With National Apprenticeship Week still fresh in the memory, EIC highlights some of the resources available to apprentices looking for support during the early stages of their careers.

Our apprentices are heavily impacted by the factors that are affecting our industry. On a lower wage and balancing college work with their training, apprentices are vulnerable to suffering with their mental health, whilst combatting the tribulations of the financial climate and the pressures faced in their early career. Together, we can work to create a safe space for those new to our industry and learning their trade.

Addiction

Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) and gambling addictions are increasing among apprentices and this is a pressing concern. It’s important that we educate our industry on risks, where to find support and how to cope utilising positive coping strategies. Support may be offered to those who are experiencing addiction through the creation of a safe and non-judgemental environment that promotes the use of signposting to organisations that can provide specific and tailored support to the presenting issues. Organisations such as Al-Anon, AA, NA, GA, GamCare and GamAware can help.

Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a medical diagnosis that is based on eating patterns and can include bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID, Pica, rumination disorder and diabulimia. Not every eating problem will be diagnosed as an eating disorder. Further information on the different types of eating disorders is available at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/eating-problems/types-of-eating-disorders.

Self-Harm

Whilst apprentices are at high risk of self-harming, anyone can be affected and may self-harm. Self-harm is a way in which some people cope with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations. In some cases, self-harm has been described as a way to express something too challenging to put into words, to turn thoughts into something visible, to release the psychological pain and to feel in control. Reasons that someone may start self-harming include: pressures at work or school, bullying, money concerns, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, health problems, increase in stress and low self-esteem. Further information on how to help yourself if you are self-harming is available at: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/helping-yourself-now/.

Mental Health Awareness Training

The EIC is offering industry apprentices 15 mental health awareness training modules for free. The course has been designed to give:

• An understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge the stigma
• A basic knowledge of some common mental health issues
• An introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining wellbeing
• Confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue

Apprentices who complete this course will be able to:

• Define mental health and understand its importance
• Recognise the signs of mental health challenges in themselves and their peers
• Access resources for seeking help and support if needed
• Contribute to a stigma-free environment that prioritises mental health in the workplace
• Understand the basics of self-care for maintaining mental wellbeing

If you are interested in accessing any of the training courses, you can sign up through the online platform – https://eictrainingco.org/login/index.php. For businesses looking to invest in training packages, contact the EIC directly training@eictradingco.org.

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Damon Harrison and Joshua Richardson
Unicrimp

Promoted from their previous positions at Unicrimp and appointed new roles of Regional Sales Managers are Damon Harrison for the North region and Joshua Richardson for the South region.

Damon brings to the role more than 20 years’ industry experience, having spent over 13 years as branch manager for a leading wholesalers and 6 years as Unicrimp Area Sales Manager.

Josh comes to the new role with a wealth of experience at electrical wholesaler level where he began his career on the Graduate Scheme before progressing to account manager level. He takes up this new role following almost 3 years as Unicrimp Area Sales Manager.

Simon Oram and Steve Watson
AWEBB

AWEBB has recruited two accomplished professionals to its team in Wales – Simon Oram as Commercial Manager and Steve Watson as Marketing Manager.

Simon has over 15 years’ experience in both retail and electrical wholesale markets. He joins from Toolstation, responsible for the category management of an extensive sales profile and stock budget, as well as the creation and development of own brand ranges and a new smart technology category.

Steve Watson has been working in a variety of hands-on marketing roles for 20+ years. This has led him to have an in-depth understanding of all aspects of marketing. Steve joins from Awdry Law, where he recently carried out a full rebrand and renaming of the firm to great effect.

Richard Bennett
Seaward

Seaward has announced a new appointment for the role of Category Manager to Richard Bennett.

Richard will oversee key product categories including PAT testing, multifunction testing, and high voltage equipment.

Richard joins Seaward after a 12 year career in the Royal Air Force, his experience also including working with the UK and US militaries and a degree held in Mechanical Engineering. Following his time in the Air Force, Bennett moved into engineering equipment services and most recently held the position of group category lead in furniture distribution.

Keith Avenell, Tom Barton, Glyn Prestwood
Electrical distributors’ association (eda)

The Electrical Distributors’ Association has welcomed new representatives to its board.

Keith Avenall, Managing Director at 3 Line Electrical Wholesale, joins to represent the AWEBB buying group on the EDA Board. Keith will be replacing Andy Johnson who stepped down in December 2023 after 10 years’ service.

Tom Barton takes over from Edmundson’s Richard McCartney, who served on the Board since 2020.

Glyn Prestwood, Managing Director, Stearn Electric Co Ltd, returns to the EDA Board after a break of three years.

Stephen Bell and Steven Reed
Recolight

Recolight has announced the appointment of two new directors to its board. They are Steven Reed, Commercial Manager at Trilux, and Stephen Bell, Services Transformation & Compliance Director UK & IE at Zumtobel. Both have over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry and are a valued addition to the Recolight board.

James Harper and Tania Tams
Luceco group

Luceco Group has introduced James Harper as Head of Digital Marketing and Tania Tams as Marketing Director.

With a wealth of experience in manufacturing for the construction market, James will be bringing his expertise to lighting, electrical and EV charging specialists to Luceco, driving a series of digital marketing campaigns.

A highly experienced marketeer with over 25 years’ experience, Tania is responsible for Luceco Group’s portfolio of respected lighting, electrical and EV charging brands. Tania will be spearheading an exciting programme of co-ordinated marketing activity.

Nick Hart, Steve McGrath, Franco Mattola
Hylec

Hylec-APL has announced three key strategic appointments to its team.

First up, Nick Hart takes on a new role as Director of Wholesale. Returning to Hylec after a successful period working in the wholesale sector for a manufacturer of water-resistant electronics, Nick will take responsibility for driving the company’s wholesale business.

Next up, Steve McGrath joins as Northern Sales Manager for OEMs. Steve has enjoyed a successful career in the electronics and electrical industries across sales and product management roles and will utilise his experience to help support Hylec’s continued growth.

Finally, enhancing the sales support team, Hylec has appointed Franco Mattola as Supply Chain Manager, with a brief to strengthen UK stock commitment and communication on shipments.

Sarah Hartland
Draper tools

New Head of Marketing Sarah Hartland, who previously held the position of Marketing Campaign Manager, will be the youngest member of Draper Tools’ senior leadership team at just 32 years old.

Having joined Draper Tools over four years ago, Sarah has been an integral part of the marketing team during that time, playing a crucial role in many of the company’s most successful product launches. Sarah also brings her a wealth of industry knowledge having previously held marketing roles at Elliotts Builders Merchants as well as gaining valuable experience at globally recognised PR firms.

Mark Grayson Wood
Carl kammerling international

Carl Kammerling International (CKI) has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Mark Grayson Wood as Head of Marketing.

Mark will lead on the company’s full marketing mix, range management and brand development to drive sales and brand loyalty. Mark brings over 25 years’ experience to the position, having worked within industrial and technical commercial sales and marketing roles within major power, aerospace, oil and gas operators worldwide.

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The post Movers and Shakers: Unicrimp, AWEBB, Seaward, Electrical distributors’ association (eda), Recolight, Luceco group, Hylec, Draper tools and Carl Kammerling International appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.