News & views from ESUK

In the vast landscape of modern industry, few sectors are as vital and potentially hazardous as the electrical industry. From power generation and transmission to installation and maintenance, the daily routines of electricians, technicians and engineers are woven with risks that demand a culture of vigilance, technical expertise, and proactive safety. Perhaps the most critical, and sometimes underestimated pillar in this edifice of safety is first aid training. Its importance cannot be overstated, not simply as a regulatory requirement but as a lifeline that empowers individuals to act swiftly and decisively in moments where every second counts. And when undertaking work on or near to electrical systems circumstances can change dramatically within a split second.

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, ensuring electrical safety is paramount. ESUK Core offers a diverse range of training programmes designed to equip professionals across various sectors with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain high safety standards.

Many years ago, I embarked on becoming a High Voltage Authorised Person, starting with attending a two-week theory and practical training session at a specialist residential training facility. I remember the food was first class and the training was second to none, with the tutors providing the perfect balance of emphasising the risks present and the reassurance that we could all succeed.

When I was at secondary school, I had three clear career paths in mind: become a Police Constable (now a police officer), become a Paramedic (a job role so new to the UK at the time that my careers advisor hadn’t even heard of it), or become a teacher.

We need to be aware of many rules and regulations within the Electrical Industry. Some rules and regulations are legal requirements that we must comply with, while others are not legally enforceable but give us details on what we must do to comply with the law.

Most of my electrical training has been completed face-to-face in a college or a training centre environment. My first degree was achieved through the Open University, which introduced me to the concept of directed self-study, completing workbooks and assignments, attending tutorials and workshops, and using online forums and webinars with the advent of the internet.