An NICEIC registered contractor is giving away his van to set up a fund for apprentice electricians.
Thomas Nagy, who runs a Youtube channel showcasing his electrical work in and around London, came up with the idea after deciding to get a new van for his business.
Thomas commented: “With new laws surrounding emission levels in central London I have had to look at getting a new more eco-friendly van.
“Normally, I would just look to trade in the old van but to be honest I have had it since new and it has served me well so I thought why not try and do something different.
“A new van can be a major cost for someone just trying to make a start in the sector and so hopefully it will be put to good use.”
He estimates the old van, which is fully racked out, is worth around £4000. It will also come complete with a brand new toolkit, courtesy of ITS Tools, which is worth £400 alone.
The prize skill competition requires visitors to his site to answer a simple question and pay £5 to be in with a chance of winning the van. The competition has raised more than £5,000 already and will run until November 4.
Thomas is going to donate the proceeds from the competition to a bursary fund specifically for young apprentices who need a hand to make a start in the sector. He has asked NICEIC to help facilitate the fund.
Paul Collins, Communications Manager at NICEIC, said: “Thomas got in touch and told us about the idea we were only too delighted to try and help.
“It is a great idea and a very generous gesture that will give something back to the industry – particularly apprentices who often find the cost of just getting started very prohibitive.”
NICEIC already runs its own Jobs for the Girls bursary which aims to give young women, who are under-represented in the electrical industry, a helping hand.
The Thomas Nagy apprentice fund will be run in a similar format with young apprentices able to apply for a certain amount of funding to help them with tools, training, or other associated costs. More details will be available in January 2019 when the bursary fund opens.
To enter the prize skill competition visit Thomas’ fundraising page at https://www.gofundme.com/the-big-van-giveaway
