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The technology that is available to learners today has opened the door to significant developments in distance learning, giving people the flexibility to study what they want, when they want. With more courses available than ever before, e-learning presents a fantastic opportunity for the continued professional development of electrical professionals. Here Louise Smith, from Schneider Electric, takes a closer look
E-learning is a smart choice I
t is often said that the quest for knowledge never ends. This is espe- cially pertinent in the engineering world where keeping up to date with the latest changes in legislation, new technologies and sustainability is a huge undertaking, and one which requires a regular commitment to train- ing. As a busy professional, finding the time and money to dedicate to learning new skills, expanding your knowledge base or brushing up old skills is not always easy, and this is where e-learn- ing thrives.
Whereas in the past the only alterna- tive to higher education would have been to find an apprenticeship or simi- lar on the job training scheme, e-learn- ing is flexible, accessible and cost effective, and offers a viable solution for the personal development of profession- als working in the electrical industry. In recent times, the electrical sector has experienced a renaissance, with the focus shifting firmly to energy effi- ciency and sustainability - much the same as the heating sector. Driven by government and customer demands for products and services to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, there are huge opportunities for electrical professionals who are willing to expand their skills set and diversify to include more consultancy work in energy related fields.
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere Training in energy management is now available online, giving electri- cal professionals the chance to upskill at a time, place and pace to suit their individual needs. The Energy University by Schneider Electric (which is free) is one exam- ple of an online educational commu- nity - the e-learning resource provides all the latest information and professional CPD approved train- ing on energy efficiency concepts and best practice.
The website incorporates more than 100 courses, covering virtually every conceivable energy efficiency category from the very basics through to more complex issues, such as measuring and benchmarking energy performance. One of the most popular courses is energy efficiency fundamentals - an in-depth course which offers an
8 Pros and cons
overview of the energy dilemma and why energy efficiency is the quickest, cleanest, most effective solution. It explains where 72% of energy is con- sumed and how up to 30% can be saved through passive and active energy efficiency. Equally popular is the energy audit course which reviews the different types of energy audits, the overall auditing process and methodology, in order to help users successfully prepare and participate in the energy audit process.
Then there are more sector specific options such as the Active Energy Efficiency Using Speed Control option which explores the different ways of controlling motor speed efficiently and with minimal physical stress on equipment. On the building front, the Building Controls III: Introduction to Control Loops provides an overview of basic building control technology to demonstrate how building controls can contribute to energy efficiency. Students on this course will study the five controller loop responses and
Above and below: training is an important part of maintaining standards in the electrical industry. At a time of austerity and cutbacks, free learning initiatives like the Energy University allow electrical
professionals to access the training they need to ensure they can continue to advise, specify and install systems that are at the cutting edge of energy efficient thinking
A major advantage of this type of e- learning is that users can choose when and where they do the courses, and the modules are all self paced and avail- able on demand, so there’s no waiting around for a new term to start study- ing. Plus, in some cases there are affili- ated qualifications - electrical professionals completing a course at the Energy University, for example, can choose from two certification opportunities - Data Centre Associate and Professional Energy Manager. Users can supplement their learning with education credits from more than 18 endorsing organisations including CPD accreditation.
One hurdle that e-learning must overcome is a perception that by learn- ing remotely, you don’t have the same access to specialised knowledge as attending a class with a teacher or lec- turer. The subject matter for the Energy University’s study programmes is pro- vided by experts from all areas of Schneider Electric, who assist in the development and creation of the courses. As demand for new technolo- gies and knowledge increases, Energy University will be incorporating addi- tional courses - meaning students will always have access to industry leading information, from people actually working in the field. Training is an important part of main- taining standards in the electrical indus- try. At a time of austerity and cutbacks, free learning initiatives like the Energy University allow electrical professionals to access the training they need to ensure they can continue to advise, specify and install systems that are at the cutting edge of energy efficient thinking. Free, flexible and ready when you are e-learning really is the smart choice for electrical professionals look- ing to stay one step ahead.
Schneider Electric
www.MyEnergyUniversity.com T: 0870 608 8 608
review the terms associated with them. In addition to this, Energy University offers a wealth of knowl- edge on demand type courses such as Electric Vehicles: Plugging into SmartEnergy Management.
Enter 200 JUNE 2013 Electrical Engineering
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