After being nominated by Milton Keynes College; we were Highly Commended for Apprenticeship Training at the LSC South East Learning Skills Awards 2009 in the Small Employer of the Year category!
This commendation is fantastic recognition of the hard work and commitment to training by everyone at SJD, and especially to all our Advanced Apprentices.
We signed to the Skills Pledge in June 2008 to underline our commitment to investing in our employees, ensuring everyone has the best skills to serve our customers and drive business growth. It’s a big commitment in terms of time and support, but the results are worth it! Our electricians are more motivated, driven and see a future with our company. We have already seen improved loyalty and greater individual responsibility.
We’re proud of our strong links with Milton Keynes College. Our future recruitment will be conducted via the college simply because the standard they deliver is exceptional. It’s a huge honour to reach the final; we’re thrilled to have done so well.
Presentation at the Awards Ceremony, from left to right: Claudia Winkleman, Nikki Froud (Nikki Froud Hairdressing, joint runner-up), Ruth Devine, Norman Boyland (Chair of LSC South East)
In September 2008 SJD placed six electricians with MK College to complete their Advanced Apprenticeships including NVQ Level 3, Key Skills and AM2 skills test. Additionally Chris the Quality Manager bravely started his NVQ level 3 in Management (at 54 years of age).
Most electricians only do their 3 years at college to become technically qualified, but SJD wanted to push their electricians forward to achieve all they could and demonstrate competence in the workplace. Some will go on to Higher Education next year.
The Lynx effect…
We like to work with and support local businesses wherever we can, and have formed a really great working relationship with Alan Bullen of Lynx Networks. Our like-minded approach to business & customer service means that we are both happy & confident to refer work to one another. We’ve both built up enormous trust with our clients, and it’s great to be able to refer someone you know who will look after your clients in areas you can’t, to the standard you want them to enjoy.
Lynx have 20 years experience working with customers to provide industry-leading quality in all aspects of PC networking and computer services. Whether it’s a complete multi-server solution or just the data cabling or wireless networking aspects, their team of over 30 in-house technicians are trained and qualified to deliver. http://www.lynxdatacabling.co.uk
Midnight Moo for Willen – MK’s first ladies only sponsored Midnight Walk!
MK Midnight Moo is Willen Hospice’s biggest fundraising event and our very own Ruth has volunteered to take part! The moo helps raise vital funds that Willen Hospice needs to continue providing care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
We had our annual NICEIC inspection recently (passed again!)…
...and after testing the new distribution board we had installed for a customer, the inspector noticed one of their employees using power tools outside, utilising several extension leads plugged in to an internal socket in another part of the building. When we asked the clients they said they usually used that socket and wanted to continue. We then installed a Residual Current Device (RCD). The inspector was then happy because the circuit must be protected by an RCD to safeguard against the risk of death through electric shock. This is a requirement of the latest 17th edition wiring regs - BS7671:2008.
Our customer has now had an RCD socket installed and is reassured that they are doing everything required to protect their employees.
NICEIC – a bit of info
NICEIC has been assessing the technical competence of contractors for over 50 years. Their aim is to protect everyone who uses electricity from unsafe electrical installations in their homes, places of work and leisure. Enrolment with NICEIC is voluntary, but electrical contractors that are competent and conscientious about the service they offer customers would consider it a priority to enrol. Contractor assessment covers a representative sample of the contractor’s work, their premises, documentation, equipment, and the competence of their key supervisory staff. Once contractors become registered with NICEIC, they are re-assessed on a regular basis to ensure continued compliance.
