Electrical Contractors Industry

Electrical Contractors Adult Training

Electrical contractors can train with organisations such as the Electrical contracting association and through unions such as Amicus. Electrical Contractors also train through the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and there are adult training schemes for mature electrical contractors who are not able to capitalise on the government funded Advanced Apprenticeship scheme.

The lack of funding for adult training related to electrical contractors is poor. Training for electrical contractors to the recognised standards is a major issue within the industry. This provides a disincentive to prospective electrical contractors and inhibits new skills from being developed. The re-skilling of mature electrical contractors to the industry is important for improving the standards of electrical contractors.

Electrical Contractors & Apprenticeships

Electrical contractors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have access to a variety of training support either through vocational routes. The electrical contractors can obtain support in vocational training in a range of occupations. The foundation and advanced apprenticeship for electrical contractors developed through organisations such as the Sector Skills Council, and Summit Skills are now such examples for electrical contractors. Successful completion of the training by electrical contractors provides the award of an industry-recognised NVQ. The electrical contractors obtain an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) skill card in relation to their achievement. Currently, the enrolment of the advanced apprenticeships for electrical contractors is among the highest in any industry. Currently about 3,500 apprentices a year train to become electrical contractors and the completion rates are very impressive. 70 per cent of electrical contractors complete the training compared with a norm of less than 30 per cent for other trades.

Fair Trading For Electrical Contractors

Fair trading for electrical contractors is an important subject that needs to be debated and finally lobbying to government. Electrical contractors should follow a code that works to recognised electrical contracting industry standards. Electrical contractors should be members of an appropriate body to cover the event of insolvency. Electrical contractors should also be covered for the failure of the business. Customers may ask the electrical contractors for a free insurance-backed warranty and bond.

Electrical contractors may also be part of the government backed Trustmark scheme – this aims to protect consumers who use the construction industry. Electrical contractors may join this scheme through various association memberships and are required to comply with the detailed requirements of the scheme.

Construction Industry Scheme for Electrical Contractors

Electrical contractors maybe members of organisations that represent the Construction Industry including the Reform Implementation Panel (CIRIP) and HMRC. Electrical contractors also work with industry bodies with regards to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and other related issues. The CIS helps electrical contractors and is designed to offer procedures in electronic format.

Education and Training

Electrical contractors can also gain further support for apprenticeships and adult training through Summit Skills and other related bodies. Electrical contractors also have access to the industry's Sector Skills Council; there is a comprehensive suite of short courses available for electrical contractors. Technical courses through to Business Development and Health and Safety are available to electrical contractors. Furthermore electrical contractors have access to help, advice and expertise in relation to education and training requirements. This enables electrical contractors to develop not only their skills but also that of their workforce too. Electrical contractors will remain aware of technical developments in the fast moving electrical contracting industry and have health and safety standards that are to industry specifications. The electrical contractors will develop continuing working relationships with relevant associations.

Labour Agencies for Electrical Contractors

Electrical contractors will use employment agencies to access new job opportunities and have become increasingly common in the industry. Many businesses will only choose electrical contractors who are registered with recognised agencies. Consumers will only use electrical contractors who are registered with appropriate association bodies. Electrical contractors can offset business expenses against tax when using employment agencies so they are an attractive option. Electrical contractors may also use agency labour for short-term projects. Electrical contractors work hard with agencies to provide a quality framework for the industry.

The Employment Status of Electrical Contractors

Criteria used by the Inland Revenue and the Employment Tribunals enables the categorisation of electrical contractors. This will determine whether electrical contractors are deemed as an individual, an employee or self-employed. There can be confusion among electrical contractors, which leads to uncertainty due to a lack of understanding related to whether a person is employed or self employed. The tax arrangements of electrical contractors can also be a source for confusion in the industry. Electrical Contractors would like to see more consistency and certainty so that the operations of an electrical contracting company are simpler. Electrical Contractors do not want to be exposed to the financial risks as a result of the government's present strategy.

There is a continuing growth of electrical contractors in the UK and more opportunities for business growth. Electrical contractors are an important aspect of the construction industry and thus they have an important role to play as the UK becomes more sustainable and energy efficiency becomes more prevalent in society.