A Rotherham company has launched what it claims is a unique training programme that teaches people who want to become domestic electricians to re-wire a house from scratch.
The National Electrical Certification and Training Alliance (NECTA) created the 10- week intensive programme because of widespread dissatisfaction with a Government qualification, which NECTA says many feel fails to give people the skills they need.
NECTA, part of the Lowe Group, has invested £120,000 to create two new training workshops at its Bradmarsh Business Park base and received a £55,000 boost from South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF) to develop its 'Starter Sparky' training scheme.
Lowe Group financial director, Richard Roebuck, explained: "The training programme is aimed at anyone wanting a career as a domestic electrician. It will provide the knowledge, qualifications and practical skills to anyone who needs to provide a professional and safe service.
"Many people in the electrical industry felt that the Government's introduction of the Part P qualification, which was in theory to focus on electrical safety in the home, didn't address the competency requirements in the time allowed for the course or depth of the curriculum.
"In practice, it has been poorly structured, with just 50 hours in the classroom and no prior assessment of course candidates. This has led to frustrated tutors and students alike."
What do you think? Post your comments below.With backing from major client British Gas, NECTA has developed the new Domestic Electrician Course, which not only results in a Part P certificate, but a number of City and Guilds recognised qualifications, too.
Mr Roebuck says the course is aimed at anyone who has missed the apprenticeship route or is unable to commit to a long term college course and will increase their competence to an acceptable level, while also acting as a starting point for future development.
The £55,000 investment is SYIF's second in the Lowe Group, having originally been introduced to the group by Craig Cartlidge at Barclays Bank in 2006.
SYIF investment manager Grahame Lunt said: "We are pleased to support the Lowe Group and help the organisation expand into the training market.
"It has grown from strength to strength in the last few years and become the leading specialists in Electrical Safety. NECTA's new training course has been created to tap into a growing need to train more domestic electricians."
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