Headline Sponsor Stephen Melton, Napit (centre), presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Derek Thompson’s sons, Mark and Andrew.
Derek Thompson.
Lifetime Achievement Award DEREK THOMPSON – ETT (POSTHUMOUS ENTRY) KINDLY SPONSORED BY: NAPIT
In February 2022, the electrical industry lost a strong advocate, great ambassador, and friend in Derek Thompson. Derek was a former ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year, JIB electrician, Managing Director, ECA Branch Chairman and CEO of the Electrical Training Trust/SparkSafe. Throughout his career, he was focused on increasing the professionalism of the electrical industry, and his dedication to improving quality and raising standards is to be commended. Derek was widely known as CEO of the Electrical Training Trust (ETT), a non- profitable organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and employers to enhance their skills and prove their competence. During his time at ETT, Derek championed the employer- led Level 3 electrical apprenticeship programme and helped train over 4,500 apprentices to the industry-recognised standard.
In 2009, the ETT Board commissioned research into an Electrical Licence to Practise solution as concerns regarding the detrimental impact of unqualified and underqualified workers entering the sub-contract supply chain had continued to grow. Derek worked with employers, workers and the wider industry to develop the first UK online electrical Licence to Practise system. SparkSafe incentivises the recruitment of apprentices and encourages the workforce to remain up to date with national standards. Derek believed in doing things the right way and upholding standards. He had a plan for the sustained success, development, and improvement of the
industry. He was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to many. Derek’s vocation for inspiring people wasn’t limited only to this professional life. After the sad diagnosis of lung cancer, he attended chemotherapy sessions and, according to his sons Mark and Andrew, regularly talked to quieter patients, telling them to keep fighting. He was known for his love for camping and hiking and, after his lung surgery, made it to the top of the Mourne Mountains for one last expedition. Derek never once complained and remained upbeat, always putting others first. Derek passed away at the age of 62 and is missed by his sons and wife of 40 years, Karen.
“Derek championed the employer-led Level 3 electrical apprenticeship programme and helped train over 4,500 apprentices to the industry-recognised standard.”
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 35
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