Polypipe Building Services has appointed Sean Norris as Advantage Services Manager to drive the company’s focus on offsite prefabrication. Sean’s move across from his role as Product Manager within the Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation business follows a series of other senior appointments within Polypipe Building Services, as it increases
A big-hearted Scottish training officer has raised thousands of pounds for the industry charity which helped him face his own mental health issues. Frankie Greig, who oversees apprentices for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), cycled 324 miles from Venice to Milan in the Italian Lakes Cycle Event to
The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) was delighted to have returned to Coventry on the evening of Thursday 23rd October for the staging of its 6th Annual Awards Ceremony. With a record number of submissions across the seven categories, this year’s programme again produced some truly exceptional entries
Yorkshire’s leading facilities management company HE Barnes Ltd is preparing the celebrations for its 100th year in business. Established in 1923 by the pioneering Horace Edward Barnes, HE Barnes is a renowned business in Mechanical, Electrical, and turnkey Facilities Management Services with a group turnover in excess of £35 million. Since
According to recent research, a significant portion of office buildings in the United Kingdom do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation. David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, urges building owners and facilities managers to conduct thorough reviews of ventilation systems to fill in any gaps
Whitecode Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering, has been awarded the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Employer of the Year Award for 2023. The company was recognised at the CIBSE Young Engineer Awards ceremony, held at the Royal College of
Edwin James Group, a leading provider of multi-disciplinary engineering services, is nearing completion of a project to assist the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) in its £1.42 – £1.52 billion North London Heat and Power Project. The project aims to create the greenest Energy Recovery Facility in the country, along
The correct choice of cabling under the new building safety regime is critical in protecting lives and property, says AEI Cables. The company is highlighting the crucial part played by electrical safety systems including cabling in the development of higher risk buildings under the new Building Safety Act 2022 which
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest
Engineering students at UTC Heathrow got the rare opportunity to tour an operational CyrusOne data centre, seeing for themselves the racks of servers used to store computer data (email, website, online transactions, etc) for some of the biggest companies in the world, along with the electrical and mechanical equipment needed
Polypipe Building Services has appointed Sean Norris as Advantage Services Manager to drive the company’s focus on offsite prefabrication. Sean’s move across from his role as Product Manager within the Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation business follows a series of other senior appointments within Polypipe Building Services, as it increases its focus on providing sustainable solutions for customers. Having joined Polypipe in 2010 as a Business Development Representative, Sean brings with him extensive knowledge of the building services sector and strategic projects. In his new role he will oversee an ambitious growth plan for the company’s Advantage Service, which provides a bespoke fully fabricated drainage and supply systems solution for specifiers and contractors. Sean said: “Everyone is talking about the importance of offsite and modular construction which is our biggest challenge and the largest opportunity for us. “As a business we want to work more closely with developers and contractors to consider the challenges they face and how we can support – for example by implementing product development such as pre-insulating pipework to make installation easier. “Because we can offer bespoke fabrication in-house at Polypipe Building Services the opportunities are endless, with offsite fabrication frequently being chosen as a preferred construction method by hotel chains and pub groups. The challenge for us is to understand how we need to evolve our products and processes to meet their needs. “We’re aiming to expand the Advantage Service into next year and beyond, growing our 30-strong technical and fabrication teams. Additionally, I’ll be looking to simplify our processes to align with our customer’s needs.” Ian Crickmore, Technical Director of Polypipe Building Services, commented: “Sean is a very welcome addition to the Advantage team and will play a key role in shaping the direction of our prefabricated service. “Offsite construction will play a vital part within the construction sector as specifiers are being challenged to do more with less, while still delivering on quality and sustainability standards. “It’s also a more environmentally friendly option because it minimises waste, which ties into our commitment as part of the Genuit Group to become a sustainable, low-carbon business, and to deliver sustainable solutions.” For more information about all the latest products at Polypipe Building Services go to www.polypipe.com/commercial-building-services Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A big-hearted Scottish training officer has raised thousands of pounds for the industry charity which helped him face his own mental health issues. Frankie Greig, who oversees apprentices for the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), cycled 324 miles from Venice to Milan in the Italian Lakes Cycle Event to raise money in aid of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The dad-of-three, who looks after young learners at West College Scotland, Paisley Campus, said he undertook the gruelling challenge to repay the charity after it helped him with his own wellbeing. Frankie, 41, said: “The EIC is all about helping people when they need it most and I’ve benefited from their support as I suffer from poor mental health. “I know that the EIC has also done a lot for my apprentices as well as some of the adult trainees at West College Scotland so I’m delighted I can give something back to the charity for its support.” During the five-day challenge in October, Frankie said he learned quickly to go at his own pace and the tactic worked as he successfully completed the trek, raising £2,880 for the EIC. He revealed: “There was a big hill every day and they ranged from not bad to really steep then on to pretty vicious. I think the first day was the worst as the road just kept on climbing for seven miles. “However, it was the best feeling when we got to the top and could then freewheel down the other side at 30-40mph giving your legs a welcome rest.” He said: “Personally, I got a great deal from my experience in Italy and although I was slower than the rest of the guys and struggled more on the hills, I got over the finish line and I’m proud of that. “It made me realise I shouldn’t have worried about too many things – I just needed to focus on what’s important, rather than worry about all the miles ahead. “There were times I doubted I could complete the challenge but every evening I was buoyed up by the messages of support on social media from my family, colleagues and friends in the industry. “I would encourage anyone in the electrical world that has considered taking part in one of these challenges to sign up and help the EIC continue the amazing work they do. “I would like to thank SELECT and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and all their members, and everyone who sponsored me and supported me through this challenge, not forgetting SECTT. I couldn’t have done it without them. “It was an amazing trip and I saw some beautiful sights, but I can assure you it was anything but a holiday.” Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Many congratulations to Frankie in completing this exhausting challenge. We applaud too his personal courage in being willing to speak out about issues which sometimes, tragically, remain hidden. “The electrical sector, and the construction industry as a whole, has become much more aware of the importance of mental health, especially since the pandemic, and has redoubled its efforts to support our people and maintain their wellbeing. “I’m sure Frankie’s story will be an inspiration to many in the industry and the money will be used by the EIC to support others needing help.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) was delighted to have returned to Coventry on the evening of Thursday 23rd October for the staging of its 6th Annual Awards Ceremony. With a record number of submissions across the seven categories, this year’s programme again produced some truly exceptional entries from right across the electro-mechanical arena. The Doubletree by Hilton, ideally situated at the M6/M69 intersection, once again played host to the gala presentation dinner, during which professional endeavour, product innovation, skills development, engineering prowess and service delivery were all acknowledged and celebrated. Operated by the AEMT and produced by Touchwave Media, the awards programme acknowledges the skill, effort and sheer dedication of the people and businesses serving today’s complex electrical and mechanical service, maintenance, and repair sector. With sponsorship provided by a host of leading industry names, well deserved industry-wide recognition was given to those businesses and individuals that are excelling in their professional endeavours. The 2023 AEMT Awards Winners are as follows: – PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by DFA MEDIA GROUP Menzel Motors: Pressurized Explosion Proof Motors for Zone 1 Customers that operate larger Motors in Hazardous Areas, typically refineries and chemical plants need to prevent ignitable gasses from entering operating machines. The Menzel system allows large Modular Motor operation in Zone 1 CACA or CACW, normally from 450mm frames and larger at all voltage ratings, combining Menzel’s well known flexibility, expertise, and speed of response with the requirements for Zone 1 Operation. Custom built to site requirements and highest safety standards. Highly qualified staff ensure that Menzel can respond at very short notice: With EXP systems in stock readily adaptable and deployable at short notice this is a unique feature for a medium-sized motor manufacturer such as Menzel. PROJECT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by EMiR SOFTWARE MKE Engineering Group: Browndown Pumping Station The project took place at a water utility company pumping station that was experiencing frequent tripping of equipment. Originally commissioned in the 1970’s it was in desperate need of an upgrade. Using ABB Ultra Low Harmonic drives potential issues with harmonics have been mitigated, whilst providing a clean user-friendly operating system. Feedback from the customer has been excellent, not for just the elimination of the rogue tripping but also for the sizeable energy savings. SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YEAR Sponsored by ABB Avonmouth Engineering Services Avonmouth Engineering Services’ custom built 70,000 square foot site is the largest single workshop facility for electrical and mechanical repairs in the UK. Alongside its second 20,000 square foot division in Cheltenham, the company provides an extensive range of inhouse and onsite services for the repair, overhaul, and upgrade of electromechanical technologies across the entire rotodynamic industry, with a special focus on reliability services and the pump industry. SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by MEGGER TEC Electric Motors TEC motors currently hold over £16 million pounds worth of Power Transmission stock in the UK, all available for immediate same day shipping; whether the requirement is a 0.09kw or a 645kw motor, a compact frame, a B56 or Brake motor, as UK’s largest independent electric motor stockist, TEC has the product. In over 18 years the company has sold over 1.5 million motors providing 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency solution to all AEMT members. CONTRIBUTION TO SKILLS & TRAINING Sponsored by SULZER Ian Pattinson: The Faraday Centre Ian, a devoted member of the Faraday Centre Limited for 23 years, began his engineering journey at English Electric, honing his expertise before transitioning to impactful roles at British Steel. Passionate about Power Distribution and Transformers, he later became a High Voltage lecturer dedicating himself to safety and education globally. Ian’s legacy encompasses exceptional teaching, consultancy, and an enduring commitment to shaping engineers and fostering a safety driven industry culture. RISING STAR AWARD Sponsored by TEC ELECTRIC MOTORS Josh Bottomley: EMiR Josh Bottomley is Team Manager for Hosted Services and EMiR Support. Josh manages a team of support engineers who provide technical and maintenance support for EMiR Software and EMiR-Cloud, the electro-mechanical industry’s leading ERP software solution. Over the last 4 years, Josh has gone from unqualified apprentice to EMiR Support Team Leader and now heads up a team of support engineers, inspiring them to perform at the highest levels and trying hard to improve our service every day. DIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING AWARD Sponsored by PREFORMED WINDINGS Hidrostal: Incorporating Avonmouth Engineering Services, Bedford Pumps & Hidrostal At Hidrostal GB, ED&I is embedded into its culture. From recruitment to career development, alongside everyday life at work, the company ensures that its employees feel supported, valued, and accommodated whatever their individual needs. As part of the UK Home Office sponsorship scheme, Hidrostal has a strong focus on wellbeing with EAP Programmes, MHFAiders and Wellness rooms onsite. Its Diversity & Equal Opportunities policy has been adopted by the AEMT as a blueprint for others. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Sponsored by AEMT Dave Beresford: Preformed Windings This year, the AEMT is honoured to recognise Mr. Dave Beresford with the AEMT Special Recognition Award for his exemplary performance throughout his career. He started his career as a time served winder back in the sixties progressing to works manager and took responsibility for moving his then business to Newcastle. He has conducted various roles including technical manager, technical sales, and coil shop manager. His sense of community is highlighted by the positive connections made all over the world. Just by mentioning his name you are bound to bring a smile to those who he has worked with and known throughout the decades. His dedication to sustainability and quality has led him to innovate techniques such as press cooling and chiller insulation when forming coils. These improved processes have led to increased efficiency and reduced waste. Most of all, his enthusiasm to share knowledge and educate apprentices, colleagues and customers alike really resonated with the AEMT’s management committee. It exemplifies the values the AEMT holds true to its heart – education, community, and quality. Commenting on the awards
Yorkshire’s leading facilities management company HE Barnes Ltd is preparing the celebrations for its 100th year in business. Established in 1923 by the pioneering Horace Edward Barnes, HE Barnes is a renowned business in Mechanical, Electrical, and turnkey Facilities Management Services with a group turnover in excess of £35 million. Since its inception, the business has grown over 10 decades to become the force it is today. Innovation has played an important role in the organisation’s development and is integral to its success. New products and services have opened opportunities and introductions to fresh markets. Embracing new processes and emerging technology has also dramatically changed the organisation, setting the stage to continue being a future-looking business. To mark the centennial year, HE Barnes will be hosting a charity ball on Friday 17 November at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel. As well as celebrating the achievement of 100 years in business, the event also aims to raise funds for local charity Sheffield Futures which supports young people getting into training, education, or work. Nigel Pollard Managing Director of HE Barnes said “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be working within HE Barnes, as we celebrate 100th year of trading. Expansion of our hard and soft facilities management division means that our customers can now receive a complete turnkey solution with support every step of the way. The combination of this means that buildings can be managed effectively ensuring our customers are able to maximise business productivity. “The entire business prides itself on keeping the same ethos that Horace had when he first started the business all those years ago. Seeking opportunities, adapting to change, growing, and evolving with integrity. “We have our own unique story derived from our actions and our people over time, and we have never strayed away from Horace’s vision. This centennial year reminds us what we have always stood for and what makes us and that is our great is our people. “As we celebrate our accomplishments, we also recognise our valued colleagues, customers, and supply chain partnerships as we strive to maintain our position as a leader in the industry. We recognise that our achievements are the result of your hard work. Your unwavering support in our day-to-day operations has helped to fuel growth and expansion, and we are excited to continue building on these successes together.” For more information about HE Barnes Ltd services please visit www.hebarnes.com, call 0114 275 1210 or email enquiries@hebarnes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
According to recent research, a significant portion of office buildings in the United Kingdom do not meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) legislation. David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, urges building owners and facilities managers to conduct thorough reviews of ventilation systems to fill in any gaps in compliance with the MEES and also Part F of the Building Regulations. Leading UK property consultancy Carter Jonas conducted research revealing only 31.6% of the office stock currently meets the minimum proposed MEES standard of EPC band C or better, which is needed by 2027. Even more concerning, a mere 8.3% of office stock sits in EPC band B, which is the minimum MEES requirement by 2030[1]. With the tightening of MEES regulations, a substantial proportion of office buildings could be unlettable by 2027 unless necessary upgrades are carried out. Following this revelation, David encourages building services stakeholders to look into how ventilation systems are performing. David said: “Keeping a close eye on energy consumption related to ventilation systems can not only help quickly identify performance issues but also contribute to overall sustainability efforts. Addressing these inefficiencies translates into reduced operational costs and a more environmentally friendly operation that complies with the MEES. “We encourage building owners and facilities managers to collaborate with ventilation experts, to pinpoint areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made. As MEES regulations continue to evolve, the need for proactive action becomes increasingly evident. Taking these steps now secures the long-term sustainability and marketability of non-residential properties while providing more comfortable and energy-efficient spaces for tenants.” To meet the impending legislative requirements of MEES, it is essential to also align operations with other regulations such as Part F of the Building Regulations, which governs ventilation, stresses David. One uplift that came during the uplift of the regulations last year is that it is now required for CO2 monitors to be installed to measure air quality in new build office spaces[2]. “At the same time of conducting a review, we advise that to maintain optimal indoor air quality and be compliant with Part F, continuous monitoring is essential, especially in populated spaces such as offices. Although CO2 monitoring is only mandated for new build offices, we encourage everybody to install these systems as they provide lots of other benefits and can help define indoor air quality strategies,” said David. “Monitors provide continuous tracking of crucial indoor air quality parameters. Last year, we launched our partnership with Airthings for this reason to allow building and facilities managers to track CO2 levels, particulate matter, noise levels, relative humidity, temperature, relative light intensity and more. Moreover, the Airthings systems receive constant improvements and over-the-cloud upgrades directly to the device, ensuring accurate and up-to-date data.” “This approach not only promotes occupant health and enhanced productivity but also ensures compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. By combining efficient ventilation system management with continuous indoor air quality monitoring, building owners and facilities managers can create safer, healthier, and more sustainable indoor environments,” concludes David. To find out more about air quality monitoring solutions click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitecode Consulting, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering, has been awarded the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Employer of the Year Award for 2023. The company was recognised at the CIBSE Young Engineer Awards ceremony, held at the Royal College of Engineers on 12th October 2023, demonstrating Whitecode’s dedication to nurturing young engineering talent and promoting the engineering profession. CIBSE’s Employer of the Year award acknowledges companies that excel in the training and development of young engineers. Whitecode Consulting was honoured as the overall winner of the small business category, exemplifying its commitment to the professional growth of its young engineers. Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode stated, “At Whitecode, we are highly committed to the training and progression of our talented pool of young engineers who will not only contribute to our organisation but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of engineering. A huge well done to our entire team for helping us to achieve this brilliant accomplishment.” Whitecode’s emphasis on education is made evident through its “Apprenticeship-to-Directorship” approach which offers structured career paths for young engineers. Jason Tramontano, Whitecode’s Technical Director, who is also a former degree apprentice, has spearheaded the company’s CIBSE Training and Development Scheme alongside Katie Maxwell, Human Resources Manager. This initiative, launched in 2021, seeks to receive full CIBSE accreditation, providing employees with a structured route to becoming engineers and gaining CIBSE membership. Moreover, to ensure the continuous growth of its engineers, Whitecode consistently invests in training and development, with 30% of staff undergoing training at any given time. The company frequently runs internal training sessions and attends external CPDs to support the development of its engineers. Likewise, Higher education is a priority for Whitecode, with several trainees currently attending the London South Bank University (LSBU) pursuing Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) courses. Notably, three trainee engineers achieved BEng Degrees with First Class Honors, with their accomplishments formally recognised within the company, including Amy Webb, who received an award for Best Dissertation and has since been promoted to Intermediate Sustainability Consultant. Whitecode’s promotion of engineering as a viable career choice extends to its Apprenticeship Scheme, where the company actively engages with local schools. As a testament to its efforts, Whitecode has trained a total of 60 engineers through degree apprenticeships over 28 years, creating a positive impact on students’ lives and the engineering industry. Mikolaj Ogorek, a Junior Building Services Engineer at Whitecode, shared his experience: “Whitecode’s commitment to nurturing the professional growth of its young engineers is clear from the moment you step into the company. Whitecode is generously sponsoring my Bachelor of Engineering degree, giving me a strong foundation for my career, and has also encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Degree in the future if it aligns with my professional goals.” The CIBSE Employer of the Year award reflects the company’s ambition to support the next generation of engineers and promote diversity and equality within the industry, presenting Whitecode as an exemplary employer that truly values and invests in its talent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Edwin James Group, a leading provider of multi-disciplinary engineering services, is nearing completion of a project to assist the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) in its £1.42 – £1.52 billion North London Heat and Power Project. The project aims to create the greenest Energy Recovery Facility in the country, along with state-of-the-art recycling facilities. Working together, group companies EJ Parker Technical Services and EJ Peak Technology Solutions delivered complex projects totalling over £37m, covering comprehensive mechanical and electrical (M&E) services, extensive automation and control implementation and the largest solar array in North London. EJ Parker Technical Services was responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of wide-ranging M&E works. These included lighting, venting and AC, security and fire suppression, waste management, and rainwater collection. The team also installed 2,235 solar modules and 11 Solis Inverters that will produce renewable energy, equivalent to powering 300 homes a year. The implementation of this sustainable energy solution is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 334,602 kg per year, equivalent to the impact of planting 8,830 trees annually. EJ Peak Technology Solutions was engaged to collate a comprehensive control philosophy for the site, including electrical and fibre optic network design, systems architecture, and various aspects of the infrastructure. The team consulted with all package vendors in order to design and integrate their systems into the new bespoke SCADA (Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition) system and ensured that all logistical movements and efficient site operational needs were met whilst complying with necessary legislative requirements. Subsequently, Peak was commissioned to carry out the entire works scope, based on the approved design, including a new site-wide PLC control system, new SCADA build/deployment, and full design/integration of the new site-wide BMS system. Commenting on the project, Christopher Kehoe, CEO, Edwin James Group, said: “Given the complex and regulated nature of the project, the combined efforts of both companies have been crucial in its successful execution. We believe in harnessing innovative technologies and collaborative teamwork for a greener future and are proud to support the North London Waste Authority in its mission to establish the greenest waste hub in the country. Together, we are setting new standards for waste management, renewable energy generation, and carbon reduction.” The project was awarded by Taylor Woodrow as part of a major contract to deliver the first Reuse and Recycling Centre open to the public at the site. Edmonton EcoPark is a waste management site of approximately 38 acres. The existing Energy from Waste facility is coming to the end of its life, having served north London for over 50 years. The redevelopment aims to generate electricity for 127,000 homes, provide hot water and heating for 60,000, and improve air quality using advanced technology, saving the carbon equivalent of removing 110,000 cars annually. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The correct choice of cabling under the new building safety regime is critical in protecting lives and property, says AEI Cables. The company is highlighting the crucial part played by electrical safety systems including cabling in the development of higher risk buildings under the new Building Safety Act 2022 which is now in force. For the construction industry and electrical safety systems, it means an overhaul in existing regulations with clear guidelines on the construction and management of higher risk buildings. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We cannot stress enough that the changes under this legislation cover the whole supply chain including electrical safety systems and cabling. “Ensuring the correct selection of cabling has been made will be a fundamental part of safety in the systems installed into high-risk buildings. We are happy to provide guidance on these issues as the wrong choice could compromise whole systems. “This is an opportunity for the electrical safety industry to work together wherever relevant through the supply chains. If these systems fail because the cable is not able to function properly then the consequences are apparent.” The systems powered by electrical cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. The new Building Safety Act 2022 has been developed as a new framework for the design, construction and occupation of higher risk buildings. These buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in height and comprise of at least two domestic premises. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest construction trade association said that young people gain a thorough and rigorous grounding in quality and site safety via industry recognised apprenticeships. And he said that regulation of the electrical industry and protection of title for suitably qualified electricians was also essential to maintain and improve standards and safety in consumers’ homes. Alan told listeners: “The fact is that awareness of safety starts at the very beginning, and that means with apprentices, which is why our industry has run a successful electrical apprenticeship programme for many years. “This year, we have recruited almost 900 apprentices which is testament to the businesses in Scotland who put their faith in young people and as adults they take on. That’s where safety starts. “These people go through a proper apprenticeship. It’s not one of these short apprentice programmes which lasts six months or a year. It’s four-year programme in which the apprentices attend college and receive comprehensive health and safety training.” Alan also used his appearance on the show on Sunday 10 September to outline the importance of protection of title for electricians – a campaign which SELECT has been spearheading for many years. He said people were now talking about the electrification of society through heating, lighting, cars, computers and day-to-day devices, so it was increasingly vital that work was done by qualified electricians. Alan said: “Electricians do safety-critical work and if they get it wrong it can have potentially life-ending consequences for them or the people they do the work for. It’s not overstating the situation to say that work carried out by unqualified people can be fatal. “There are some 70 protected titles, from obvious ones like teachers, dentists and nurses to other trades like farriers and nightclub bouncers. So if you want to shoe a horse in the UK, you need to have qualifications and it’s a protected title, yet that doesn’t apply to electricians. “If electricians had protection of title, people would know that if someone came to their door claiming to be an electrician then they could confirm they were qualified. “We are trying to get rid of people who have no training – it’s about protecting the public and the perception of the industry.” SELECT has been campaigning for regulation for years alongside the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and has created a Wall of Support to show the depth of support from individuals and organisations. Recent additions include Foysol Choudhury MSP, SELECT Associate Members Building Safety Group, LINIAN, Flexel and Hager andmember firms Stirling Electrical Services, RW Bell, John McNicol & Co and FT Davidson. As well as more than a third of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include the Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the and the Energy Saving Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Engineering students at UTC Heathrow got the rare opportunity to tour an operational CyrusOne data centre, seeing for themselves the racks of servers used to store computer data (email, website, online transactions, etc) for some of the biggest companies in the world, along with the electrical and mechanical equipment needed to support such important infrastructure. Shortly before school broke for the holidays, seven engineering students visited CyrusOne’s LON1 site based in Slough, where they met Jacob Dowsett, Regional Operations Director, and Steve Hayward, Vice President European Operations. Jacob was especially inspirational, telling the students about his unconventional path into his role: “What we are hoping to do is shed light on this industry and make the route for your generation more straight forward,” he said. The purpose of the tour was to support the learning these students have been doing on the data services industry as part of their Engineering BTEC course through the Digital Futures Programme. This programme, unique to UTC Heathrow, is designed to open opportunities for students to explore an array of careers within the data services industry, as well as equipping them for other technical careers. Although the programme has been running since 2021, this is the first time any of the students have visited a fully operational data centre. Having made sure that their clients were happy with the students being shown around, CyrusOne were delighted to offer the inaugural tour. CyrusOne’s Jacob Dowsett explained how vital it is for students to be able to see the workings of the data centre in person. “It’s so important for the students to be able to visualise these data centres and see for themselves. Obviously, it’s data sensitive, really high security, but without these experiences – showing the students what’s actually inside the data centre and what engineering roles there are, they’re not going to want to join the industry. They need to see things up and running and see themselves doing it.” On the day, students were shown a short presentation on what happened at the data centre (which the students were already pretty clued up on), before starting the ‘electrical tour’. Much to the students’ delight, this involved the big switch on of a power generator. It was big and loud – the boys loved it naturally! They were shown how it worked by an engineer – but it wasn’t a passive watch. Like all good school trips, the students were armed with a clipboard containing questions they were required to answer. This meant they were actively engaged, listening to the engineers and most importantly learning. The second part of the tour looked at the mechanical side – the cooling system. Data centre servers generate a lot of heat, so all require some kind of cooling mechanism, in this case an Adiabatic* cooling system. Kitted out with boots, hi-vis and lanyards, the students got to really visualise how a data centre works. They spoke to some of the engineers, asking intelligent questions about how the equipment works and what engineers at CyrusOne do – and what the earning potential is. Something that really gave the students food for thought was the company’s vision of a sustainable future and what they could do to be a part of that. CyrusOne’s Hanna Chegrouche, Marketing Coordinator said: “I think the younger generation need to feel valued in industry and feel like they’re part of a bigger impact. So while we were talking about the now of being an engineer, we were also talking about the headwinds that we face and how engineers have a big part to play. We looked at our new facility, LON6, through a VR headset experience and I think they were surprised – it looks so different to what you perceive a data centre to look like, with the biodiverse surrounding areas and timber framed interior, you won’t even think that was a data centre city at all.” For many of the students who were already considering a career in the sector after school, this tour made them even more determined! ALET Project Coordinator Candace Rose Kumi, who is based at UTC Heathrow said: “The advice given to students was fantastic, they left feeling inspired and wanting to know more about the industry. They gained a better understanding of electrical and mechanical equipment within a data centre as well as the future works.” One of the students, Lucas, went on: “This was a great opportunity and has helped me to decide that I would love to start a career in the data centre industry. Everyone was very enthusiastic and informative, and I am very grateful to the CyrusOne team for this experience.” Summing up, another of the visiting students, Yaseen, said: “I found the trip to be fascinating because of the orderliness of such a complex operation. Everything was so under control to the point where any issue they have is predictable and resolvable in seconds, if not minutes, and I found this to be an inspiration for how I should maximise efficiency in my day-to-day life. I was surprised to see how relaxed everyone was given that if the servers were to go down it would cost them thousands of pounds, but I think they are so organised that they never need to worry. They were very welcoming and willing to explain any questions we had and went out of their way to make it a great day for us.” . Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
