A new initiative to inspire and inform full time electrical students on industry opportunities and the routes to becoming qualified was launched this week by NET.
The ‘Future Faradays’ virtual conference, the first event under the initiative, was delivered using innovative technology where delegates from Barking and Dagenham College could select an avatar, explore the event, launch various resources and start online chat with the speakers.
Presentations from Ruth Devine of SJD Electrical and Andy Hider of ESG plc gave advice on becoming qualified, correct training paths, finding employment and what an employer looks for in a new employee or an apprentice.
Low carbon technologies and their growth was outlined by Luke Osborne from the ECA, whilst the exciting careers opportunities in data centres and network cabling was highlighted by Andrew Stevens of CNet Training.
After the presentation the learners took part in a fun and interactive Kahoot quiz and the winner received a prize of various items donated by Scolmore Group.
“No matter how much we say it in college, when you hear it from an employer the penny drops,” said Glenn Harris, Construction Employment and Skills Manager at Barking and Dagenham College. “That employer engagement was so helpful in bridging the gap between industry and education, to show the opportunities that are there. We’ve already had a number of learners asked to present their CVs, which is fantastic.”
NET has launched the Future Faradays initiative as one of its charitable projects to promote and support the industry, alongside the organisation of the SkillELECTRIC competition, the development of the new ‘Amped Up’ careers game and support for a number of campaigns via The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership, including the Electrical Careers website.
Originally planned as a face-to-face event, in light of ongoing Covid restrictions NET looked at how learners could still benefit from industry presentations and expertise in a virtual but fun environment that was different to the standard online meeting or webinar format.
“We’re delighted with the success of this first event and the positive feedback from the college,” said Carolyn Mason, Chief Executive of NET. “When industry champion Bob Noseda first presented this vision, NET was more than happy to make it a reality. We’ll continue to develop virtual Future Faradays projects but also introduce face-to-face events once allowed, so we can deliver an even more interactive experience for electrical learners.”
Other strands under the Future Faradays banner to be explored in the future are careers engagement with schools and events to encourage greater industry diversity and low carbon skills.
Find out more about Future Faradays here.
