The Electrical Workforce Ratio Guidance And Composition
Republished with the kind permission of Derek Thompson from Electrical Training Trust
SparkSafe Ltp has emerged from the Electrical Training Trust.
Established in 1998 by employers, Electrical Training Trust has championed the development of employer-Led Level 3 electrical apprenticeship training and adult worker upskilling.
We analysed eleven recent UK Public Sector construction projects with a combined value of circa £200 million to ascertain the composition of the electrical workforce.
The projects ranged in value from £500K to £60 million. Each of the projects is considered to be complex in scope as they:
SparkSafe workforce ratio guidance recommends a 50% minimum cohort of Qualified Electricians (QE) where complex electrical work is to be undertaken. None of the projects in the sample meets the proposed recommendations. Eight of the eleven projects are reported with a QE worker percentage between nil and 25%.
Quality improvement and control measures are likely to be undermined when the model becomes over-reliant on disproportionate use of semi-skilled, under-qualified, or apprentice workers to carry complex and skilled tasks. Exceptions do exist. High-quality, close supervision, and other control measures may off-set the accumulation of defective work, reoccurring snagging lists, and latent defects. However, the trend, if unchecked, in this and other building service sectors, will continue to wither, an already ailing construction industry.
Historical toleration of this model has progressively shifted the Client prerogative to one of necessity and acceptance in terms of workforce composition in parts of the UK. Skilled labour shortages, lack of CPD drivers, and other demographic factors point to an industry that presently struggles to field a match fit team for industrial and commercial projects.
Extended supply chains and health and safety checks at the gate, have blurred Client insight into the occupational identity and qualitative make-up of the contractor’s workforce.
Nevertheless, projects are completed, commissioned, and eventually handed over.
So, what are the problems?
Photo : Electrical workers undertaking cable terminations by Hobi industri on Unsplash
The resolve of many responsible Electrical Contractors to maintain traditional standards has been eroded as other existing, and new enterprises adjust working practices to win contracts, build turnover and attempt to stay in business. Who could blame them! Discipline and restraint by the industry are poorly regulated. Insolvency and/or prosecution are the primary checks and balances for the UK electrical contracting industry.
Attempts at self-regulation have broken down as competitive instincts and market forces, compel the supply chain to find ways of getting around the national conventions of the industry. Industry-led, self-help efforts must continue. Responsible trade and industry bodies must be encouraged, supported and be subject to constructive criticism in their efforts to do the right thing. Nevertheless, the ultimate authority and influence over the behaviour and development of the industry is the Client.
The findings of our analysis flow from an absence of specification and scrutiny concerning the dynamics and composition of the contractor’s workforce ratio. A greater effort by specifiers and designers is usually placed on material specification. Whereas the competency of those who install those materials is often presumed and unchecked.
High spec materials and low-tech installers don’t make sense!
The striking imbalances across the sample projects are the immediate product of the industry, not the Client. However, by using their buying authority, responsible Clients can halt the decline, reinstate the virtuous loop, and help produce a much-needed win-win outcome for the UK going forward.
Why was this developed?
Workforce ratio guidance aims to get the balance of manual electrical worker competencies right at site level. Client organisations and their professional representatives are often obliged to work on a trust basis regarding the flow and composition of an electrical contractor’s workforce. The issue of workforce composition and competency is often poorly defined or referenced in the specification and related documentation.
The number of “go-to” competent electrical workers in modern construction and maintenance contracts appears to have declined. Parts of the industry have become over dependant on under-qualified and unqualified electrical workers to meet tender budgets or overcome skills shortages. This shift means that the proportion of electrical competencies may not be matched to the requirements of the project.
We have produced the following ratio guidance as a quality improvement and social responsibility measure with the aim of stimulating productivity and performance. By including labour ratio competency requirements, specifiers will spur the industry towards sustainability in the construction industry.
Table 1 is aimed at addressing a typical complex multi-electrical service contract.
| No. of Workers By Licence Type |
5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QE | 2 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| REW | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| AE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
We recommend that the electrical workforce should comprise of circa 50% Qualified Electricians (QE). A concession to make-up the balance of the required workforce by a mix and match approach from the Restricted and Apprentice Licence type should be made available. Note: A reasonable, contract-specific, pro-apprentice weighting should always be applied. We suggest that this should be not less than 20% of the required workforce.
Table 2 is offered in consideration of projects that are less complex regarding scope, value, coordination, risk and programme.
| No. of Workers By Licence Type |
5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QE | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| REW | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| AE | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 9 |
This model indicates that circa one-third of the sub-contractors direct and indirect workforce should be fully qualified in line with the QE Licence type. A mix and match option similar to the A-Type concession is made available when it comes to determining the balance of the sub-contractors required workforce across the remaining Licence types.
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
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Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOGwith contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.
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Images Courtesy of: Euan Palmer – Cable Technician at Prysmian Cables.
Cable Jointers: Euan Palmer, Alex Hope, David Barnes.
Nexans Euromold are world leaders in the manufacture of Screened Separable Connectors to enable the termination of medium voltage power cables onto outer cone bushings of electrical equipment including switchgear, transformers and motors.
In this series of photographs, Nexans Euromold K440TB separable tee-connectors are shown terminating 11kV polymeric insulated cables into Siemens transformers – the 11kV single core cables include both Tratos (EPR) and Prysmian (XLPE) manufactured cables.
The medium voltage installation is located on Western Power Distribution (WPD) network, the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West and Wales.
Pictured : 12 x 11kV Nexans Euromold Separable T Connectors Terminating 11kV Single Core Power Cables (9x630sqmm XLPE & 3x630sqmm EPR cable).
Manufacturer : STL – Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Österreich Transformers Linz
Since 1920, power utilities and industry have relied upon Siemens (STL) power transformers, reactors and earth-fault protection devices.
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Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
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Euromold MV HV | Cable Terminations, Connectors, Elbows & Joints
Subscribe now to our POWER NEWSLETTER– a monthly email circulation packed with news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars, career opportunities and white papers.
Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOG with contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.
15,000+ Subscribers. ➡
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uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales/Marketing Manager
NEPTCO revolutionised the tracer wire market when it introduced Trace Safe, the world’s first tracer wire that incorporated water blocking technology to protect the solid copper conductor from water ingress. There are two distinct products that incorporate many of the same features but there are key differences.
While both products are available in all standard utility colors and have an HDPE outer jacket, water blocking yarns, HDPE wire insulation and a tin coating over the solid copper conductor; the key difference is the strength rating of each product.
Trace Safe gets its strength from the water blocking polyester core that surrounds the solid copper 19 AWG conductor.
The core is made from high tenacity polyester yarns, like those found in car tyres, that are treated with a super absorbent powder.
If the outer jacket is damaged, the super absorbent powders swell up like a baby diaper to prevent any moisture from meeting the solid copper conductor. This helps to ensure a long lasting reliable tracer wire.
Trace-Safe is the only water-blocking tracer wire on the market manufactured by NEPTCO
The amount of core material is the distinguishing difference between the 1800 lb. RT products and 600 lb. TST products. Less core material lowers the cost of the TST products but each product has distinct applications that it is best suited for.
The RT products have an overall rated strength of 1800 lb. and are ideal for horizontal directional drilling applications.
RT products can be attached directly to the drill shaft and pulled back along with the conduit and does not need to go inside the duct. The super tough jacket combined with the 1800 tensile strength means that RT Trace Safe can withstand the rigours and tensions generated during pull back.
The TST products have an overall rated strength of 600 lb. and are ideal open trench, micro trench and nano trenching or can be pulled back alongside dielectric cables inside the duct.
Trace-Safe
Trace Safe is a system which use no strip wire connectors.
Each connector comes with a TST adapter so no matter which wire is used the same connectors will work in any situation.
Trace-Safe and TST adapter
So, which Trace Safe is best for you?
It depends on the application.
For directional drilling applications always choose the RT products, for everything else, the TST products.
For simplicity, some utilities prefer to stock only one wire and choose the RT products because of its universal utility.
However, others are more explicit and will only use RT for directional drilling situations.
Consider the application and be sure to always use the Trace Safe connectors to complete the system.
Further Reading
LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
Manufacturers of TRACE-SAFE
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales/Marketing Manager
Detecting, Locating & Tracing Underground Pipes
NEPTCO is a global leader in the manufacturing of materials used for the Detection & Pulling of Cables for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications.
In this Blog, Thorne & Derrick discuss how Trace-Safe provides the ideal solution for all your tracer wire needs including locating non-metallic underground gas and water sewer pipelines.
Trace-Safe® is the only water-blocking tracer wire on the market.
Its unique characteristics protect its solid copper conductor from corrosion. It enables precision locating utilising a 19AWG conductor.
Water blocking reinforced tracer wire for the Trace-safe utility locating system.
Double insulated metallic conductor enables reliable and accurate locating of all-dielectric cables, gas lines, sewer lines or water pipes.
NEPTCO’s cut resistance Trace-Safe® product ensures reliability, locates on frequencies of 9.5, 38, 80, and 512 KHz and outperforms competitive tracer wire products. The product is available in two versions: Trace-Safe and Trace-Safe Trench tracer wires.
Trace-Safe is the strongest tracer wire on the market and eliminates the need to use two or more standard tracer wires for directional drilling applications.
♦ Further Reading Trace Safe | Which Trace Safe is Best for Your Application?
Colours available:
Orange – Telecommunications
Red – Telecommunications, (AUS/NZ)
Blue – Water
Yellow – Gas
Green – Sewer
Trace-Safe Water Blocking Tracer Wire System
| Item Number | Product Code | 1800 LB Description | Package | Reel Dimensions | Wt/lbs | Rls/Skid |
| Telecommunications | ||||||
| 44087 | RT1800W | Orange – TRACE-SAFE | 500 ft | Fl. 10.5″ x W 7.75″ | 11 | 45 |
| 42410 | RT1800W | Orange – TRACE-SAFE | 1,000 ft | FI. 12″ x W 12″ | 24 | 36 |
| 44088 | RT1800W | Orange – TRACE-SAFE | 1, 500 ft | FI. 13.25″ x W 17″ | 60 | 18 |
| Gas Transmission & Distribution | ||||||
| 44089 | RT1801W | Yellow – TRACE-SAFE | 500 ft | Fl. 10.5″ x W 7.75″ | 11 | 45 |
| 41741 | RT1801W | Yellow – TRACE-SAFE | 1,000 ft | FI. 12″ x W 12″ | 24 | 36 |
| 44092 | RT1801W | Yellow – TRACE-SAFE | 1,500 ft | FI. 13.25″ x W 17″ | 60 | 18 |
| Water Transmission & Distribution | ||||||
| 44093 | RT1802W | Blue – TRACE-SAFE | 500 ft | Fl. 10.5″ x W 7.75″ | 11 | 45 |
| 41740 | RT1802W | Blue – TRACE-SAFE | 1,000 ft | FI. 12″ x W 12″ | 24 | 36 |
| 44097 | RT1802W | Blue – TRACE-SAFE | 1, 500 ft | FI. 13.25″ x W 17″ | 60 | 18 |
| Sewer | ||||||
| 44098 | RT1803W | Green – TRACE-SAFE | 500 ft | Fl. 10.5″ x W 7.75″ | 11 | 45 |
| 42408 | RT1803W | Green – TRACE-SAFE | 1,000 ft | FI. 12″ x W 12″ | 24 | 36 |
| 44099 | RT1803W | Green – TRACE-SAFE | 1, 500 ft | FI. 13.25″ x W 17″ | 60 | 18 |
| Item Number | Product Code | 400 LB Description | Package | Reel Dimensions | Wt/lbs | Rls/Skid |
| Telecommunications | ||||||
| 61859 | TST600W | Orange – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 12 | 36 |
| 61861 | TST600W | Orange – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,500 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 27 | 36 |
| 62360 | TST600W | Orange – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 2,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 16.25″” | 56 | 18 |
| Gas Transmission & Distribution | ||||||
| 61873 | TST601W | Yellow – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 12 | 36 |
| 61875 | TST601W | Yellow – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,500 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 27 | 36 |
| 62361 | TST601W | Yellow – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 2,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 16.25″” | 56 | 18 |
| Water Transmission & Distribution | ||||||
| 62244 | TST602W | Blue – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 12 | 36 |
| 62246 | TST602W | Blue – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,500 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 27 | 36 |
| 62245 | TST602W | Blue – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 2,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 16.25″” | 56 | 18 |
| Sewer | ||||||
| 62358 | TST603W | Green – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 12 | 36 |
| 62357 | TST603W | Green – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 1,500 ft | Fl. 12 x W 10.25″ | 27 | 36 |
| 62356 | TST603W | Green – TRACE-SAFE TRENCH | 2, 000 ft | Fl. 12 x W 16.25″” | 56 | 18 |
NEPTCO‘s long-lasting silicone cable blowing/pulling lubricant called MULEGLIDE is an ideal LV, MV & HV cable lubricant, available as low-viscosity Underground Cable Blowing Lubricant or MV HV Underground Cable Pulling Lubricant, which allows for swift and safe underground cable installation.
LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
uploaded by Natalie Lundie | Supply Chain: Marketing Lead at Thorne & Derrick International
Thorne & Derrick are pleased to announce they have partnered with Power Transmission Distribution working together to promote products, Blogs and latest company news on their website and social media accounts.
Their Platform offers expert coverage and breaking news from the MV HV Electrical Power Transmission & Distribution Industry. After 6.5 million views in under 18 months on LinkedIn they decided to launch their own website.
A dedicated team with a wealth of experience provide information through several sources within National Grid that now features on their dedicated website:
This includes news and updates on the latest substation projects including HVDC, GIS, AIS and GIB construction / refurbishments – the Platform also covers nuclear and the renewable sector with windfarms and Green Energy updates as well as research news on contractors and all the authorities dominating these markets.
From the latest breaking news, technological advances to project activities, Power Transmission Distribution has an experienced and well-respected team of editors, columnists and correspondents that will keep the industry well informed.
Who’s it for? Whether you are a, SAP, Site Manager, Commissioning Engineer, Tender Manager, SHEQ Consultant, Electrical Engineer, Wireman, M&E Electrical Contractor, CEO or Managing Director – this is the place to find the latest developments in the Power Transmission & Distribution sector and for all the latest news within National Grid in the UK.
Working with an experienced editorial team Power Transmission Distribution can provide professional advertisement that will be strategically placed to gain maximum exposure.
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They also format their advertising for full screen computer display and also smart phone applications automatically.
Feel free to contact PTD to take advantage of the advertising packages that we have are on offer to suit your requirements.
Please contact:
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
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