Bright young sparks required
NICEIC is on the lookout for the next young crop of budding apprentices looking to make a way in the electrical contracting industry – and is particularly keen to hear from females considering a career as an electrician.
To help more youngsters become electricians, NICEIC set up an Apprentice Academy in partnership with Bedford College, last year. The organisation is now looking to recruit the second wave of applicants who are keen to benefit from the best training possible.‘The academy was set up with the intention to plug the skills gap of the future and provide young electricians with the confidence and assurance to go into the industry with the best knowledge around,’ said NICEIC’s CEO, Emma McCarthy.
Recent research suggests young females aged 16-19 would be more interested in learning a trade than pursuing an academic career and as Emma added, ‘If we are to plug the skills gap shortage we cannot afford to ignore half of the working population. There is now a great opportunity for female electricians and so we would encourage young women to join.’
Course manager at Bedford College, Jeff Welch, added, ‘The NICEIC programme includes six or seven additional modules compared to traditional courses including training on Solar PV installations which will be vital to electricians over the next few years.’
Anyone wishing to apply must already be in full time employment and able to attend Bedford College. NICEIC will help cover the cost of the apprentice’s salary by subsidising their wage by up to £2,000 per academic year. All other costs associated with the student’s learning are covered by the partnership with Bedford College.
If you would like more information about sending your apprentice on the course, along with details about subsidised funding, please email darren.staniforth@niceic.com
