Hit the Lights Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hit the Lights
A podcast detailing the lives of electricians and engineers alike throughout the universe!
If anything you have listened to is of interest please don't hesitate to contact us at hitthelightspod@gmail.com
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In this episode Gary is joined once again by Ryan Dempsey. Ryan updates on the progress of his company TCW. They discuss the data collected on the industry and how that might be used. They explore what competence is and how the industry is reflected in data with regards to changes in regulations such as premature collapse in escape routes, 5 yearly inspections for tenanted properties, as well as geographical differences in how documents are completed.
In this episode Gary chats with Marcin Ruta from Poland. They discuss his journey from switchboard manufacture with General Electric, to working at Eaton and onwards to his own consultancy. They also discuss what arc flash is and its impact.
In this episode Gary chats with Keith Jones. Keith tells his journey from beginning his apprenticeship in the 1980's to moving into the field of education as a Lecturer, including the introduction of the level 3 NVQ. They discuss his time as a NICEIC inspector and how he developed himself from working on the tools to becoming a consultant and designer.
In this episode Gary chats with Darren Crannis, Technical Manager for the ECA. They discuss his journey into the industry, setting up his own business and what support he gained from the ECA, to joining the team at the ECA and touring the UK with the ECA roadshow. They also discuss Darren's role in the JPEL64 committee.
In this episode Gary chats with Tom Brookes. They discuss his route into the fire industry and his educational journey, from leaving school with no qualifications to completing a PHD. They also touch on competency including fire system apprenticeships. Tom discusses all about his work with various councils including BSI and being chairman of the Fire & Security Association.
In this episode Gary chats with Krish Theobald, an electrical engineer from India. They discuss his journey into the world of electrics, his training to British standards and what some of the challenges are for projects and installations in India.
In this episode Gary chats with Louise Spokes, Marketing Manager from Linian. They discuss her role within Linian, how they develop their brand and content whilst discussing marketing tips and tricks for electricians and companies.
In this episode Gary chats with Alan Montgomery. Alan discusses his journey from apprenticeship to self-employed electrician, moving onwards towards teaching hazardous areas. They also discuss what it means to have work life balance as well as discussing "what is a hazardous area?".
In this episode Gary chats with Suzy. They discuss her route into the industry via theatre lighting. From working with family to inspiring more women into the trades.
In this episode Gary chats with Dan McAdam about his journey into the electrical industry via sales. How he found the inspiration for Rewired, his business which supports electricians in managing their businesses.
In this episode Gary chats with Paul Gibbens, a director at Hays recruitment agency. They discuss the impact of IR35, what recruiters look for in CVs, has the skills gap always existed and rates of pay.
In this classic episode, Gary chats with David Savery from DSES. We discuss his journey to the electrical industry via the route of communications, competent person schemes, youtube and short courses.
In this episode Gary chats with Ben Pratt of BElectrical London and Skill School. They discuss his journey into the industry via social housing. Touching on how he has set up his 3 businesses including an Audio Visual company. They discuss the skill school and what Ben hopes for the future.
In this episode Gary chats with Adrian Davey, discussing his route into the industry, being self employed and eventually entering the education sector of the industry and a lecturer.
In this episode Gary chats with Giovanni Baccinni, Managing Director of Lewden. They discuss his journey to the role of MD, what it requires to keep up with industry, manufacturing, dealing with some of the challenges of the pandemic and how to market products.
In this episode Gary chats with Dave Austin. They discuss his route from being an engineer at the BBC to moving in front of the camera. From presenting for the NICEIC, to his current tour of tech talks with CEF. They also touch on what to expect in the future of the industry.
In this episode Gary chats with Richard Harvey. They discuss Richards route into the industry and ultimately his journey into becoming a college lecturer.
In this episode Gary meets Gary Parker. Gary is a Technical Manager for the ECA. They discuss his route into the industry, further education and his role within the ECA in delivering for its members.
In this episode Gary chats with James Barrett, an electrician who converted to the world of teaching. They discuss James' route into industry and subsequently teaching. James tells what it takes to inspire a classroom, what some of his biggest frustrations are and how he manages his workload alongside continuing on the tools.
In this episode Gary chats with Sean Passant of Dehn. We discuss his route through the Royal Corps of Signals into the world of surge and lightning protection. They talk through the modern image of steeplejacks and his work as president of ATLAS (The Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists) as well as the Dehn Academy.
In this episode Pete and Gary tackle the controversial subject of short courses. Is there a place in the industry for short courses?
In this special episode for #Safe4September, Pete and Gary discuss their experiences with regards to safe isolation. Discussing external pressures, equipment needed, safety systems and of course the safe isolation procedure itself.
In this episode Gary quizzes Pete on what it means to be a domestic electrician in the industry at this moment in time. They discuss routes of entry, what challenges Pete faces on a day to day basis alongside the future of what it means to be a domestic electrician.
In this special bonus episode, Gary chats with Louise Adamson. Sister of Michael, who tragically lost his life due to electrocution. They discuss how she has turned this tragedy into a positive as a health and safety speaker.
This is a special episode for the #safe4september campaign to ensure all electricians are utilising safe working practices when working with electricity.
To find out more please visit Home » Michael's Story (michaels-story.net)
In this episode Gary and Pete discuss industry accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights. With CSCS removing industry accreditation, what is the impact of this on the industry and those affected?
In this episode, Pete asks Gary all about the water industry. Discussing routes of entry, installations and process of a sewage treatment works.
In this classic episode, Gary chats with Kevin Pearson. We discuss his journey from the world of IT, constantly working away from home and continuous professional development.
In this episode Gary chats to 140th president of the IET, Sir Julian Young. They discuss his route from Junior Engineer in the Royal Air Force to becoming the current President of the IET. They discuss a variety of topics including professional registration, the IET's Strategy 2030, short courses and what the future holds.
Gary chats with Danny Webb in this episode. The man more commonly known as SparkyMilan on social media. They discuss his route into the industry, struggling for payments and developing skills moving forward.
In this episode Gary meets Paul Skyrme. They discuss his route into industry via the world of production lines and machines. They also discuss the machinery directive, agencies,CE Marking and of course e5. Paul discusses his cancer diagnosis and raises awareness for men's health.
In this episode we step away from electrics directly and chat to Adam Chapman of Heat Geek. We discuss his route into mechanical engineering. We discuss some of the renewable technology installations he provides such as Hydrogen fuel cells, heat pumps and more. We look to the future and discuss what electricians can do to keep up with heating engineers in the latest technology.
In this episode we chat with Richard Cockerline. RIchard is a commercial industrial electrician who was late to the industry. We discuss his difficult route in becoming an electrician and looking to the future.
In this episode we catch up with Mike Page. We discuss his route from working electrician to managing his new tools venture Loadout. If you'd like to know more about Loadout, visit the website at www.loadout.shop
In this episode we step outside of the world of electrics and into the world of asbestos with Greg Byrne, an Asbestos Surveyor. We learn all about the dangers of this hazardous material which is one of the biggest killers of trades people. From where to find it to how to deal with it.
In this episode, Pete discusses Arc Fault Detection devices (AFDD) with the guys from Electrium. From how they operate, costs and how to install them.
In this episode Gary meets Chris Guyatt, a smart home and BMS control panel engineer. They discuss Chris' route into the industry, what's interesting about smart homes and what the future holds.
In this episode we chat with Boyd Goulden. We discuss his journey into the industry and how he developed the documentation platform CertOn. Whilst touching on technology, issues with the industry and moving forward. If you'd like to know more about CertOn, check it out at certon.co.uk.
In this episode Gary chats with Ceri Crannis of Crannis Technology Services. Discussing the change of career into managing an electrical contractor. How she copes with the day to day running of an electrical business and the challenges the business will face moving forward.
In this episode, Pete and Gary discuss the do's and do not's of writing a CV. From how to structure to what employers may or may not look for, if you are an apprentice or an electrical designer.
In this episode, Pete and Gary talk through what tools should be in an apprentice's tool bag for domestic, commercial and industrial electricians in training.
In this bonus episode, Gary and Pete discuss the pros and cons of college education. Hitting key points such as regulations, students and employers.
In this episode we meet Paul Meenan. We discuss his route into the industry via theatre lighting, learning on the railways and the founding of the e5 group.
In this episode we chat with Ryan Dempsey. We discuss his career to date, the e5 group, the impossibilities of software and motivational music.
In this episode we meet Derek Thompson, we discuss his route into the industry, electrical training trust and progression into the sparksafe scheme.
In this episode we chat with youtuber Jordan Farley. We discuss his career, inheriting the family business, alternative methods of income and maintaining standards.
In this episode we speak to Dan Jackson. We talk about his route into the electrical industry, starting his business, hazardous area, installations, overseeing apprentice development and finding time for yourself.
In this episode we chat with David Watts, SparkyNinja himself. We discuss his own route into the industry, technology and the training industry. #MEGA
It's Christmas time! Pete and Gary run through the entries to the #GoodWork competition and announce the winner! They reflect on a difficult year and some of their favourite podcast moments. Merry Christmas to All!
In this episode Pete goes solo with the guys from Electrium to discuss AFFDs, their operation, costs and installations.
In episode 6, Peter's with Gary again to discuss the role of a qualified supervisor and what they expect from the role.
Episode 5 - In this episode Pete and Gary talk forms of panels, types of signals, instrumentation and control systems.
In Episode 4 Pete and Gary discuss the art of dealing with a client. From quoting, completing the works to signing off and payments.
Episode 3 - Pete and Gary discuss to the do's and don'ts of consumer units. From sealing entries, protective devices to labelling.
Episode 2 - Pete and Gary chat discuss BS7375, distribution of electricity on construction and demolition sites.
In this first episode of series 4, Pete and Gary discuss the future. Talking electric vehicles, industry and space travel.
In this special episode, Pete and Gary review the latest proposals in the amendment 2 draft for public comment. We talk Arc Fault Devices, Foundation Earthing, Model Forms and more! To review the DPC and comment on any items highlighted, link below. Closes 11th December 2020.
www.standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com
In episode 10 we meet David Savery. We discuss working in telecomms, short courses and competent person scheme memberships.
In episode 9 we meet Richard Emery. we discuss becoming an authorising engineer, safe working practices and some of the pros and cons of the industry.
In episode 8 we meet Eddie Clemmens. We discuss apprenticeships, control panels, ECA membership and progression of the electrical industry. Please check out www.free-electrical-cpd.org.uk
In this episode we meet Derek Thompson. We discuss his route in to the industry, the electrical training trust and progression into the Sparksafe scheme.
In this episode of Hit the Lights Plus, We review an actual electrical installation condition report issued under the new legislation for landlords. Follow along with the certificate available for download below!
https://mystuff.bublup.com/ui/landing_page?item_id=001-i-f2dac3dc-846b-415d-833b-1754582c8392
In this episode of Hit the Lights Plus, We review an actual electrical installation condition report issued under the new legislation for landlords. Follow along with the certificate available for download below!
https://mystuff.bublup.com/ui/landing_page?item_id=001-i-f2dac3dc-846b-415d-833b-1754582c8392
In this episode of Hit the Lights Plus, We review an actual electrical installation condition report issued under the new legislation for landlords. Follow along with the certificate available for download below!
https://mystuff.bublup.com/ui/landing_page?item_id=001-i-f2dac3dc-846b-415d-833b-1754582c8392
In episode 6 we meet Kevin Pearson. We discuss his route into the industry from IT, working away from home and continuous professional development.
In the second episode of Hit the Lights Plus, we are again joined by Peter Arrow. We start to have some more technical conversations, discussing some of the issues facing electricians.
Next up is Electrical Vehicle Charging Installations and some of the considerations we need to be making before installing...
In episode 5 we meet Bob Noseda. We discuss his many years in the industry, working in Australia, apprenticeships to London 2012.
In the first episode of Hit the Lights Plus, we are joined by Peter Arrow. We start to have some more technical conversations, discussing some of the issues facing electricians.
First up is whether to ring or to radial...
In episode 4, we meet Chris Ruddock and discuss his route into the industry, working in the domestic sector and the industry in general.
In this episode we meet John Bagley. We discuss his route into the industry via telecomms.
In this episode we meet Kirsty Johnson, a specialist in surge protection. We discuss her route to the industry, women in the sector and the future.
In the first episode of series 2 we cross the Atlantic ocean and speak to Angel Montalvo from New York. We discuss his career and what its like to be an electrician in America.
In this bonus episode, Peter Arrow (episode 2) turns the microphone around onto regular host Gary Alder.
In Episode 13 I chat with Paul Meenan. We discuss his route into the industry, learning on the railways and of course e5.
Episode 12 - We chat Youtube with Mr Artisan Electrics, Jordan Farley. We discuss his career, inheriting the family business, alternative methods of income and maintaining standards.
In Episode 11, we chat with Ryan Dempsey, we discuss his career to date, the e5 group, the impossibilities of software within the industry and motivational music.
In Episode 10, we meet Toni, a second year electrical apprentice and discuss commercial installations, college, ambitions and family influence.
In Episode 9 we meet Mike Page. We chat social media, including instagram. His career to date and what he would like to see to improve the industry.
In episode 8, we meet Tom Bickerton. We learn how Tom entered the trade via naval bases, discuss higher education, installations in marinas and the future of the industry.
In Episode 7, we chat with Karen Boom. We discuss her route into the trade, challenges and progress for women in the industry, EV charging and public perception of electricians.
In episode 6, we meet David Paterson. We discuss mental health, love for the industry, pressures of the job and tell some stories.
In episode 5 we speak to Dan Jackson! We talk about his route into the electrical industry, starting his business, hazardous area installations, overseeing apprentice development and finding time for yourself.
In this episode we meet Phys Powell. A second year electrical apprentice who joined the trade later in life. We talk about his path to the industry, experiences of work and further education, as well as what the future holds.
In episode 3 we chat with Sparky Ninja himself, David Watts. We discuss his own route into the industry, technology and the training industry. #MEGA #Levelup
In Episode 2 we meet Peter Arrow! We chat everything electrical from apprenticeships, taking over the family business to new tools on the market.
In this first episode of Hit the Lights, I sit down with Lee Ward of Pure Electric and discuss all things electrical!