Inspections service maintains UKAS accreditation for the 22nd year running


S


ELECT has once again successfully renewed accreditation with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for its inspection activities.


Accreditation against the


internationally recognised standard for inspection bodies ISO/IEC 17020:2012 means SELECT continues to be


offi cially recognised for the quality of its electrical installation inspection service. In order for accreditation to be


maintained, SELECT has been subject to rigorous annual assessment by UKAS since fi rst attaining accredited status in 1998.


Dave Forrester, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, said: “Being UKAS accredited is extremely important to us, our Members and the wider public. “Holding UKAS


accredited status is a key part of our


inspection work and brings great confi dence


Malcolm Duncan


to consumers and the wider industry. It demonstrates that our Technical Advisers have proved their competence to carry out low voltage electrical installation inspections safely, impartially and to the highest possible standard.”


This year’s UKAS assessment was coordinated by Malcolm Duncan, Training and Development Adviser and Quality Assurance Manager at SELECT.


Malcolm said: “Regular periodic inspection by skilled personnel is essential for the


integrity of any electrical installation throughout the course of its life. Having UKAS


accreditation provides


confi dence that these


inspections have been considered properly. “Using a


UKAS accredited


inspection body like SELECT helps consumers reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, improves productivity and also sends the right message about maintaining best practice, professionalism and integrity.” UKAS is the only national accreditation body in the UK which is recognised by the government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certifi cation, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation provides assurance of the consistency and quality of the inspections performed by competent organisations and consequently gives the consumer greater confi dence in the safety of their environment. Wisdom Gasu, Assessment Manager at UKAS, said: “Congratulations to everyone at SELECT for maintaining its accredited status for 22 years. “Accreditation assessments are continuous, rigorous and impartial processes. Users of UKAS accredited services can therefore have confi dence in both an organised management system and the independence and technical competence of a UKAS accredited organisation to deliver those accredited services.”


For further information about UKAS and the importance of UKAS accreditation, please go to www.ukas.com


applying for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland. T e rise of renewables is making our industry more attractive to would-be electricians of both genders, so it is now up to all of us to tap into this enthusiasm and ensure we keep a pipeline of talent – both male and female – coming through.” Fiona, who is also T e Secretary of the SJIB, added: “It’s also


heartening to see that all these women are there on merit. Like all apprentices, they were required to pass an assessment before they were accepted onto the apprenticeship programme, and each demonstrated the aptitude and competence to do so. T ere is clearly a growing realisation among young women that being an electrical professional is a viable career.” Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, echoed Fiona’s enthusiasm for the rising number of female apprentices, saying: “T ese fi gures are


extremely encouraging and show a defi nite upward trend in women wanting to become electricians. It is a testament to the hard work of the SJIB and SECTT that these young women are now succeeding in their apprenticeships and are working side-by-side with their male counterparts. However, there needs to be a concerted eff ort to attract even more women to take up this extremely rewarding career.” Unite the Union claimed the Scottish Government should do more


VIDEO PUTS FEMALE


APPRENTICES IN THE FRAME: Pages 24 & 25


to encourage young women to take up electrical apprenticeships. Scott Foley, Regional Offi cer for Unite the Union, said: “Seeing the rise in female apprentices is encouraging – but just think what could be achieved if Holyrood encouraged our young women to do so. We know there is an untapped seam of female talent out there .”


CABLEtalk APRIL/MAY 2020 9


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