How to improve the electrical apprenticeship system

2011

Electrical apprenticeships can be so varied from domestic to industrial from installation to maintenance yet the qualification is the same. I think this should be changed.

What changes would you make?

eurokev

Well there is the e+I version of the apprenticeship and fitters are now also doing a bit as part of the mechanical automation app.

I'm going through the e+I version at the mo and find it brilliantly delivered. I'm 30 and just in to third year. Iv been in the education constantly since school and it is by far the best in terms of content and delivery.

I think a lot more focus has to be put on the employers responsibilities. 2 guys dropped out of the 12 in my phase 2, largely because of not being capable to be honest and not getting any exposure. They were hired as cable pullers and dogs bodies and didn't have a clue.

Employers should be disqualified of not holding up their part of the bargain for one in my opinion. As from what I can see a lot are using it avail of cheap labour.

I would love to see it more varied and seriously considered looking to move in to a different sector. I'm with a chemical company but would love a bit of experience in pharmaceutical or BMS. This is something which could perhaps help if companies in different regions set up some sort of apprenticeship conglomerate. This would be a major undertaking and probably impossible to implement.

I think another good idea would be for apprentices to perhaps be required to complete projects on their on the job phase, to be assessed by solas inspectors, currently there is a book with a list of tasks which the employer signs off as being completed by the apprentice showing a level it competence. But I can guarantee 9 times out of 10 the apprentice has not performed the task. Personally speaking I know of guys who would never have come in to contact with a particular item, never mind being able to perform competently.

This would however cost money and time to police, both of which would probably not be forthcoming.

But overall in my experience i find the system very good, and almost as good as can be hoped for. As with all courses it has to be delivered to a wide group and cannot be catered for on an individual basis. There is also a lot of courses available which apprentices could take advantage of in their own time. I am personally at a course, just back from evening class now in fact, which further expands into different areas and which is in fairness supported by my employer.

Tuco88

Should they split the E+I trade? Being realistic "most" contractors will have apprentices doing an electrical trade. Sounds great getting a two for one, I see a lot of lads getting a very crappy experience in one of the two. Good if your working for a company such as big pharma.

Different grades of an electrician maybe? As we we all know Fire alarm,alarm, lighting protection, Panel building,door access,Data so on.... Each it's own specialist thing rightly so.