The importance of training in the electrical industry

7th September 2015

In an increasingly evolving market, all electrical installers should be investing time in training according to Paul Collins, Project & Technical Support Manager at Hager UK

 

Constant product innovation and development, along with ever changing standards means keeping up-to-date with the latest technology, installation practices and the wiring regulations is vital. Often demanding new knowledge and skills from contractors and installers, these industry innovations, while exciting, mean it is more crucial than ever to invest time in training.

 

Current challenges

The next generation of installers are especially under pressure, as expectations on installation time and efficiency rise and products become more and more technically advanced. In order to maintain a competitive edge in this market, never mind stay up-to-date with required standards and retain compliance, training is essential.

 

It is important to acknowledge that regular training involves a significant commitment. Time spent training is time lost earning money and we must not lose track of the fact that many installers are smaller operations. Solutions to combat these issues can include online training and distance-training options or bite-size sessions held at various locations. The latter is something we find particularly works well. 

 

Electrical contractors and installers are also having to work harder than ever to retain and grow their businesses and people are a critical part of this, as building rapport with customers and having up-to-date product knowledge and experience is vital. Alongside maintaining industry and product knowledge, it has been shown that training leads to much higher levels of employee engagement and higher service levels*. Well trained and motivated staff are a vital ingredient in getting the most out of what business is out there – increasing your share of the available market and creating a point of difference from the competition through excellent service.

 

Little and often

Often, businesses can become intimidated by the pressure to constantly train its workforce but it is the the type and quality of training that is important. A small amount of well targeted and effective training can be better than lots of training that has little impact on the business. Being selective and choosing the right training also means time and costs are being utilised efficiently and waste is minimised.

 

Equipped for the role

At Hager UK, as part of Investors in people, we lead by example and invest in training. All Hager employees receive training that is relevant to their role, be it product, technical or customer service training. It is essential that everyone is aware of quality standards and industry benchmarks and we utilise our specialist training team to ensure the wider workforce is equipped with the best practical and technical knowledge.

 

As a leading supplier of electrical distribution solutions, Hager UK is also ideally placed to support the nation’s electrical installers by providing a comprehensive programme of training services, courses and seminars. We have eight team members employed and equipped to provide a variety of training in the different industry areas we offer, from Surge Protection Devices to Lighting Control.  We have a dedicated training facility at the UK headquarters in Telford, Shropshire and Hager experts also travel extensively across the UK to provide installers with tailored, technical advice.  What’s more, the majority of training programmes by Hager UK are registered and some contribute towards CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

 

In 2015 alone we have carried out more than 200 training seminars, with over 4,000 attendees. Within the last two years we have had 24 different training courses available, covering the breadth and depth of industry issues. When the 17^th edition came into force back in 2008, as well as leading more than 150 seminars and reaching over 3,500 installers, we also trained to the City & Guilds’ requirements for the 17^th edition; something no other electrical manufacturer was able to do.

 

Training focuses for 2015 and beyond

Currently, Hager UK is championing training around the upcoming Amendment 3 wiring regulations update, with almost 3,000 delegates attending more than 130 sessions across the country already this year. Following this, our focus will be on the Lighting Control Requirement for Building Regulation Part L2 and long-term, we will be leading the way in training for the 18^th Edition expected in the next five years.

 

Hager UK provides a range of training programmes free of charge. For more details on the Amendment 3 training programme and the wide range of courses and seminars available from Hager UK, visit www.hager.co.uk/training.

 

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