Hit the Lights (Electrical) Podcast

By Hit the Lights

A podcast detailing the lives of electricians and engineers alike throughout the universe!

If anything you have listened to is of interest please don't hesitate to contact us at hitthelightspod@gmail.com

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SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN?

Hit the Lights (Electrical) PodcastJan 17, 2024

00:00

04:37

SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN?

NEW INDUSTRY BOOK!

SO YOU WANT TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN?

Many of us toy with the idea of entering the trades. Becoming an electrician is a viable option for many. This book gives you the opportunity to learn all about the industry, whether you're already in it or not!

Currently on pre-sale until 29th February 2024 with a competition to win a Veto Tech Back Pack! www.theelecbook.co.uk

Jan 17, 202404:37

Episode 74 - Ryan Dempsey on Industry Data, Competence and Standards

In this episode Gary is joined once again by Ryan Dempsey. Ryan updates on the progress of his company TCW. They discuss the data collected on the industry and how that might be used. They explore what competence is and how the industry is reflected in data with regards to changes in regulations such as premature collapse in escape routes, 5 yearly inspections for tenanted properties, as well as geographical differences in how documents are completed.

Feb 13, 202339:28

Episode 73 - Marcin Ruta on Arc Flash, Manufacturing Switchboards & Working at General Electric

In this episode Gary chats with Marcin Ruta from Poland. They discuss his journey from switchboard manufacture with General Electric, to working at Eaton and onwards to his own consultancy. They also discuss what arc flash is and its impact.

Feb 06, 202336:27

Episode 72 - Keith Jones on being a NICEIC Inspector, the Failings of the NVQ & Consultancy Work

In this episode Gary chats with Keith Jones. Keith tells his journey from beginning his apprenticeship in the 1980's to moving into the field of education as a Lecturer, including the introduction of the level 3 NVQ. They discuss his time as a NICEIC inspector and how he developed himself from working on the tools to becoming a consultant and designer.

Jan 30, 202350:14

Episode 71 - Darren Crannis on the ECA, JPEL64 and Leaving a Business Behind

In this episode Gary chats with Darren Crannis, Technical Manager for the ECA. They discuss his journey into the industry, setting up his own business and what support he gained from the ECA, to joining the team at the ECA and touring the UK with the ECA roadshow. They also discuss Darren's role in the JPEL64 committee.

Jan 23, 202341:03

Episode 70 - Tom Brookes on Fire Engineers, Training & Competency after Grenfell

In this episode Gary chats with Tom Brookes. They discuss his route into the fire industry and his educational journey, from leaving school with no qualifications to completing a PHD. They also touch on competency including fire system apprenticeships. Tom discusses all about his work with various councils including BSI and being chairman of the Fire & Security Association.

Jan 16, 202341:03

Episode 69 - Krish Theobald on Electrics in India

In this episode Gary chats with Krish Theobald, an electrical engineer from India. They discuss his journey into the world of electrics, his training to British standards and what some of the challenges are for projects and installations in India.

Jan 09, 202340:00

Episode 68 - Louise Spokes on Linian and Marketing

In this episode Gary chats with Louise Spokes, Marketing Manager from Linian. They discuss her role within Linian, how they develop their brand and content whilst discussing marketing tips and tricks for electricians and companies.

Jan 01, 202332:07

Episode 67 - Alan Montgomery on Work Life Balance, Hazardous Areas and Teaching

In this episode Gary chats with Alan Montgomery. Alan discusses his journey from apprenticeship to self-employed electrician, moving onwards towards teaching hazardous areas. They also discuss what it means to have work life balance as well as discussing "what is a hazardous area?".

Dec 26, 202257:22

Episode 66 - Suzy Blakeley-Monk on Theatre Lighting, Reviewing Products & Women in Construction

In this episode Gary chats with Suzy. They discuss her route into the industry via theatre lighting. From working with family to inspiring more women into the trades.

Dec 19, 202229:21

Episode 65 - Dan McAdam on Rewired Agency, Supporting Electricians & Business

In this episode Gary chats with Dan McAdam about his journey into the electrical industry via sales. How he found the inspiration for Rewired, his business which supports electricians in managing their businesses.

Dec 12, 202250:07

Episode 64 - Paul Gibbens on Recruitment, CVs & The Skills Gap

In this episode Gary chats with Paul Gibbens, a director at Hays recruitment agency. They discuss the impact of IR35, what recruiters look for in CVs, has the skills gap always existed and rates of pay.

Dec 05, 202234:20

Episode 63 - Ben Pratt on Social Housing, Running 2 Businesses & BElectrical Skills School

In this episode Gary chats with Ben Pratt of BElectrical London and Skill School. They discuss his journey into the industry via social housing. Touching on how he has set up his 3 businesses including an Audio Visual company. They discuss the skill school and what Ben hopes for the future.

Nov 21, 202238:57

Episode 62 - Adrian Davey on Qualifications, Self-Employment and Teaching

In this episode Gary chats with Adrian Davey, discussing his route into the industry, being self employed and eventually entering the education sector of the industry and a lecturer.

Nov 14, 202201:02:31

Episode 61 - Giovanni Baccinni on being MD at Lewden, Manufacturing & Marketing

In this episode Gary chats with Giovanni Baccinni, Managing Director of Lewden. They discuss his journey to the role of MD, what it requires to keep up with industry, manufacturing, dealing with some of the challenges of the pandemic and how to market products.

Nov 07, 202254:21

Episode 60 - Dave Austin on Engineering, Presenting & The Future of Electricians

In this episode Gary chats with Dave Austin. They discuss his route from being an engineer at the BBC to moving in front of the camera. From presenting for the NICEIC, to his current tour of tech talks with CEF. They also touch on what to expect in the future of the industry.

Oct 31, 202255:52

Episode 56 - Sean Passant on Lightning & Surge Protection, Steeplejacking and Dehn

In this episode Gary chats with Sean Passant of Dehn. We discuss his route through the Royal Corps of Signals into the world of surge and lightning protection. They talk through the modern image of steeplejacks and his work as president of ATLAS (The Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists) as well as the Dehn Academy.

Oct 03, 202201:00:03

Episode 55 - Short Courses

In this episode Pete and Gary tackle the controversial subject of short courses. Is there a place in the industry for short courses?

Sep 26, 202237:35

#Safe4September - Safe Isolation

In this special episode for #Safe4September, Pete and Gary discuss their experiences with regards to safe isolation. Discussing external pressures, equipment needed, safety systems and of course the safe isolation procedure itself.

Sep 21, 202231:41

Episode 54 - The Domestic Electrician

In this episode Gary quizzes Pete on what it means to be a domestic electrician in the industry at this moment in time. They discuss routes of entry, what challenges Pete faces on a day to day basis alongside the future of what it means to be a domestic electrician.

Sep 18, 202232:07

#Safe4September - Michael's Story by Louise Adamson

In this special bonus episode, Gary chats with Louise Adamson. Sister of Michael, who tragically lost his life due to electrocution. They discuss how she has turned this tragedy into a positive as a health and safety speaker.

This is a special episode for the #safe4september campaign to ensure all electricians are utilising safe working practices when working with electricity.