12 trainees have started their professional training in a M&E Consultancy in Solihull. Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW) has welcomed the trainees, who will specialise in an array of areas, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, lighting, public health and finance. Moreover, they will also have the opportunity to complete industry-recognised qualifications,
Most recently the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, amongst the most highly regarded and historic awards within the industry, has seen a fresh launch and look. Aiming to catch the interest of the modern engineer and electrocution, the award has been adapted to appeal to a more technical, technology-focused audience. Having
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
12 trainees have started their professional training in a M&E Consultancy in Solihull. Couch Perry Wilkes (CPW) has welcomed the trainees, who will specialise in an array of areas, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, lighting, public health and finance. Moreover, they will also have the opportunity to complete industry-recognised qualifications, as well as receive in-house mentoring from the firm’s experienced team. “I really enjoyed studying lighting within an interior design module as part of my course so I was particularly interested in the opportunity of a trainee role at CPW advertised through my university,” said Danielle Smith, the firm’s new trainee lighting designer, who recently graduated from Birmingham City University with a degree in textiles design. “Lighting design takes my existing skillset one step further as you have to ensure the end product not only looks great but is also functional and viable. Bringing my creativity into an engineering world gives a fresh perspective which I think CPW really like. “We’ve learnt so much already on the training programme. I have been on site visiting projects and speaking to clients, which has been brilliant. Engineering isn’t very well promoted to women which needs to change as it’s definitely not just a man’s industry – so far I’ve loved every second,” she added. The Director at CPW, Wayne Eustace, also commented on the company’s commitment to supporting the youth in the industry. “”We pride ourselves in being ahead of the curve in supporting the next generation of engineers, offering traineeships, apprenticeships and vocational training as well as offering mentoring opportunities throughout colleges and universities across the country.” “Many of our past trainees have achieved high grades in their qualifications, which really highlights how much of an impact mentoring can have on young engineers throughout their academic studies,” Wayne concluded.
Most recently the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, amongst the most highly regarded and historic awards within the industry, has seen a fresh launch and look. Aiming to catch the interest of the modern engineer and electrocution, the award has been adapted to appeal to a more technical, technology-focused audience. Having been run since 1975, the awards exist to apprentices and trainees to reap credit for their work, thus facilitating their ascension up the career ladder within the electrotechnical sector; naturally, a range of prizes are offered also. It won’t be until June that regional winners will, in fact be announced, however anticipation is rife over the newly relaunched awards. Following on from the announcement, judging will then be undertaken over the course of summer, with a winner finally being decided in September and presented in front of leaders within the industry as well as other entrants – an exciting event to say the least. As Edmundson Electrical has a proud running history of investing back into its workforce, it is no surprise that the organisation continues to strive to support those entering the industry on an apprentice or trainee level. “People make a company and people make an industry,” explained Gordon Love, Managing Director of Edmundson Electrical, and this statement flows though the backbone of the awards, set to identify those people making a difference. In addition, the awards also showcase the excellent level of workmanship which employers might hope to employ through finding apprentices of their own, which is something traditionally heralded as a way forward in the present times of skill shortages. Keen to encourage more individuals to pursue a profession in the industry is Steve Bratt, Chief Executive of ECA who highlights the “misleading impressions” put into the minds of people about the opportunities available in the wider industry. It is hoped that, through the awards, awareness may be improved as to the real opportunities available improve interaction with aspiring professionals. He added that the awards represent a: “Fantastic way of recognising the achievements of young people in our member companies.”
