Many commentators will agree that the UK electrical contracting industry continues to decline. Fewer high-quality new entrants, absence of effective legislation and the growing dependency on unqualified, underqualified and self-designated electrical workers in extended sub-contract supply chains have weakened the industry.
SparkSafe is an independent, non-profit making charitable trust, established by a voluntary group of responsible employers with the aim of joining others in improving quality and raising standards in the national industry.
Our contribution to this effort has been the introduction and uptake by local government of the first online UK Electrical Licence to Practise system. The system validates the identity and proves the qualifications of electrical workers before uniquely connecting each worker to client specific projects. The system is further supported by an effective compliance auditing service for Clients. Our online and onsite auditing service reports are aimed at reporting directly to the client, the extent of compliance by the main contractor when deploying the workforce of the electrical sub-contractor.
During the period we have consulted with client organisations, industry bodies, employers, workers and others on the matter of Licence to Practise. We are delighted to confirm that our objective to build industry accord through collaboration, has been boosted by the very welcome endorsement and support of NAPIT. Speaking on behalf of ETT, Chairman Lewis Darragh said, “We are grateful for the outreach and support of NAPIT towards the development of the SparkSafe UK Electrical Licence to Practise model. NAPIT are progressive and collaborative in their approach to innovation and reform of the electrical contracting industry.”
NAPIT is one of the leading Government approved and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited membership scheme operators in the building services and fabric sector. The organisation has come to a considered position that favours the further development and extension of an independent UK Electrical Licence to Practise system. Support from NAPIT is based on the concept of providing increased levels of assurance to industry clients relating to the qualifications and competence of individuals within the UK’s Electrical Contracting industry.
The “The Electricians Exhibition” at the ELEX Show Harrogate was the venue chosen by NAPIT to confirm the valued endorsement and sign the Good for Industry Collaboration Agreement.
SparkSafe, CEO Derek Thompson, speaking at the ELEX Show Harrogate 2019 said, “SparkSafe, welcome the endorsement of NAPIT, for the development and extension of a client focussed UK Electrical Licence to Practise system. Through this endorsement, NAPIT set out to demonstrate their willingness to support, reform and modernise the industry on behalf of responsible employers and workers.”
SparkSafe Licence to Practise – Registered Charity: NIC101034
T: (NI/RoI) 0044 (0)28 2566 6835
E: enquiries@sparksafeltp.co.uk
W: www.sparksafeltp.co.uk
