Electrical Contracting News (ECN) September 2017 | Page 27

TRAINING HNC AND HND QUALIFICATIONS – A FIRST FOR THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY This September will see the first ever Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in lighting taught in the UK through the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and the University of South Wales (USW). The LIA announced its Julie Prior, associate head of school, partnership with USW in faculty of business & society, USW, LIA July last year, with an aim CEO Steve Davies and Stuart Green, to provide new opportunities principal lecturer, faculty of computing, for collaboration in both engineering & science, USW teaching and learning. The introduction of a HNC and a HND in Lighting Design and Technology will provide the first qualifications at this level in the UK to attract new talent and develop existing careers within the lighting industry. The courses will be delivered between the LIA Academy in Telford and the USW campus in Pontypridd recognising the state of the art facilities at both sites. Modules delivered at the Academy in Telford will be led by the LIA’s established team of expert tutors, who have all gained ‘Recognised Teacher Status’ from USW. Upon successful completion of the HND course, the students will have the opportunity to progress to a full BSc (Hons) Lighting Design and Technology at USW. Stuart Green, course leader of Lighting and Design Technology at USW, said, ‘The introduction of these qualifications provides a new pathway for individuals already working in the industry to strengthen and cement their learning.’ NICEIC and ELECSA’s ever popular TechTalks are now in their tenth year – and the number of contractors attending each event continues to grow. The hot topic for the next series will be the upcoming 18th Edition of the wiring regulations, which is due to be released in July 2018. TechTalk host and industry expert Darren Staniforth will be discussing what contractors can expect to see in the updated regulations and explaining some of the reasons for the changes. Other subjects on the agenda include arc fault detection devices, EICR codings and fire safety standards. Darren commented, ‘TechTalks give us the opportunity to go around the country and speak to our contractors about the latest happenings within the industry and find out first hand the issues they want us to look at.’ Attendees will also be able to access special deals, try out some of the latest products and get plenty of technical advice from some of the industry’s biggest names who will be exhibiting at each event. For further information visit: www.shop.niceic.com/events System 106 – modular and flexible door stations as part of the Gira door communication system The Gira System 106 is a modular door communication system with a refined, minimalist design and slim-line construction. It is based on modules, which can be combined flexibly and arranged vertically, horizontally, or in squares. A choice of three materials is available for the design fronts: stainless steel, aluminium, or metal painted in traffic white. Cutting-edge technology is concealed behind the stylish yet robust surfaces – providing convenience and security, and lending your door an elegant appearance. The Gira System 106 can be combined with the Gira home stations. Gira offers the complete door communication system for indoors and outdoors. The Gira System 106 has won numerous accolades for its design and operation, including the Iconic Award 2014 and the Plus X Award 2014. More information: www.gira.com/system106 For further information visit: www.thelia.org.uk and www.southwales.ac.uk TECHTALKS RETURN FOR TENTH SEASON 206750_Anz_Gira_TS106_224x159_EN.indd 1 21.07.17 10:20