NEWS
Achieving a UK government target of 70GW of solar power by 2035 will be challenging but achievable, according to the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). While availability of electricians qualified to install and commission solar PV and other low carbon technologies is among challenges, ECA cites new research commissioned by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership identifying a need for just 500 more qualified electricians each year. Fully qualified electricians can upskill to install solar PV, energy storage systems and other net zero technologies in just a few days, said researcher Pye Tait. Solar energy workforce goals ambitious but achievable, says ECA
L-R: Bobby Nixon, Sales Manager, Nittan Europe, with Christopher Orr and his employer, Harry Dollin, Operations Manager, Crane Communications.
Lisburn student lifts NITTAN Shield Fire Engineering Apprentice of the Year
An apprentice at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has lifted Nittan Shield Fire Engineering Apprentice of the Year 2023. Christopher Orr from Lisburn, employed by Crane Communications, has achieved the EAL Level 3 Fire & Security Apprenticeship NI at SERC’s Lisburn Campus. Christopher Patterson and Robin Hamill, SERC Fire and Security Lecturers, said, “This Award reflects performance throughout his four years, both at work and in the college through coursework and assignments. Christopher has proved himself to be an outstanding apprentice, and his efforts and achievements
are recognised with this award.” Bobby Nixon, Sales Manager, Nittan Europe, said, “As a manufacturer, we understand there is a direct relationship between engineer training and customer satisfaction, so we fully support the work undertaken at SERC and our Elite Partner for Northern
Ireland, Solutions for Systems. “Nittan works closely with both
organisations, to ensure the college has the industry-leading products it needs to train the apprentices and sponsor the Fire Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award.” www.serc.ac.uk
ECA recently launched a Recharging Electrical Skills Charter calling for closer ties
between industry, government and education to grow the competent electrical workforce to support the net zero transition. Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, said, “To increase the size of the qualified electrical workforce, we must fix the broken skills pipeline. The Recharging Electrical Skills Charter offers an achievable policy programme to mend the broken pipeline.” www.eca.co.uk
Public consultation launched for draft electrical installation rule changes
Standards body NSAI has launched a public consultation on draft amendments to Ireland’s national rules for electrical installations. Response to I.S. 10101:2020/ prA1:202x is invited up to a deadline of February 27, 2024. Proposed amendments to Chapter 7 include requirements under Part 722 Supply of Electric Vehicle pertaining to circuits intended to supply energy to electric
vehicles and for feeding back electricity from electric vehicles. Circuits covered by this part are terminated at the connecting point. Under Part 718 Communal Facilities and Workplaces, such venues are defined as including assembly halls and rooms, exhibition halls, theatres, cinemas, sports arenas, sales areas, restaurants, hotels, guest houses, residential care homes, schools, enclosed car parks, meeting places, swimming halls, airports, railway stations, high-rise buildings, workshops, factories and industrial plants. Included are routes and escape routes, while it is stated the necessity of providing safety services in special buildings and areas may be governed by national regulations containing more stringent requirements. Modifications have also been made to various other clauses within the document. To view the draft and comments, visit www nsai.ie
Qualified electricians can upskill to install solar PV and other net zero technologies in just a few days.
Ireland’s national rules for electrical installations are to be updated.
ELECTEX LIMERICK: REGISTER TO ATTEND AT WWW.BEPEX.IE
8 | IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE
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