NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
AEMT’s inaugural apprenticeship vent celebrates next-gen talent and industry collaboration
A first-of-its-kind event, organised by the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) in close collaboration with Sulzer, was held at Sulzer’s Birmingham facility and brought together apprentices from across the electromechanical sector for an inspiring day of networking, learning, and hands-on team building. Held at Sulzer’s state-of-the- art facility in Birmingham, the event welcomed apprentices from across the AEMT’s membership. Attendees took part in interactive workshops, a behind-the-scenes site tour, and confidence-building outdoor activities designed to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. “We wanted to create a space where apprentices could connect, swap stories, and see that they’re part of something much bigger”, said Scott Haslam, Membership Manager at the AEMT. “We were also keen to show young people in this industry that an apprenticeship isn’t just a job on the shop floor – it can be the start of a journey that leads to areas such as sales, project management, or even leadership.” “We wanted to give the apprentices a taste of the real opportunities in our sector,” added Chris Adams, Coil Shop Operations Manager at Sulzer, who helped host the event. “This industry is at the heart of a sustainable future, proving that repairing and rewinding electric motors extends their life while also cutting waste. These young people are the future stewards of that mission.” The morning of the event included breakout sessions on career pathways and good working practices, and one of the highlights was the site tour, where experienced Sulzer staff shared stories from their decades in the industry – demonstrating a real passion that has stood the test of time. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to team building, featuring archery, rope challenges, and an exhilarating 40-foot pole drop – all designed to foster communication, trust, and mutual support. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Callum Moorhouse from
Westin Drives said: “I think it’s important for apprentices to be given the opportunity to network with new people outside of their normal work environment; the exchanging of new ideas and the opportunity to build teamworking skills is vital for the success of anybody coming into the industry”.
“This was a pilot event, and it exceeded every expectation,” Scott Haslam added. “To build on this success, we will be rolling out a calendar of similar events for later in 2025 and beyond, each with a different focus, but all designed to support the next generation of electromechanical talent.” The Apprenticeship Day is part of the AEMT’s broader commitment to member engagement and industry development, with upcoming initiatives including themed panels, networking forums, the 2025 AEMT Conference and the AEMT Awards.
Building engineering workers vote for three-year wage deal
Unite the union and building engineering services employers have agreed a three-year pay deal for operatives that will come into force on October 6 this year. Worth nearly 10% over its lifetime, the deal includes a 3.7% increase for hourly paid, site-based operatives from Monday 6 October, with further 3% rises to follow in October 2026 and 2027. The increases apply to the industry’s hourly grade rates and allowances. Wage negotiators from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) confirmed that a “best and final offer” had been tabled by employers and subsequently accepted by union members following a ballot last month.
BESA said the negotiations had been “quite long and challenging”, not least because of the increase in employers National Insurance contributions since April and the impact this was already having on business costs.
“However, thanks to the efforts of the BESA Employment Policy Committee, the flexibility of the wider Association membership, and the constructive relationship we have with the union, we have managed to reach a fair and workable outcome for both employers and employees,” said BESA’s head of employment affairs Paula Samuels. “Everyone involved in the negotiations was mindful of the additional pressures on employers during this very difficult trading period for our industry. We are grateful to our counterparts at Unite for showing consideration for employers’ concerns while, obviously, working hard to get the best possible outcome for their members,” she added. “This agreement provides a measure of long-term security to employees while also allowing employers to plan with more confidence and continue to invest in recruitment and training for the long-term benefit of the whole sector and its clients.”
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2025 Appointments
New Chair Of ICOM Commercial Heating Technical Committee
The Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) has announced the appointment of Adveco technical director Bill Sinclair as its new chair of the Commercial Heating Technical Committee (CHTC). Consisting of commercial heating and hot water appliance manufacturers, the emphasis of the ICOM CHTC is on matters impacting technical advancement, including appliance production, certification and maintenance. The group works to guide UK and CEN standards and European legislation affecting products, as well as advising on and influencing political decision-making which can affect product design and characteristics.
Bill said: “Since 1933 ICOM has been a singular voice representing the interests of the non-domestic heating sector. Today, as the pressure of change increases, and the industry rallies behind the drive toward the decarbonisation of commercial buildings in the UK, ICOM’s role in driving technical and commercial thought and garnering Government support for better design, manufacture and implementation of heating equipment has never been more important.” Steve McConnell, director, ICOM, said: “The work of the CHTC is extremely valuable, ensuring ICOM remains effective at a very important time in the commercial heating sector. The resources ICOM produces, both technical and commercial, not only provide tangible benefits to members, but also increase engagement with decision makers in Government. One of ICOM’s key strengths.”
“ICOM has always evolved to meet and advance heating and hot water solutions for the benefit of the industry’s members, clients and, more so than ever, the wider environment”, Bill observed: “It is therefore an incredible honour to be elected to the role of ICOM CHTC chair, supporting the association at such a critical time in the evolution of the UK’s response to the need for more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable industrial and commercial heating.”
New President announced at the AEMT
At its recent AGM, the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) announced the appointment of Mark Brady as its new honorary President, taking over the position from outgoing President James Stevens, the CEO at Preformed Windings. Mark Brady, managing director at electromechanical maintenance specialist Hayley 247 DEXIS, assumed the President’s position after serving as Vice President for the previous two years.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark Brady said: “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing President, James Stevens, whose leadership over the past term has been nothing short of exemplary. James has steered the AEMT through a period of growth, innovation, and renewed purpose with a steady hand, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to our members, leaving a lasting legacy.
The challenges we face – climate change, supply chain disruptions, and skills shortages
– are real. But so too are the opportunities: to innovate, to lead, and to shape a future that is not only efficient and productive but also sustainable and inclusive. It is for these reasons that I am proud to endorse the AEMT’s 2030 Vision, which commits us to becoming a group of members with an active focus on three key areas. The first is compliance with the Association’s newly developed code of practice, with end-users of rotating equipment recognising its value and specifying it throughout their organisations. The second is to become sustainability advocates, championing responsible practices across our operations and supply chains while actively contributing to global climate goals. And the third is to develop a resilient workforce equipped with the skills and adaptability to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
All of us within the Association and its membership will need to work together to bring this vision to life; however, I am confident that if we do, these ambitious goals are achievable. And I am relishing the opportunity to play my own part in the future success of our sector.”
Clivet new starter
Clivet has welcomed Babatunde Jadesola, the new technical pre sales engineer, working out of the company’s Reading office. Baba’s background is deeply rooted in technical sales
in all areas of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, as well as being known as the ‘fact of the day guy’ and the King of Trivia, so he will keep the interesting facts coming for sure. “What an incredible added value when also helping customers with their pre-sales technical enquiries,” the company says.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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