JIB funding for training available

Electrotechnical operatives and apprentices are being encouraged by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) to make the most of the Further Education fund available to the industry.

The fund, administered by the JIB, provides financial assistance of up to £500 per person for those wishing to develop their electrotechnical career. Applicants must be either a JIB-graded operative employed by a JIB member company, or a registered electrotechnical apprentice working for any company

Previous courses that the JIB has helped to fund include BTEC National Certificates, degrees and foundation degrees, HNCs and ONCs. The organisation also funds towards NVQ Level 3 in Installing & Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems.

“This fund has been set up to help the industry further its skills,” explained Sheik Khan, secretary to the fund. “We’ll accept applications from anyone looking to further their industry education beyond the basic qualifications needed to be an electrician. But it’s only available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage people to act fast.”

ECA member companies can also apply to the ECA’s training fund and Unite members can apply for a bursary to increase their vocational skills and gain additional qualifications.

For information on how to apply for the JIB Further Education fund visit www.jib.org.uk and click on Further Education Fund or call 0208 302 0031.