Editorial

Installation companies have been given a breathing space with the extension to the introduction of the Euro standards. Now that it’s been put back to October 2005 it will allow installers to work to either BS or Euro regs for a period of parallel running. This seems to be the only sensible way forward with installers now knowing exactly what to work towards. From the manufacturers’ point of view, it’s a financial lifeline. The BSIA estimated that a premature introduction would have cost larger manufacturers £1.5m ... costs that would have to be passed on to the customer.

With the long lead up to the introduction – and reliance on other standards yet to be published – Euro standards have confused the industry and made many installers reluctant to work towards them until absolutely necessary. We published a nine-part series on the Euro regs two years ago ... in hindsite maybe that was too premature! Now that the October 2005 date has been set it gives companies almost a year to study the paperwork and prepare.

The danger with a year of parallel running is, of course, that many installers will still leave it until the last minute. Companies that are trying to gain inspectorate approval during that time should be especially wary about leaving it too late. It’ll be no good going to the inspectorates next autumn saying “We’re all set up and working to BS4373”. This period is a lifeline so grasp it. There have been many workshops on EN50131 organised by different parties and, I’ve no doubt, over the year there will be more, so make sure you attend.

Our Security Excellence Awards this year was, as always, a great success (see page 6) and it was particularly good to see, for the first time, young apprentice installers up there on stage receiving their Installer Skills Challenge trophies. I’m told by Noel Sargent, SITO’s National Training Programmes Manager, that it’s been a good year for the Co-operative network set up to get apprentices trained under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. It set a record for recruitment and, for the first time, the network has attracted more than 100 apprentices which means the course is now full.

If you’ve got apprentices on the scheme make sure you encourage them to complete all their college work and NVQ records and co-operate with on-site assessments. Noel says that apprentices failing to complete all their elements on time is one area which needs improving. So do all you can to encourage your apprentices to stay the course and gain the qualifications that will become increasingly important with the introduction of EN 50131 and ‘passport’ schemes such as the JIB card. There’s also a need for assessors to deal with the increased numbers, particularly in London, the home counties and south west. You must have experience working in the systems industry and you’ll work part time to an agreed schedule. So if you’re interested call Noel Sargent on 01905 20004.