Apprentice 121 Podcast

Inventor of the @SuperRodUK Duoxim Arbor and now Arbor Max joins me to talk about the development of the product and his business K G Electrical contractors. Really interesting to learn the process and journey people go on from apprenticeship to business owner and inventor! Kyle is doing brilliant things in his business in the garden lighting space. You can find him below https://www.instagram.com...

Wayne is a lecturer, electrician and product inventor! In this one we cover his background, the awesome invention he created and the journey from the kitchen table to international distribution!  @SuperRodUK  are now working with Wayne and his team to take this forward in 2023. We also get into Waynes views on the training regime in and throughout the UK with differences from region to region. You...

Gavin from Sulis electrical joins me to discuss his journey through training in the solar industry, through MCS registration into the world of installing renewable systems! I learnt a lot on this myself and is great insight for anyone working towards MCS registration as Solar and Battery storage providers. We also had a chat around EV charge points and how that works into the renewables arrangemen...

EAL are an awarding body for electrical, mechanical and construction sectors. Kevin Sparrow joins me to explain about his background, what EAL is, what it does, how it compares to city and guilds and much more! We also cover new breaking news around the new electricians apprenticeships and developments of battery storage courses. I absolutely loved my chat with Kevin and learned a lot! Go check ou...

Brand new industry leading NEW product alert! For those in the EV/PV space this is a total game changer. 4 pole RCBO that fits in a normal TPN way on a spine board! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/proteus-switchgear_device-rcbo-electrical-activity-7042057341717880832-cBKE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Chris Kitching from Proteus EV joins me to discuss the issues around RCD, PEN fau...

We run through the very low numbers enrolling on the Design, Erection and Verification (2396) course. With only around 30-35% passing the course.   We discuss possibly using this course more widely in industry in particular for Qualified Supervisors in CPS bodies.   We also talk about the difficult aspects found on the course, some of the things to be aware of, costs, time fram...

For those looking to start up in business as electricians!  I have put this little video together to help those moving into working for themselves.   Full disclaimer this is not the advice of a business coach or guru! It is just the experience and advice from someone who has been a micro business owner for a number of years.   I cover, joining a CPS, insurance, tax, compan...

Mattie and Nathan join me for a quick chat to test out the audio and video in the new recording area!  Improvements are needed on that front but I am pleased to report things do get better lol.   Hope you like it.

Kieran Jenkins from Proteus and RPP joins me to discuss his career in the electrical industry.    In particular his experiences from working with his dad at the coal face of the electrical industry to senior works manager at Proteus and RPP.    Starting in the late 90s and working his way up through the company over the years.   It is also important to raise awareness arou...

Richard and Craig join me to discuss the Skills for life campaign as part of the 2023 national apprenticeships week.  Running 6th-12th of Feb 2023.  I realised after recording I would need to release this before the apprenticeship week lol. So here we are!   We share some of the life skills we think apprentices gain working in the electrical industry and share some of our own. &nbsp...

Mark and Steve from Test Instrument Solutions join me on location aka TIS HQ!   We hear about their backgrounds and origins of TIS back in 2006!   We discuss the journey from the start right to winning awards and mixing it with global brands.   Some nuggets of gold around RCD testing, safe isolation and requirements when testing solar PV systems!   The team at TIS continue to support apprentices a...

Richard and Craig join me to discuss the NVQ 3 portfolio and the differences between an apprenticeship and re-trainee variation.    I hope this helps answer some of the questions that followed the EAL3, 2365, 8202 and experienced worker podcasts.    If you are currently working through your electrical portfolio on the NVQ3 let us know how its going in the comments or across soc...

A quick run through some of the exciting opportunities for 2023 and successes of 2022 for electricians of the future!  Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We will be back with some cool episodes in the New Year. Massive thanks to Craig, Jamie and Richard along with our guests and sponsors!   Back soon   #apprentice121

NAPIT join me to explain what they are and the things they do to support trainees, trainers and wider industry.   From input into the EAS document to JPL64 and the awesome NAPIT publications, code breakers, onsite solutions, periodic inspection and testing and PRS for landlords!  Frank and Brett explain what brought them into NAPIT and prior careers before that!  I loved the ch...

I host this podcast live on discord!  We discussed learning in different countries of the UK and some of the differences in training/qualifying to be electricians in England, Scotland, Wales and Norther Ireland  We also had a chat around getting work experience to complete portfolios as adult learners and some of the active give away's in Apprentice 121

£2k one week electrical short course .....  Justin Watson joins me to explain what happened to him and where he is now.    From realising a one week course was not what was needed to finding employment and getting himself on a CPS approved route to work in the domestic sector. Along with taking an online wiring regulations course with Sparky ninja.    Justin is now well on...

We discuss the differences to the city and guilds 2365, 8202, EAL and apprenticeship qualifications. Along with the pros and cons to all.    It was interesting to learn the 2365 is not funded for learners while the 8202 is. Also some key differences in the delivery and exam processes.    We also discus the bigger issues around young apprentices ending up on these courses due to...

Ben Curry joins me to chat about his journey and experiences in the electrical industry.    From his days as an apprentice himself to now a successful business owner at Electrical Innovations.    We discuss the domestic electrical apprenticeship and how Ben has grown his business alongside solar and renewables of late.    I loved chatting with Ben and its brilliant to...

What is the 2346? Who needs to complete it? Whats the value in it?   Craig Wiltshire joins me to explain everything and more!   We even cover some questions sent in via social media around this qualification.    Craig was an absolute gentleman and explained thing from the coal face of assessment.    The students guide to the regs is here https://shop.theiet.org/studen...

Richard and Craig jump back on the podcast with me to discuss the EV course in further detail. Focusing in on section 5 from the code of practice 4th edition.  We look at RCDs, what the different types of RCDs mean and when to use them. Pen fault detection and what we need to ensure, earthing systems and the importance of knowing whats around you! Plus the wiring systems and many other little tips...

Tom Bickerton joins me to discuss his experiences as an apprentice and now electrical contractor.    We discuss how he coped with low apprentice wages, his time working on naval docks, tool tips, future training and loads loads more.    I enjoyed myself loads and Tom mad my day with the awesomely generous donation of equipment for apprentices!  Details of how to be in with...

Aidan joins myself and Craig to discuss his journey and career along with his recent experience employing and enrolling his 1st electrical apprentice.  Some brilliant tips that might help others on the same journey are shared by Aidan and Craig. I offer my usual 2p worth here and there as well.  Aidan can be found here https://linktr.ee/hackw.elec The software Craig mentioned is here htt...

Callum Leech joins me to talk about his career so far and his experiences of training as an electrical apprentice through Covid and beyond! Thankfully this is a really positive experience with a great training provider, employer and learner! Callum is an absolute superstar and I have just learned former radio show host! I wish I knew this pre recording!!!! We share some tips on tools, discuss the...

Darren joins me to discuss his entry into the electrical industry, his experiences of training as spark, how he formed and built a successful contracting business. Including the employment and development of apprentices within the team! All the way to modern times as an ECA technical manager who sits on the JPEL64 committee that develops and sets the wiring regulations BS7671.  Darren is walking,...

What do you need to know about EV charging courses? How and why have these changed? Does this impact on apprenticeships? Mark Allison, Craig Buist and Richard Harvey discuss electric vehicle charging. In particular section 722 of the wiring regulations and IET code of practice guidance note 4! The course is changing from the 2919 to 2921-31 for fully qualified electricians. We explain some of the...