• • • EDITOR’S INTERVIEW • • •


A CPD record shows the continuous learning


and improvement that has taken place. As technology develops and new regulations come into force it is important to demonstrate or prove that a practising electrician is up to date. “We know the Building Safety Regulator will


be taking more of a focused look at the competence of individuals as well as the certification of companies, so it vital to ensure the relevant standards are being met for all in the supply chain to have qualified and competent workforce – and visibility and assurance that this is the case.” Mr Parmar said that businesses that want to


secure a competitive edge will need to plan and build the future talent pool now. “There has never been more Government


funding available for apprenticeships, with a minimum of 95% funding available to people of any age,” Mr Parmar said. “We are now seeing apprentices in their 40s, 50s, and even, their 60s. “The Experienced Worker Assessment routes


have been very successful in providing ways for those with many years’ experience, who were unable to undertake or complete apprenticeships, to be assessed in line with the current apprenticeship standards – these represent a cost and time effective way to reach that required assessment standard.” In addition, the Government’s Lifetime Skills


Guarantee also gives options for fully funded qualifications to a Level 3 – including NVQ options for electrical installation and maintenance. Launch of T Levels gives a new entry route into


the industry and exposure to life in the electrotechnical industry before beginning apprenticeships. “The JIB Skills Development Fund, the charitable


arm of the JIB, helps member companies upskill for the needs of tomorrow, and helping those who need support get back into the industry where unemployed (up to £1,250 per person, per course, per year),” he said.


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There is no doubt that the impact of the Covid-


19 pandemic has made the past two years both challenging and difficult. Mr Parmar said: “I have to express my


admiration to the business and its staff for the way they adapted to support the UK and proud to see the sector continuing to operate and support the economy and livelihoods, by working under enhanced safety conditions. “Our members were involved in setting the


NHS Nightingale Hospitals, to keeping the lights on in our homes. While there was no blue-print, it was crucial that the JIB was responsive and acted swiftly. “For me, it was a real opportunity to


demonstrate value and support during such unprecedented times. JIB was one of the first organisation to offer greater flexibility for employers in membership (Benefit Credit reduction, temporary arrangements in place for furlough etc).” Mr Parmar said that at the height of the


pandemic, the JIB responded to record levels of CSCS Smart Check


A new app, developed by the 38 card schemes displaying the CSCS logo is set to radically improve the construction industry’s card checking procedures and site safety. The CSCS Smart Check app represents a


major step forward as, for the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo can be electronically verified using a single app. Mr Parmar said: “The rollout of the app


begins in April 2022, providing employers with a quick, easy and secure way of ensuring everyone on site has the right qualifications and training for the job they do. “The app will be free to use and available for Apple iOS and Android devices.”


queries – more than 2,000 telephone calls and 9,000 Covid-related visitors to its Covid-19 web page. “It was encouraging to see that the JIB was the


go-to organisation for insight and practical information – we attracted over 1,000 delegates to our webinars as we all had to respond to speed and pace of change,” he said. “Importantly, we have opportunity to accelerate


digital investment to our services to enhance the customer journey; remote invigilation, greater e- validation of qualification, recording of CPD – and much more to come.” Mr Parmar said he is really excited about the


future of the JIB. “One in four apprentices joining the


construction industry are choosing the electrical sector as their career of choice,” Mr Parmar said. “In 2022, we estimate that 7,000 apprentices will be joining the 28,000 apprentices already in training across the England in the electrical sector. “As we move to delivering the UK net zero goals,


with electrification of heating, transport, connecting homes, offices and cities, our sector is helping to lead the way and make the net zero a reality.” Mr Parmar said the sector has a rich mixture


of a diverse, talented and innovative thinkers, with the vision to deliver its solution safely and competently. “Internally, we are busy continuing our


investment strategy to help deliver a first class service to our customer by digitising our services to enhance the customer journey and value,” he said. “I have witnessed some encouraging signs of


greater collaboration to help deliver a common agenda – this is a key ethos of the JIB.” While the JIB has served the industry for more


than 50 years, Mr Parmar said he and his team are now putting plans in place to strengthen and enhance its services so that it continues to meet the needs and demands of the next 50 years.


ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MARCH 2022 13


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