Sustainability embraced by ‘class of 2012’
What does the modern electrical apprentice look like? How are they feeling about the economy? Are they concerned by current unemployment figures and what importance are they placing on training? These are just some of the topics under the spotlight in Electricfix’s annual electrical trainees study, which is designed to understand the needs and challenges facing apprentices.
Professionalism remains at the top of apprentices’ agendas, with 92% stating it as the most important element of their work, showing a clear appreciation of the significance of maintaining a good reputation. Also leading the rankings was the commitment to training, with 100% of apprentices saying that they were intending to carry out further training in their career, and almost half of these specifically looking to complete training in renewable installations.
The survey reinforced the fact that the ‘class of 2012’ will clearly be one of the first generations to maximise the opportunities that renewables will bring, with the majority predicting that the installation of energy saving products will become an integral part of their day to day jobs in the future.
Sandra Everett, Senior Marketing Manager at Electricfix, explains: “At Electricfix, we believe in exceptional performance, so we are delighted to find that the majority of today’s apprentices share this drive for achieving best practice. Our research suggests that the young apprentices of today are forward thinking and in good shape to tackle the challenges of tomorrow by focusing on the high quality workmanship and smart business spirit that so many in the electrical sector are committed to.”
Whilst the screwdriver topped the rankings as the most used tool in the toolbox, the study also found that technology was fast becoming one of an apprentice’s most valuable tools, with a strong use of smartphones to research as well as order online, plus a familiarity with multi-channel shopping. When asked how they might manage stock once qualified, the consensus was to purchase around a job; either planned in advance or in response to short term needs rather than carry a fully stocked van, reinforcing an appreciation of the benefits of all that multi-channel ordering has to offer.
Everett adds: “We’re committed to helping today’s apprentices thrive in their future careers, ensuring they are equipped with the right tools for each job they undertake throughout their training, to partnerships with industry bodies, such as NICEIC. These help us to prevent unqualified tradesmen completing installations, raise standards and establish best practice within our industry, which is why it is encouraging to see such optimism and commitment from apprentices themselves. There are sure to be industry changes ahead, but if apprentices remain as committed to high standards and providing the best possible service as they have been doing so already, they’ll remain in a strong position to achieve their goals and contribute to the growth of the industry as a whole.”
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