FEATURE Recruitment
Sparking interest
Unite has launched a short film aimed at promoting the union to non- members when they attend our computer-based electrotechnical certification scheme (ECS) in our offices nationwide. Members too will enjoy watching the film and might consider showing it at work if there are the facilities to do so. The film is also ideal for showing to young people considering becoming an apprentice.
The ECS is key to maintaining essential health, safety and welfare standards for the public and workers in essential safety industries and has done much to prevent cowboy electricians from operating across the construction sector. ECS was set up as a joint venture between Unite and the Joint Industry Board. (JIB) ECS is now the principal card for identifying electricians that are keeping up to date with new technology and it
must be renewed every three years.
Doing so by booking online and then attending the test which is delivered at Unite’s nationwide locations – which can include mobile site visits – can take as little as two to three weeks. In the few minutes before each test kicks off the examinee will now be able to enjoy watching a five minute plus film. It begins by highlighting how we can’t exist without electricity and of some of the interesting, vital jobs there are in industry.
And at the core of it is the JIB, established in 1968 to promote high standards for terms and conditions and a unique and powerful and social partnership between the ECA, representing contractors, and Unite and the workers and electricians. Initially the JIB was UK based but as companies have become more
24 Unite buildingWORKER Spring 2024
n By Mark Metcalf
Unite hopes a new ECS film will mean new members
internationally based it has sought to work with overseas bodies to ensure skills are transferable.
Jason Poulter, national officer for Unite who represents over 13,000 members on the JIB, explains how the union has helped raise wages, improved conditions and critical safety standards – and at the heart of which is the work of workplace reps on the ground.
The importance of the ESC to everyone including residents and tenants is highlighted as it demonstrates competence. Newly qualified electricians can use it find work with new employers.
The film ends by hearing the voices of apprentices, male and female, who are going to be central to delivering net zero and the green agenda including
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