• • • NEWS • • •


Knightsbridge helps students stay the course S


tudents at Bedford College are getting to grips with their hands-on electrical installation work


with renewed enthusiasm thanks to Knightsbridge. The company donated a substantial quantity


of wiring accessories to the college to help students complete this important part of their curriculum. Like many colleges, budgets for electrical devices are stretched, so Knightsbridge’s gift of switches, sockets and other accessories was gratefully received by the Electrical and Engineering Department. Steven Croft, head of engineering at Bedford


College, said: “The opportunity for our students to work with quality components is an absolute godsend. They can install, uninstall and work on the products time and time again. “Previously we’ve had to source inferior


components which just didn’t last, cracking or breaking even after a few installs. This just added


further pressure to our already strained budget. This donation from Knightsbridge has been massive for us.” Bedford College caters for 280 electrical


installation and 150 engineering students per year, all working to their respective level 2 or 3


ECS reminds card holders to download the MyECS virtual card app


allow cards to be checked through the new CSCS Smart Check app. CSCS Smart Check is the biggest change to site entry processes in


T


decades and represents a remarkable achievement of collaborative working between the 38 CSCS Partner Schemes. Launched in April, the CSCS Smart Check app is already


improving site safety and card checking procedures on UK construction sites. Developed by the 38 schemes displaying the CSCS logo, CSCS Smart Check allows those responsible for checking cards to verify all 2.1 million cards using one app on their smartphone or tablet. For ECS card holders, CSCS Smart Check works by checking your


virtual card in the MyECS app. This app has been around since 2015 and gives a virtual, real-time record of your latest certifications, qualifications and assessments. The MyECS virtual card app


allows you to view an image of your ECS card on your smartphone and, by generating a QR code from within the app, can be checked through CSCS Smart Check app just by scanning this QR code – no manual entry needed. The MyECS app stores your


card details so you can view them at all times, even when you have no mobile signal and if you have more than one ECS card you can see the different cards by swiping to either side of your screen. The app is also being updated to allow applications and renewals. Andy Reakes, chair of the app’s working group, said: “Having one


app to check all physical and virtual cards at site gates, or on project entry, will continue to ensure greater efficiencies for employers and those checking cards.” The MyECS app is available to download from the App Store and


Google Play. 6 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • JUNE 2022


he Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is reminding ECS card holders to download the MyECS virtual card app, which will


apprenticeships and the practical side of the course is a significant part. Facilities include 22 installation bays where


various commercial, industrial and domestic environments can be simulated to give students hands-on experience. Mr Croft said: “The feedback we’ve had from


students about the Knightsbridge kit has been both amazing and enlightening. They clearly respect working with quality equipment and therefore value what they’re doing so much more.” Hannah Liscombe, head of marketing at


Knightsbridge, added: “We are delighted to have been able to provide Bedford College and the students with this donation. We are doubly pleased that not only have the students been extremely positive about the kit, but that we’ve been able to support the students on their apprenticeship journey.”


JIB highlights membership benefits as electrical apprenticeships surge


W


ith The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership reporting a surge in


electrical apprentices earlier this year, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is issuing a reminder of the benefits JIB membership can deliver for apprentices and their employers. The JIB is an impartial organisation


that sets the standards for employment, welfare, grading and apprentice training in the electrical contracting industry. Its work is targeted at improving the industry, its status and productivity. Figures from The Institute for


Apprenticeships and Technical Education show that the intake of electrical apprentices remained strong throughout the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrating the value employers place on apprenticeships as the preferred route for training. The JIB has operated a registration


programme for apprentices for more than four decades. This programme sets the apprentice on the right track from day one, gives greater support to their employer as they bring through this next generation of talent and shines a light on those training providers who are supporting the highest standards of technical, employment and health and safety knowledge within the electrotechnical industry. In addition to the


apprenticeship benefits, there are a number of other services available to member companies that will help to assure clients and contractors that they are


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


dealing with a professional company working to high employment standards. JIB Chief Executive Jay Parmar said:


“Our members range from companies with one qualified electrician and one apprentice, setting their employment arrangements on a sound footing, through to some of the largest players in the industry, who benefit from recognised Gold Standard in employment practices. A bespoke template Contract of Employment is available for all JIB company members taking on new employees under the JIB terms and conditions and the JIB staff are always on hand to provide free support to members


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