In the April edition of SPARKS Magazine, there is a One to One feature with Carshalton College tutor Ray Jenkins. Ray has been teaching electrotechnology for 35 years at the College and talks to SPARKS about his role and teaching this subject SPARKS: What did you do before you became a tutor?

RAY: I started as an apprentice in 1965 and completed a term-served apprenticeship in 1969. After that I worked as an electrician for five years and as an electrical engineer for three years.

SPARKS: What do you enjoy most about your job?

RAY: I enjoy teaching and working with like-minded people. I find it very rewarding to work with students and colleagues to achieve a common goal.

SPARKS: What do you dislike most about your job?

RAY: Anything that seems unconnected to achieving the best for our students.

SPARKS: What qualities do you look for in new students?

RAY: A willingness to learn and take part. Organisation: getting in on time with pens, books, etc and meeting course deadlines, and practical activities like making sure they have all the right materials and tools and setting work out correctly.

SPARKS: Do you remain in contact with any students that have completed their course?

RAY: Most certainly. Some of them are now members of staff and recently I taught someone, on a short course, who was a student in my first year of teaching. I’m also in contact with ex-students who are now employers and sending us apprentices.

SPARKS: What sort of impact do you think renewable technologies will have on the electrical industry?

RAY: Potentially they could have a huge impact. However, it seems at the moment that external influences, such as the changes to the Feed In Tarriff and other market forces are affecting demand. So it appears fragmented and variable.

As for student preparation whilst some courses such as the 2357 include general awareness components there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of specific training taking place i.e. installation of PV systems, etc.

SPARKS: How important do you think it is for students to enter skill competitions?

RAY: Very important. Recently we held a SPARKS Regional Final at our college, which gave us the chance to see how other students perform. Tutors were able to discuss students work and standardise with colleagues from other colleges. We are able to integrate this event into internal competitions so all our students benefit. Also the participation of Tony Cable of the NICEIC means that the standards of the work place are being met.

SPARKS: How important do you think it is for manufacturers to support the students and colleges?

RAY: Again, very important. Any help with materials and learning aids is very useful. Tutors need opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills and keep up to date with modern techniques. So industrial links are important.

SPARKS: What changes would you like to see to encourage more youngsters to become electricians?

RAY: A difficult question to answer. Some employers have to train according to their order books. Sometimes it seems that if an employer is busy for six months to a year then he/she looks to take on an apprentice. However, the person they’re looking for may be someone who should have started their training 2-3 years ago. So they need help in attracting and supporting the right people, so they are not training to the order book and can take a more strategic approach.

Ideally, I’d like to see stronger links with employers so that school and full-time students have more opportunities for work placements. Potential electricians need to be made more aware of the opportunity for progression into self-employment or management so that vocational education is seen as a viable option to the academic route for students, their parents or advisors.

SPARKS: Do you think more should be done to encourage girls into an electrotechnical career?

RAY: Yes I do. Again it is about communication of the opportunities that exist in a wide and varied industry where women can play an important part. It could lie in the portrayal of vocational education, as opposed to the academic route.

SPARKS: What advice would you give to a new student?

RAY: Have a clear idea of where you are going and how you’re going to achieve your goals. Don’t waste your time wandering aimlessly through your training. Make use of every opportunity to learn or gain a new skill. It’s like having money in the bank - you never know when it will be useful.

Lastly, you are entering an industry that is always changing so don’t think you will ever stop learning or taking qualifications.

Carshalton College The college has 12 electrotechinal tutors and 600+ students on electrotechnical courses. They can gain the following qualifications: Level 1, Level 2 – C&G 2330, 2392 & EAL Domestic Installer, Level 3 - C&G 2330, 2357, 2356, 2382 – 12, 2391, 2394 & 2395, Level 4 – C&G 2396. The college also runs a Foundation Degree In Electrotechnical Industries, short courses and bespoke training. Please visit www.carshalton.ac.uk for more details SPARKS Magazine is essential reading for Electrotechnical Trainees with news, reviews and competitions, it is published each term in September, January and April. For more information, please visit www.sparks-magazine.co.uk Based on information supplied by Maxine Alexander.