Exclusive run through of amendment 4 to BS 7671 of the wiring regulations with Richard Harvey from Electric Safety First and Craig Buist from Burgess Electrical Services. We rarely get an exclusive run at anything on the only podcast dedicated to apprentices and trainees but the stars aligned today for us! It was supposed to be purely earthing and bonding but we thought this made more sense! We also ran through the now uncool amendment 3 of BS 7671! We did include a run through of earthing systems right at the end! The wrag can found here https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/professional-resources/technical-e-news/the-wrag/#:~:text=The%20aim%20of%20this%20forum,series%20of%20questions%20and%20answers. BEMA download here https://www.beama.org.uk/resourceLibrary/beama---markings-and-symbols-for-circuit-protection-devices---august-2024.html Draft for public comment here https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/search?Term=BS+7671 IET webinar here https://events.theiet.org/events/live-launch-of-the-dpc-for-amendment-4-2026-to-bs-76712018-iet-wiring-regulations/ CEF/IET one here https://www.linkedin.com/posts/city-electrical-factors_techtalks-series-4-bs-7671-proposed-changes-activity-7226995560732397568-0ucs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Covering the safe isolation super rod survey, EICR coding of unidirectional devices on bidirectional circuits, is there a skills shortage? Plus we catch up with what Richard, Craig and myself have been doing. We also discus Craigs idea to support lecturers directly around the UK (love this btw). Richard shares an exciting learning lounge and ESF link up and we answer a listeners question on the 2396 course. Super Rod survey is here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G6CD8WJ

This episode is all about further training in the electrical industry and follows on from other videos already available on the podcast. Join in the NAW 2024 and celebrate everything about apprenticeships and skills for life. Check out https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/ for full details on all the routes.

A chat through the process of enrolling at college and with your employer. Plus an outline of what to expect through the course of your apprenticeship and career beyond.

 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-barratt-singh?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&

A run through some of the advice coming into apprentice 121 to help with finding an employer and help with interview technique. 

I hope this is of some help.

After a few questions on the YouTube video below I thought I would try talk through some of the techniques on a podcast.

Hope it helps someone out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgHWLw20yLQ

As the government restrictions are ending on what has become known as freedom day, this seemed like a sensible time to share some of the things we have had going on. 

I run through some of the numbers involved, donations given and help provided among other things!

Also a heads up on a really cool giveaway starting soon.

Thanks to everyone for getting involved with and showing support of apprentice 121, it was brilliant.

Guidance and support, kindness and respect

#apprentice121 #bettertogether 

Leo Clarke joined me to share his thoughts and experiences about his journey into the electrical industry so far.

Leo is currently working as an electrical trainee and looking to further his training to allow completion of his portfolio and work towards his gold card.

 

He is attending night school to complete his English and Maths and carrying out training at his expense via remote learning.

 

If you have an opportunity for Leo to supplement his work portfolio with some experience in the domestic sector please reach out and get in touch.

 

Leo shares his short course experience and chats openly about his journey so far.

 

Leo is clearly determined and focused to qualify in the way he sees as the right way. Via a gold card and mentor lead training.

 

You can find him on Linkedin here https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-clarke-0221471aa/

A chat around the grants available for employers hiring apprentices in UK at the moment.

Specifically the up to £4k grant available to employers and some of the pros and cons.

This is based on my own experiences and those from the 750+ people we have helped back into work.

Also how the guest based episodes will now (hopefully) be appearing on:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ywNBYDoYv-bTkEWvZEodw

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTVRqeTmcEdgzp2ZKMh-97A

I will link the government details below and via the apprentice 121 website.

The information can be linked from https://apprentice121.co.uk/government-support

Apply for the hire a new apprentice payment

You can apply for new apprentices who joined your organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021. You must set up an apprenticeship service account.

The incentive payment is in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for hiring an apprentice:

• aged 16 to 18 years old
• under 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority

To receive the full payment, the apprenticeship must last for at least one year.

Apprentices who joined your organisation from 1 April 2021

You will receive £3,000 for new apprentices of any age who have an employment start date of 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

They must have an apprenticeship start date of 1 April 2021 to 30 November 2021.

Apprentices who joined your organisation before 1 April 2021

The application deadline for these apprentices has closed.

What you can use the payment for

The payment is different to apprenticeship levy funds, so you can spend it on anything to support your organisation’s costs. For example, on uniforms, your apprentice’s travel or their salary. You do not have to pay it back.

Eligibility

You can only apply for new apprentices who joined your organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

You cannot apply for an existing employee who joined your organisation before 1 April 2021, even if they started an apprenticeship after this date.

How to apply

You can apply for the incentive payment after you add new apprentices to your apprenticeship service account.

When you’ll get paid

We cannot make any payments until we’ve received and verified your organisation and finance details. This could take up to 80 days and we may contact someone from your organisation.

We’ll make the payment in 2 equal instalments for each apprentice. The first payment is due after an apprentice completes 90 days of their apprenticeship and the second is due after 365 days.

We’ll make payments by Bacs on the 14th working day of the month. It usually takes 3 working days to process.

After you apply, you can view applications, estimated payment dates and check the status of each payment in your apprenticeship service account.

A quick intro to the Youth Group podcast kindly arranged via Bob Noseda.

I am hoping Bob joins us on the recording!

The apprentice 121 podcast is coming back to fulfill some original commitments and get 1 or 2 important episodes out.

I have signed up for the mentorship when I 1st heard about it, check it out and learn more here:

https://www.theyouthgroup.com/

https://www.the-esp.org.uk/our-work/the-youth-group/

Monday club and the electricians show can RELAX, this is for a short window in time only! Lucky for them because I am far more popular and better looking. Sam told me that this morning actually.

 

Probably 4 or 5 episodes maximum.

A quick Podcast to talk about some important new government policy that should help with parity between university and further education funding/loans system.

This is something I first discussed in the middle of last year after chats with Yuno.

 

Check out the government links below for full details .

 

I hope this helps someone

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-legislation-to-help-transform-opportunities-for-all

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pms-skills-speech-29-september-2020

 

A run through some of the questions sent in from the AM2 and inspection and testing series. Also a look at CPD, PRS and regular chat.

 

Thanks for listening. Next up EV charging!

I chat about current job roles available in A121, the employers side stepping contractual agreements around employing apprentices.

Also those who criticise PRS and new laws to help with electrical safety. The consequences of unsafe electrical work laid bare.

I also run through some of my favorite parts of the onsite guide.

This episode is all about career prospects in the electrical industry and follows on from other videos already available on the podcast. Join in the NAW 2024 and celebrate everything about apprenticeships and skills for life. Check out https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/ for full details on all the routes.

I have a run through my thoughts on the EICR system, mainly in the domestic market due to PRS changes in England.

But the same issues are widespread.

I believe investment to the apprenticeship system is the solution to a great many industry problems. 

Over reliance on software and expectations of industry bodies treats the symptom but not the cause in place for me. We need to take self responsibility, raise awareness with clients and really encourage a vibrant and thriving apprenticeship system. 

Take a listen and let me know your opinion or what you are seeing.

Open to discussion as always.

A run through BS7671 and the initial verification procedure to help with preparation for AM2 and more. Use the NET checklist and pre assessment manual.

 

Hope this is useful!

 

Thanks

 

Mark

A run through Guidance note 3 and the forms section looking at the different certificates and schedule of inspections.

 

Stepping up my support for learners, hopefully it helps. That is what it is all about and has been for a long time now! 

 

Also check out the YouTube testing video.

A podcast about Mark Allisons background from the school classroom to the Hauge and beyond!

A run through the information on the NET website as per AM2 and more.

Some really useful stuff on https://www.netservices.org.uk/am2/

Take a look.

A run through some of the final live tests.

Fault finding and form filling.

Let me know if these are useful and I will keep them coming.

Thanks

A chat through Ra, Ze, Zs earth fault loop impedance testing.

Again I am not a teacher but if it helps let me know and I will keep these coming.

Requested by a few on Instagram as audio only.

 

A run through Insulation Resistance testing, how and why.

I am not a teacher, just chatting through things in the hope it helps.

Let me know if these are of any use and I will keep them coming.

Thanks

A run through continuity testing from earthing/bonding/CPCs to radial and ring finals.

Let me know if these are of any use and I will keep them coming.

Thanks

Apprentice 121 podcast with the brilliant Darren Oates from NET.

Very honoured to have a NET representative come on the podcast to dispel some myths and talk facts. We cover national pass rates, what NET is, how the ensure fairness and quality.

I loved talking with Darren about the end point assessment and its importance. Learned a lot myself which is a key thing for me.

Thank you Darren and NET

https://www.netservices.org.uk/

https://www.the-esp.org.uk/

https://www.jib.org.uk/

https://www.jib.org.uk/

www.electricalcareers.co.uk

 

This episode is all about day to day life in the electrical industry and follows on from other videos already available on the podcast. Join in the NAW 2024 and celebrate everything about apprenticeships and skills for life. Check out https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/ for full details on all the routes.

Final episode of the 4 part series for national apprenticeship week.

Thanks to the guys for coming on and all the prizes donated by the manufacturers.

 

Hope everyone enjoyed it.

 

Mark

We have a special mini series of podcasts released as part of National Apprentice week 2021. On this episode we begin to chat about inspection and testing with a very experienced electrician. Supporter of A121 right from the beginning Ricky Howell ! 1 further part will follow this through the course of the week. We also have a brand new TIS MFT Pro to giveaway courtesy of TIS which is fantastic. Thanks to everyone at TIS for the continued support of apprentices and A121. Also 2 x Ferret Wifi inspection cameras courtesy of Super Rod. Along with 2 x loadout kits, thanks Mike from Loadout. . Myself and Rick chat openly and honestly about our approach and knowledge. Thanks so much to this legend for giving up more free time to chat with me.

We have a special mini series of podcasts released as part of National Apprentice week 2021. On this episode we begin to chat about inspection and testing with a very experienced electrician. Supporter of A121 right from the beginning Sam McDouall ! 2 further parts will follow this through the course of the week. We also have a brand new TIS MFT Pro to giveaway courtesy of TIS which is fantastic. Thanks to everyone at TIS for the continued support of apprentices and A121. Also 2 x Ferret Wifi inspection cameras courtesy of Super Rod. Thanks to everyone at Super Rod and Klein for the continued support. Myself and Sam chat openly and honestly about our approach and knowledge. Thanks so much to this legend for giving up more free time to chat with me.

Apprentice 121 podcast with Neil Bridgeman and Ricky Howell released as part of National Apprenticeship week 2021. Three real electricians chatting about inspection and testing with apprentices in mind. Just like you find sparks chatting up and down the country.

 

Covering Inspection and Testing as requested by the apprentices in the A121 community. Part 1 of a 4 part mini series with a TIS MFT pro to giveaway!!

 

Thanks to Neil and Ricky for some awesome input into a massive subject. Legends

I discuss my plans for apprenticeship week with some of my industry friends!

Along with answering some of the questions from the Instagram stories question last week!

More guests coming soon from across industry. Instagram mega stars, JPL64 members and more!

 

TIS digital download! https://drive.google.com/file/d/11xFBieDjrn4M6goIJRipUp0-7iJiDNx4/view

Catlin joins me for a chat about her apprenticeship so far. Her journey away from nursing and following her goals and aims into the electrical industry. We discuss the difficulties she has encountered and barriers she has broken down along the way. Now with a brilliant employer and fellow apprentice 121 guest Craig from Quinnery.

Caitlin has lots of drive and ambition following in the family footsteps working in the trades. She gives insight to her college and training officer visits along with discussing entering the trade as a female.

We also cover learning via video during Covid and the difficulties in keeping up to date with modules and training during the last 12 months. I loved chatting and if you would like to find out more about Caitlin and follow her progress she is on the Instagram pages below

Thanks again for coming on to chat Caitlin and all the support for A121 along the way.

https://www.instagram.com/caitlinkearneyxo https://www.instagram.com/bordeaux_electrics

A chat with the solar and smart home legend Stuart Cato about the apprenticeship system, their route into the trade, where they are now. Along with some golden tips for apprentices and employers. Stuart has a military background and this is well worth a listen! This is a real world look into the apprentice world with a seasoned spark and experienced industry pro. Fantastic insight for anyone in the trade, thanks to Stuart for giving time to record this and all the other help. You can find Stuart below

https://www.instagram.com/cato_electrical_services/ https://www.catoelectrical.com/

A chat with the electrical compliance legend Craig Gallagher about the apprenticeship system, their route into the trade, where they are now and what is happening in the future. Great info for apprentices and employers UK wide but especially Scotland. Craig is an electrical, gas and water compliance specialist from Scotland with Quinnergy Ltd.

A chat with the YouTube and industry training legend Gary Hayers about the apprenticeship system, their route into the trade, where they are now and what is happening in the future. We talk about experiences within the college sector, tools, employers and much more! I loved this chat, thanks Gary.

A chat with the superstar apprentice Vicky Frisby about the apprenticeship system, their route into the trade, where they are now. We discuss wages, tools, college, site work and loads loads more. I loved chatting with Vicky, she as hard working and honest as they come, hope you enjoy listening .You can find Vicky on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/vfrisby_spark/

This episode is all about how to find employment in the electrical industry and follows on from other videos already available on the podcast. Join in the NAW 2024 and celebrate everything about apprenticeships and skills for life. Check out https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/ for full details on all the routes.

A chat with the podcasting legends Ricky Howell and Neil Bridgeman about the apprenticeship system, their routes into the trade, where they are now. Along with some golden tips for apprentices and employers. This is a real world look into the apprentice world with 2 seasoned sparks and experienced industry pros.  

We have the podcasting legend Sam McDouall talk about his experiences of the electrical apprenticeship system. His thoughts on the benefits, failings and challenges of becoming a qualified electrician.

Sam as ever talks openly and honestly with real insight on what actually goes on in the agency and site work sector.

I also give some credit were it is due for the help with A121.

 

Thank you again Sam and Enjoy!

A chat with Matthew who is a qualified electrician aged 22. With his NVQ, Gold card, 2382, 2391, EV, IPAF and more.

He offers insight to the apprenticeship system and experiences from a couple of years ago. Plus a chat about AM2.

This episode is all about how to enter the electrical industry and follows on from other videos already available on the podcast. From apprenticeships to self funded routes and much in between. We will be keeping this episodes at around 10 minutes long and hopefully they are useful in particular to school leavers and parents. Join in the NAW 2024 and celebrate everything about apprenticeships and skills for life. Check out https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week https://www.electricalcareers.co.uk/ for full details on all the routes.

When plumbers and electricians collide! Had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Damon Blakemore from Blakemore Plumbing Heating and Renewables. We got into MCS and how that works (or sometimes doesn't) for electricians and plumbers. Along with the similarities we have in our trades from short course training, job proposals, miss selling, bad business practices, apprenticeship decline and the huge upside that comes with the renewable sector. It is great to hear from a small business owner in the trenches trying to make it work and deliver quality systems for consumers. I felt Damon's passion for his craft and lots of what he said really resonated with my own industry. It was interesting to hear the views we sometimes share in the electrical industry towards the gas safe model for example are not what we think! For anyone who wants to reach Damon check out his twitter profile and website below https://twitter.com/Damon_BPHR https://blakemoreplumbingandheating.co.uk/about-us

Designing CAT A and CAT B electrical installations, what are electrical safety first up to in 2024 and Mark’s solar installation video series!

Plus the IET standard 01, what is it, is it good? bad? Genius? We give our views!  

The Proteus tour/apprentice visit day is 6th of Feb in Telford, get in touch to join us! 

Richard and Craig join me to catch up and have a wide ranging chat!

 I loved chatting with the guys again after the Christmas and New Year break.

 The links to things discussed in the podcast can be found below!

 If you have a topic you want us to cover or want to come and talk on the podcast itself please do reach out!

 From the ESF WRAG which you can find out more about here https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/professional-resources/technical-e-news/the-wrag/

 

To the new NAPIT podcast here https://www.napit.org.uk/news/article/napit-launch-podcast.aspx

 

Along with the IET standard on PEN devices here https://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2023/96-july-2023/setting-a-new-iet-standard/

How to design electrical circuits/installations using software from industry leading ElectricalOM - Modecsoft. Super star Spencer Henry joins myself, Craig and Richard to demonstrate the power of electricalOM and how it can help us correctly design electrical systems. ElectricalOM is packed with so many features it is very hard to give fair coverage in a single podcast! From CAD to AC and DC designs, certifications, reports, schematics, charts, selectivity surveys, anticipated fault currents and wider test measurements. The team at Modecsoft are wonderful, accessible and want to deliver a product that works for electricians and the industry as a whole. My own view its unmatched at any level, Demetris and the team have done an incredible job and it is still evolving all the time! If you haven’t already make sure to check it out! If you are in education and would like to use the product please get in touch and we can help provide free educational licences. If you are a spark and you want to try the industry leading product you can for FREE for 14 days, link below. Huge thanks to Spencer, Richard and Craig for joining me on this Christmas Special! Thank you to everyone for the awesome support in 2023. Be that apprentices, trainees, electricians, trainers, employers, manufacturers and brands! I have loved it and cant wait for 2024! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A run through some of the things we achieved in 2023 and the awesome support from across industry and what we have planned for 2024. Christmas special next week with the team! It has been a fantastically enjoyable year and huge thanks to everyone for the support especially all those who appeared on the podcast! #teamsparks #apprentice121 #electricians

Dave comes back with the blockbuster finale to his sensational solar PV design example.

I loved sitting in on this one and its brilliant to see these podcasts close up at a personal level. I cant emphasize enough how much time and effort the guys have all put into these.

In my opinion the example put forward here by Dave is level 4 and anyone following along will hopefully get some value from it. That is why we have done these!

The files are on the website here for people to review and reference.

https://apprentice121.co.uk/solar-pv-design-scenario

Get involved in the chat around these and thank you!

We take a look at what Earthing and Bonding actually is and set out on a series to cover this and more! Also as its current we discuss the BS 7671 AMD3 Please get your comments in here https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2024-01247#/section IET webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WSqH9qatkI&pp=ygUDaWV0 CEF Tech talks AMD 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7eWUJoe5mI

Myself and Craig have podcasting royalty with us on this one. Sam from the  @ELECTRICIANSPODCAST  comes in to give his views alongside us. I have to give a massive thanks to Sam, Craig, Ricky, Neil, Jamie, Richard, David and the entire Apprentice 121 family for the awesome ECN finalist nomination. Its unlikely we will win with JTL and others in the same award, however just getting to that stage is INCREDIBLE. Not to forget all the trainees, trainers and employers! LEGENDS. In this one we delve into things training providers can consider to improve training that is delivered. Some of the horrific practices going on out in the training spaces. Most importantly how you can best navigate through that in the here and now. We hope it helps and please get involved in the comments!

The guys are back next to finish the design series off with a bang. Well hopefully not an actual bang lol. In this one I talk about some of the events coming up and the awesome experience of visiting the NET skills celebration at the o2 arena. Along with our cool nomination for an ECN award later this month! I also show a little bit of what we are up to at the academy and show you around. Free space for use by ALL. #apprentice121 #podcast

David and Richard the superstars from Electrical Safety First join me again to run through the design question set out 2 weeks ago. The files can be found here https://apprentice121.co.uk/solar-pv-design-scenario along with the prior introduction to the scenario! In this one we start the cable calculation and set the scene for the final twist coming in part 2 of the answers! We are taking our time with these as plenty are following along from level 2 onwards so apologies to those more advance who would prefer a quicker approach. Please get involved in the comments and join in the with the answers. This is all about encouraging people towards design at an early stage of learning and supporting those progressing along to level 4. Huge thanks to Richard and David once again, I loved it yet again!

Richard and David join me to set out another design scenario to work on. This time a solar PV system on agricultural premises! Centered on Davids experience from the solar industry. David goes into his career so far and how he ended up at Electrical Safety First. I loved this one and please do listen to the end and head over to the apprentice 121 website and download the files/take part! We will be back in 2 weeks to run through the answers and I am looking forward to it already! Richard and David have pulled out the stop again with this and I am super grateful for the support towards apprentice 121. You can find the ESF best practice guides here: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/professional-resources/best-practice-guides/ The design files can be found here