Wired for Vision: How Live Video Is Powering the Electrical Industry
In the electrical industry, precision, safety and accountability are the foundation of every project. Whether installing a 480V panel in a manufacturing plant or troubleshooting emergency power in a hospital, contractors are constantly juggling tight deadlines, complex systems and evolving compliance standards. In today’s electrical industry, where tight schedules, code compliance and skilled labour shortages collide, contractors are turning to an unexpected software: live video. Once confined to office meetings, live video is now a frontline asset, used for real-time support, virtual inspections and client walkthroughs. According to the 2025 Remote and Hybrid Work In The Electrical Industry Statistics Gitnux report, “28% of projects are now managed virtually without in-person meetings.” Closing the Skill Gap in Real Time A persistent challenge in the industry is the shortage of experienced electricians. According to CNBC, only 7,000 new electricians enter the workforce each year, while 10,000 exit. Veteran journeymen are retiring, and incoming workers often require extensive hands-on training. While larger firms may offer premium salaries and signing bonuses, many smaller contractors can’t compete with those incentives. A practical solution is video call training, which allows seasoned electricians to guide and support less experienced workers in real time, bridging the skills gap without the high cost of in-person training. Field technicians, especially those younger or less experienced, can use video calls to connect instantly with a supervisor or master electrician back at the office or on another site. Instead of struggling to explain an unfamiliar breaker configuration over the phone, they can point their camera and get instant feedback. This not only reduces errors and return visits, but also accelerates learning. It’s real-time mentoring, and it helps stretch your senior team’s impact without requiring them to be everywhere at once. At the same time, those sessions can be recorded and stored, then shared with those who need them whenever needed. Inspections Without Delay Live video is also changing how electrical contractors approach inspections and project sign-offs. In some jurisdictions, local inspectors are allowing virtual walkthroughs for low-voltage systems or mid-project checkpoints. Contractors can stream video directly to AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction), walking them through the installation while answering questions in real time. Even when not used for formal inspections, live video allows project managers and contractors to perform site checks without traveling. It’s especially useful when dealing with scope changes; live video minimizes back-and-forth and keeps everyone aligned. Contractors can also use recorded video clips to create an internal archive of installed work, which is useful for warranty documentation or when responding to disputes down the line, and ensure safety compliance. Streamlining Jobsite Communication Electrical job sites are ever-changing. Projects overlap, conditions change and coordination with other contractors can be challenging. With so many moving parts, miscommunication between teams, subcontractors and project managers can quickly lead to delays, rework and even safety hazards. Live video is helping operations teams cut through the noise. Instead of waiting for a site visit to verify installation progress or resolve a layout conflict, teams are hopping on quick video calls to confirm conduit runs, panel placement or lighting layouts. In a trade where precision matters and timelines are tight, the ability to see it now rather than find out later is transforming how teams communicate and collaborate. Elevating the Client Experience Customer expectations are evolving rapidly, with facility managers and property owners now demanding greater transparency, thorough documentation and faster communication. In response, many electrical contractors are turning to live video as a powerful platform to meet these new standards. Live video enables contractors to walk clients through installations, provide virtual progress updates and even troubleshoot issues remotely. Service departments also benefit significantly. A quick five-minute video call with a customer can help determine whether an issue is as simple as a tripped breaker or a more serious wiring problem, avoiding unnecessary truck rolls and improving dispatch efficiency. What’s Next for the Electrical Industry? Looking ahead, live video is expected to further integrate with job management systems, digital plans and compliance software. Features like automatic recording, cloud-based storage and searchable video logs are already helping contractors tie live video into daily operations. Pairing live video with AI tools is gaining momentum, for example, real-time wire identification, code-checking overlays or even AI-generated summary notes from recorded walkthroughs. These innovations aren’t replacing skilled labor—they’re amplifying it. They reduce friction between field and office, cut down on miscommunication and help electricians stay focused on doing quality, code-compliant work. Electrical work is hands-on, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be smart. With platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and LiveSwitch being used for real-world job sites, live video is giving contractors a new way to stay connected, improve safety, speed up workflows and deliver better service, without increasing operational burden. In a trade where every second counts, seeing the problem now means solving it faster—and getting ahead while others are still on hold. By James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch
SELECT says the apprenticeship funding gap is unacceptable
Scotland could suffer the loss of a generation of highly skilled electrical workers because of a growing discrepancy in apprenticeship funding, the country’s largest construction trade body SELECT, has warned. The electrotechnical association has reacted to the announcement of a 15% grant funding increase for English electrical apprenticeships, which brings funding south of the border to £23,000 per apprentice – almost three times the current Scottish figure of just under £8,000. SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “Funding for apprenticeships in Scotland hasn’t increased in more than seven years and has actually reduced by more than 30% in real terms as a result of inflation. “We cannot begin to have a renewables future in Scotland without electricians, so the Scottish Government must find the cash. A two-tier system is entirely unacceptable.” Skills England, a government agency of the UK’s Department for Education, confirmed the apprenticeship funding rise earlier this month to The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), which delivers skills projects and careers information for the electrotechnical industry. TESP said: “Skills England has advised us that the Secretary of State has accepted its funding recommendation of £23,000 for the Installation & Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship. This represents an increase of £3,000 on the current funding band.” It added that this was “a very good result in the current climate” and thanked employers and providers who worked with TESP to develop the evidence base to secure the increase. In Scotland, electrical apprenticeships are offered through Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship programmes, which provide paid, on-the-job training programmes that combine work with industry-recognised qualifications. And Mr Wilson added: “Scotland absolutely must not be left behind when it comes to apprenticeship funding. “There is the clear danger of a two-tier system, with Scottish industry losing out to England’s, as well as a very real risk that we will lose a generation of skilled electrical talent when we can least afford it.” SELECT’s warning comes after it recently described the UK government’s tough new immigration proposals as a “ticking time bomb” for Scottish construction, with the risk of skilled contractors heading south to replace foreign workers. The association – which is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary – said the proposals to raise the qualification standards for foreign workers could see a significant number abandoning the UK and returning home, with Scottish construction workers flooding south to fill the resulting shortage south of the Border. Mr Wilson said: “The construction sector is a vital pillar of the Scottish economy, supporting infrastructure development, housing delivery and the green transition, yet it is experiencing a persistent and growing skills shortage already.”
The New MCG Industrial Three Phase Distribution Board
The launch of the new MCG Industrial Three Phase Distribution Board marks more than just the introduction of a new product. It represents a forward-thinking approach to power distribution, built from the ground up to address the real-world challenges faced by electrical engineers, contractors, and commercial clients in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. We consulted electricians during the design phase, the result? A board that avoids their frustrations and now delivers a robust, spacious, logical layout that supports rapid installation. Range Consists of 4, 6, 8, 12 & 16 way, complete with 125A isolator switch, prewired T2 SPD and protective MCB. Features Optional Accessories: Extension box, cable box, connector block & a single phase conversion kit. Launch and Availability The new board was launched at the UK’s biggest electrical event #CEFLIVE2025 at the NEC on the 5th & 6th June. Martin Berriman, Divisional Manager from MCG Industrial said: “The feedback at CEF Live on the new board was fantastic, contractors had the opportunity to get hands on with the product and could see firsthand how quick and easy the product was to install. Many of these customers vowing to use on their next project.” Available now, for further information contact MCG Industrial on 01302 342 642 or alternatively by e-mail: info@mcg.co.uk. Scan the QR Code to watch our MCG Three Phase Distribution Board video.
Industry expert says Scotland needs double the number of electricians to hit net zero
Scotland needs double the existing number of qualified electricians if it hopes to make a successful transition to net zero, one of the country’s foremost construction experts has claimed. Professor Sean Smith says more recruitment is needed to keep pace with the growth in the renewables sector – and that there is an unprecedented pathway of work and a “golden travel ticket” for those who undertake suitable upskilling and training. The distinguished academic, who is Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, makes his comments in the latest edition of the Sparks’ Remarks podcast from SELECT, the largest trade association in Scotland. Speaking to award-winning journalist Kim McAllister, Professor Smith said the future is bright for Scotland’s electricians but the country needs to upgrade both its infrastructure and educational opportunities to ensure it is at the forefront of green technology. Professor Smith, who is also Chair of Future Construction in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The number of people currently studying electrical engineering or to become an electrician is up across the sector, and you could probably fill our universities and colleges twice over, which is great. “But do we need more? Yes, probably double the number really, which rather begs the question: Do we need to expand our facilities and resources to meet that demand? “Part of the hurdle is also to make sure we make people aware of the scale of work on offer because the consideration of just how much is coming for the sector is unprecedented; never before in its history has there been such a pathway of work to come. “It has taken the last 90 years to create the electricity system we now enjoy, but to meet the transition away from fossil fuels we’ll need to build at least five times the amount of infrastructure in the next 20 to 25 years, so the opportunities are really exciting. “Probably no other sector has had such an opportunity to make such a transitional national change that affects all our lives. And so it’s really exciting for the entire electrical sector of what’s to come and the role it will play; it’s absolutely fundamental and is just tremendous. “However, to create the infrastructure that we need going forward, like electric vehicles (EVs) and charging points, there are some significant issues with current grid capacity, and particularly when we look at localised sub-stations, particularly across the Central Belt.” In the episode, entitled Unprecedented Opportunities Ahead for Electricians, Professor Smith said people should see being a qualified electrical professional as their passport to lucrative and rewarding work anywhere in the world. He said: “We need to encourage many of our workforce, particularly young people, to see our industry as a golden travel ticket, so once you become an electrician or electrical engineer you can move anywhere. “I myself worked in Canada, Italy and Germany so I’d certainly encourage other people to travel and work overseas to see other cultures and how things operate. “Obviously we’d love them to return too, so hopefully in the future they can bring that knowledge back with them and make good use of it in the homeland.” Professor Smith also said that the switch to renewable technology would also require “a huge culture change” and for the public to be convinced that going green was cheap and efficient. He said: “People want more confidence and less stress, such as range anxiety and want to know that there will be charging points not only installed but reliably working. So that’s another opportunity for the sector to intervene and support that. “Across the UK, 75% of charging points are in private households, with only 25% in public locations, so we need to ramp that up. To do that, we again need to look at sub-stations because we have the renewable power but need to amplify the infrastructure to support it.” He added: “The thing with new technologies and all new systems is that they can take a bit of time to bed in, but there have certainly been better technologies coming through that make things more efficient “However, we need to make things more cost effective because we can’t leave people behind. We need society to come with us as this is their future as much as it is the industry’s.” Listen to the new episode of Sparks’ Remarks here.
Thorne & Derrick Celebrates Local to Global over 40 Years
Evolution from Local Distributor to Trusted International Partner for High Voltage, Process & Hazardous Area Solutions – Thorne & Derrick Celebrates Local to Global over 40 Years Thorne & Derrick International, a leading distributor of power systems, hazardous area equipment, and process heating solutions, is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1985 by Victor Thorne and Brian Derrick, the business started trading as Thorne & Derrick from premises in Brislington, Bristol. From the outset, the Company built a strong reputation, representing world-renowned manufacturers such as 3M Electrical, Band-It, and Cembre, supplying their market leading products to critical infrastructure projects and industries. In 1988 expansion came with the acquisition of Reid Brothers (Glasgow), strengthening the Company’s presence in the strapping and load securing market. A major milestone came in 1992, when Richard Derrick began operating in the Northeast of England working from a home office in Fenham, Newcastle. Initially Richard focused on selling Electrical Trace Heating solutions from Raychem, but after a move to Gear House in Gateshead, the Northern business expanded into the LV and HV power market. After 23 years, the office relocated to the current Northern headquarters at Lumley Court, Chester-le-Street which is the engine room of the company’s sales and marketing activity today. In 2015, Reid Brothers was purchased from Thorne & Derrick International, in a management team buyout and is still thriving today. Meanwhile, after 31 years in Brislington, Bristol, significant business growth forced a relocation in 2016 to Whitchurch, Bristol, where it continues to operate as the Company’s central warehouse and administration centre, coupled with a very strong Export and UK sales department. Over four decades, Thorne & Derrick International has grown from its initial team of 6 to over 30 staff and from a first order of just £500 in August 1985, the Company is now on track to deliver over £20 million turnover in the very near future. From the 1980s onwards, the Company has played an important role in serving the Oil & Gas, Process and Petrochemical sectors, and that has been central to its growth. As these markets continues to change, the business has expanded its product range in support, ensuring continued relevance and service excellence. “As Managing Director, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built over the years. Our strong focus on investing in young talent through apprenticeships has not only helped shape skilled professionals, but has also fostered a culture of loyalty and dedication,” said Richard Derrick. “It’s rewarding to see so many of our people grow with the Company. Their expertise and commitment are at the heart of our continued success.” The team of technical sales engineers, sourcing specialists and customer service advisors, deliver a single-source logistics solutions across the UK and internationally, supporting projects in more than 120 countries across five continents, offering rapid delivery and tailored supply strategies. With global electricity demand predicted to more than double by 2050, Thorne and Derrick International are strengthening and extending their world class supply chain to support grid-scale projects to drive our sustainable energy future towards net zero through renewable energy, digitalisation and decarbonisation of industry. Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading distributors of High Voltage Power Cable Accessories and Hazardous Area Electrical supporting critical infrastructure across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, petrochemical and process sectors. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial markets.Bottom of Form About Thorne and Derrick International Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets. Visit their website here.
NAPIT Returns to Installer Electric at Installer Show 2025
NAPIT are once again excited to be attending this year’s Installer Show at the NEC in Birmingham from June 24-26. The NAPIT stand can be found at 5F72 and will focus on education, providing training opportunities with hands-on learning and networking. There will be a chance to meet senior staff, including NAPIT experts in the technical, scheme, standards and training areas of renewable energy. Visitors to the NAPIT stand will also be able to view and purchase essential publications, approved training courses, along with the associated practical rigs, as well as certified scheme application. There will be various discounted offers available on the day, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the government funded ‘Heat Training Grant’ for Air Source Heat Pump installers. Steve Humphreys, NAPIT Technical Commercial Manager, will be appearing in a number of seminars during the event. These include one for installers entering the sector on June 24 at 12:50 and June 25 at 2.35 in the Solar Pavilion, Solar PV system performance, expectancy vs reality at 2pm on June 24 at Installer Electric and ‘where can domestic battery storage systems be installed?’ on June 25 from 12pm in the Installer Electric area. Andrew Duffen, Technical Commercial Engineer at NAPIT, will be taking part in a session on safety in specific home improvement installations between 2pm and 3pm on 25 June and a forum on installers’ biggest challenges on June 26 between 11.30am and 12.30pm, both in the NHIC Knowledge Hub. NAPIT Commercial and Compliance Director Stephen Melton, also on Thursday’s ‘powering the future’ discussion at 1pm, said: “The Installer Show is a great opportunity for us to engage with our members, talk to new installers interested in becoming certified and share our team’s wealth of technical knowledge with visitors. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for professionals to gain hands-on knowledge, connect with industry experts and stay ahead of the latest developments in the renewable microgeneration industry.” Register for the Installer Show 2025 here.
Darren Jones MP visits the NAPIT training centre for electricians and plumbers
Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, has visited the NAPIT Training Centre in Avonmouth to see the work being done to train and upskill electricians and installers of low carbon technologies. NAPIT represents over 20,000 skilled installers across the UK’s electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration, and building fabric sectors and has been a leading voice in raising standards within the electrical industry for over 30 years. The training centre offers courses in solar PV, fire detection and fire alarm systems, energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging installations and essential electrical safety and regulations. Stephen Melton, Commercial and Compliance Director at NAPIT said: “We are grateful to Mr Jones for taking the time to visit our centre in his constituency. “NAPIT and its members will be key to ensuring there are sufficient skilled installers in the electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration trades and will be on the front line of the transition to Net Zero. “We are keen to promote the growth opportunities to our members from the Government’s housebuilding and clean energy initiatives and are pleased to be able to support those wanting to upskill and take advantage of those opportunities here in Bristol.” Darren Jones MP said: “The transition to Net Zero is in the DNA of this government because it is the route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs for this country. “I was delighted to hear about the work that NAPIT is doing here in Bristol North West to certify, train and upskill people for the skilled jobs that will be created.” For more information on NAPIT training centres, visit their website here.
Solar PV Panels PLUS Battery Storage Heralds a New Dawn of Opportunity For Electrical Installers
For experienced electricians, now presents a prime opportunity to expand your qualifications into solar PV panel installation and electrical energy battery storage. The UK is still firmly committed to its Net Zero 2050 target, a pledge that hinges significantly on scaling up renewable energy sources. This commitment is creating a robust and rapidly expanding market for solar and battery technologies. Demand for skilled installers is soaring. The UK’s solar capacity is projected to increase five-fold by 2030, with battery storage also experiencing dramatic growth, doubling within the next few years. This surge translates directly into a wealth of job opportunities, with the solar industry alone expected to create tens of thousands of new roles by 2030. Electricians already possess the foundational electrical knowledge, making the transition to these specialist areas a natural and efficient progression. Furthermore, government initiatives are actively incentivising adoption. The 0% VAT rate on solar panels and retrofitted battery storage systems until March 2027 significantly reduces upfront costs for consumers, driving further demand. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) also provides homeowners with payments for surplus electricity, making solar an even more attractive investment. XS Training now offer an on-site 3-day course in Solar PV Systems and a 2-day course in Energy Storage Systems, at their Training & Test Centre in Leeds. They offer this as separate courses or as a combination of the two. These are delivered from City & Guilds and are one of the current qualifications required to gain MCS accreditation. Many energy companies require MCS for any excess energy that is exported back to the grid to be paid to the customer. By acquiring these new qualifications, electricians can diversify their skillset, enhance their earning potential, and secure their careers in a future-proof industry. They’ll be at the forefront of the UK’s green energy revolution, contributing directly to a sustainable future while capitalising on the significant growth in the renewable energy sector. Get in Touch with XS Training & Find Out More TODAY. Website: https://www.xstraining.comEmail: enquiries@xstraining.comTelephone: 0800 170 0294
Starkey Electrical adds to awards haul at prestigious business awards
A family-run electrical business, Starkey Electrical, has achieved an awards quad trick after being named winners at the Central England Prestige Awards for the fourth year running. Starkey Electrical was named ‘Electrical Contractor of the Year 2024/25’ in recognition of its positive engagement with customers, high-quality reviews and testimonials and for having built up a loyal customer base in its local area of Stourbridge. The win marks the fourth consecutive award Starkey Electrical has received at the annual ceremony, which this year took place at Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield on Monday, 26th May – and the second time the team has won in this category. The company, which was founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Lisa Starkey, has also previously been awarded ‘Sustainable Electrician Company of the Year’ and ‘Electrician of the Year,’ making it a Prestige multi-award winner. Stuart Starkey, managing director at Starkey Electrical, said: “To be recognised for an award once is a huge achievement, but four times is incredible. As a small company, we have always strived to provide a world-class, exceptional end-to-end customer service and, of course, do an excellent job in the process. “Our team continues to grow from strength to strength and this award is testament to the exceptional talent of our team, who always go above and beyond for our customers – a commitment that has now been recognised and rewarded four-fold. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey over the past 16 years and continues to do so.” The Prestige Awards believe that SMEs are the backbone of any economy and were set up to celebrate businesses and individuals consistently offering excellent products and services, while also making an impact in their communities. Starkey Electrical is MCS certified and provides building automation, solar PV, energy efficient LED lighting and EV charging services to clients in residential developments, leisure, education, healthcare and industrial facilities. For more information, please visit https://www.starkeyelectrical.com/
