Electrotechnical Training (NET), has called for a protected defi nition of apprenticeships based on their traditional structure.
He said: ‘The time has come to return
to the universally-recognised defi nition of apprenticeships, so that standards are preserved in the future. The term “apprenticeship” should apply only to proper, industry–led programmes that lead to industry recognised outcomes and careers. Calling shorter courses or the training of existing staff “apprenticeships” undermines the unique value and specialist skills developed by the apprenticeship proposition.’
courses labelled as “apprenticeships” that are not industry-recognised, or demand enough of candidates and employers to add any value to the economy. ‘The electrical industry, like many
others with a distinguished apprenticeship heritage, spends a minimum of three years training an apprentice to become a skilled craftsman. This duration is required to provide a learner with the skills and development they need to work independently within the industry. We must protect the term “apprenticeship” so that it remains synonymous with giving an individual specialist skills and a career for life, and recognise the enormous value that is gained as a result of that investment.’
Free online training for Electrical Safety Register members
All contractors listed on the Electrical Safety Register can
now access free online training in renewable technologies. The course in environmental
technologies provides contractors with a basic knowledge of the fundamental working practices, installation options and regulatory requirements for micro-renewable energy and water conservation technologies. The Electrical Safety Register
is operated by Certsure, the joint venture company owned by the ECA and Electrical Safety Council, and launched in November last year as the fi rst benefi t of the partnership. ECA CEO Steve Bratt commented: ‘Our members have always been at the heart of this partnership. When we launched we said there would be many benefi ts to follow. ‘The register and
free training are both in line with this commitment and we look forward to rolling out a programme of other benefi ts over time. ‘The renewables industry is set
to be a big market for electrical contractors over the next few years. By providing free training in this area, we are ensuring our contactors are well set to take advantage.’ To register your interest in the
online training course, Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems, email renewablestraining@
certsure.com Members will be contacted by email with login details to the online learning portal within two working days.
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8 ECA Today June 2013
SHUTTERSTOCK/AUREMAR
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