Bespoke Electrical Training: Shortlisted for LCL Awards Electrical Centre Award

24 Sep 2024

Bespoke Electrical Training: Don Cross, Director – BPE, Steve Merrick, External Quality Assessor – LCL Awards, Dave Morris – BPE

 

In early July, Bespoke Electrical Training was shortlisted for the Electrical Centre Award at LCL Awards’ first ever award ceremony to recognise the achievements of its approved centres. The team of judges, which comprised Stewart Clements of HHIC, Charlotte Lee of the HPA, Brett Foster from NAPIT and Hattie Hasan of Stopcock Women Plumbers, were impressed with the company’s commitment to high-quality training that prepares its students to excel in the electrical industry.

Don Cross, Bespoke Electrical Training’s Company Director, has considerable experience in the electrical training sector. He has worked for us occasionally in the past, as a freelance IQA, mentoring new centres in the Midlands and set up his own centre in Lichfield, just as COVID struck. He recalls:

“It was a nightmare timing wise! I set up in 2020, just as COVID struck so the first couple of years were really challenging. However, I got through them and once the restrictions brought in during the first lockdown were relaxed a bit, I was able to draw on my extensive network of contacts to help develop my plans. 

“Over the last few years, I have been able to build up the business and will always be grateful to those who have helped me do this. I’m thrilled to have been shortlisted for LCL Awards’ Electrical prize. It’s been an unexpected and welcome boost. LCL Awards initiative in setting up The Awards is fantastic; it’s been great to be a part of it, to reflect on how far we’ve come and to learn more about what other centres are doing to deliver LCL Awards’ qualifications.

“There’s no doubt that it’s an exciting time to be working in the electrical training sector, accommodating the move to renewables with dynamic changes in the design and delivery of qualifications. Our focus on sustainability aligns with a global shift towards greener energy solutions and it’s rewarding to be training the next generation of electrical engineers – as well as up-skilling those already working in the trade.

“We take a holistic approach to training here, to ensure our students are versatile and well-rounded. Bespoke’s curriculum is meticulously designed to cover both traditional and modern electrical work delivering forward-thinking initiatives and training programs that future-proof their skills and support the electrification of heating and transport sectors. 

“Our programs encompass domestic installations, commercial and industrial systems, and cutting-edge technologies like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, electrical energy storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. We keep our class sizes small, and I feel this is what helps us achieve high pass rates. We ensure all our candidates have the time and space to reach their full potential. 

“From the beginning we have established robust partnerships with manufacturers, renewable electrical companies, and professional associations. These collaborations keep us up to date with the latest industry trends and technological advancements. We’re registered with JIB, and approved by ECA and CITB for example. Our working partnership with the MJP Eco Energy has meant we have been able to help our students move into the renewable sector, with real-world experience.

“To support the rapid growth of the EV market, we have developed a dedicated training pathway for EV infrastructure. This includes installing and maintaining EV charging stations, developing an understanding of widespread EV adoption on the national grid, and the opportunity to keep abreast with regulatory requirements. On completion of the pathway, our graduates are equipped to support the transition to electric transport, contributing to reduced emissions and a cleaner environment.

“My staff are dedicated to providing the best, and I encourage them to keep up to date with their continuous professional development. This ensures they bring the latest insights and techniques into the classroom, enriching the learning experience for our students.”

Bespoke Electrical Training’s commitment to advanced training in emerging technologies, industry certifications, real-world experience, continuous professional development, and innovation ensures that their electrical engineers are well-prepared to meet future demands, able to foster a sustainable, energy-efficient future.

If you’d like to find out more about Bespoke Electrical Training, please click here