Discover how Ada Lovelace’s analytical thinking shaped early computing and what her legacy teaches modern engineers about structured learning, creativity, and technical development. Ada Lovelace and the Foundations of Technical Imagination Ada Lovelace’s story is often told as a historical curiosity: the daughter of Lord Byron who became the world’s

Explore how thermoelectric refrigeration supports net-zero goals, reduces greenhouse emissions, and reshapes sustainable engineering applications in modern industries Thermoelectric Research and the Future of Sustainable Cooling Technology Engineering has always been a response to human need. As societies grow and technologies advance, new challenges emerge — especially in energy use,

Discover how long-term STEM exposure transforms young learners into confident problem-solvers, innovators, and future engineers, inspired by Team Activ8’s journey. How Early Exposure to Engineering Transforms Futures When we talk about the future of engineering, we often focus on qualifications, apprenticeships, or technical skills gained later in life. But for

Engineering has always been a profession built on problem-solving, innovation, and progress — but behind every breakthrough sits something just as important: a community willing to support one another. Long before structured welfare systems existed, engineers created their own safety nets, pooling knowledge and resources to help colleagues facing hardship.

Uncertainty is something every engineer understands. Systems fail, conditions change, and no project survives without planning for contingencies. Yet when it comes to our own futures — and the futures of the people we care about — many of us struggle to apply the same principles. Estate planning isn’t just

Behind every skilled engineer is a journey shaped not only by technical competence but by the people, conversations, and networks that helped them grow. While many focus on qualifications and hands-on experience — both essential — fewer talk about the role that professional communities and volunteering play in shaping well-rounded,

For years, the global conversation around electric vehicles has centred on a handful of familiar brands. But while Western headlines stayed busy tracking individual companies, something much bigger—and far more coordinated—was unfolding across China. What began as a policy experiment more than a decade ago has grown into one of

Electrification is often described as the straightforward part of the UK’s decarbonisation journey—replace petrol with batteries, and the rest will fall into place. But anyone working in electrical installation, energy systems, or grid operations knows the picture is far more complex. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is not only

Manufacturing has always been a field shaped by ingenuity. But in 2025, the pace of change is so rapid that even the most experienced engineers admit the landscape feels different. New materials, AI-driven optimisation, quantum simulation, and cross-industry collaboration are changing not just what engineers build, but how they think.

Supporting engineers in their professional development has always been central to the strength of the industry. The IET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Advisor role exists for exactly that reason — helping engineers progress, reflect, and uphold the standards expected of a modern, safety-conscious profession. For those who enjoy mentoring, reviewing

September always brings a shift in pace. Workloads pick back up, student engineers return to study, and many of us move from the slower rhythm of summer into something more structured and demanding. For engineers — whether on site, in training, or managing complex technical projects — that transition can

At the heart of the engineering community are volunteers who quietly dedicate their time, skills and experience to supporting others. One of them is David Parr — a long-standing contributor whose journey shows just how far volunteering can take you, both professionally and personally. David’s first steps into volunteering were

Across Europe, few engineering endeavours match the ambition and complexity of the Grand Paris Express. With over 200 kilometres of new rail lines, 68 stations and an investment exceeding 40 billion Euros, the project represents one of the continent’s most significant infrastructure transformations. Yet beyond its scale, the Grand Paris

On 15 October 1936, the Hoover Dam entered a new chapter—not as a completed concrete structure, but as a working power station delivering renewable energy across the American Southwest. The activation of its hydroelectric generators transformed an ambitious civil engineering project into a functioning, integrated system that reshaped entire cities.

Every year, the Young Woman Engineer of the Year (YWE) awards celebrate engineers who are not only excelling technically but reshaping the culture of engineering across the UK. The 2025 finalists bring together civil, space, software, asset management and infrastructure expertise, demonstrating how diverse an engineering career can truly be.

When people talk about building a career in engineering, they often describe the influence of mentors, the value of education, or the importance of professional networks. But for many—especially those navigating new countries, raising families, or overcoming financial barriers—the real story is one of resilience. Few journeys illustrate this better

For many engineers, a career is built one project at a time—through lived experience, trial and error, support from colleagues, and the gradual building of confidence. But behind every competent professional is another, quieter force: the people who guide them. One of the most impactful ways to support the engineering

The engineering profession is changing at a pace few could have predicted even a decade ago. Automation, energy transition, digital transformation and new ways of working are reshaping the expectations placed on modern engineers. While technical competence will always remain the backbone of the industry, the conversation is shifting. Employers

If you’ve ever travelled between Edinburgh and Fife, you’ll know that crossing the Firth of Forth is more than a commute — it’s an encounter with one of the UK’s most significant engineering achievements. When the Forth Road Bridge opened on 28 August 1964, it represented a bold leap in

The pace of change across every major industry is accelerating, and vocational education is standing at a crossroads. Elec Training believes that the future of vocational education will be shaped by the same forces transforming global media, engineering, energy, construction and communication. The world is moving fast, and skills training

Career development has always depended on a mix of confidence, curiosity and the willingness to grow. In today’s technical sectors, that growth looks different from what many professionals expected at the start of their journey. Whether someone begins with a university degree, an apprenticeship or a vocational qualification, the pathways available often

Technical industries are becoming more complex at a pace many workers never expected. Terms, tools and technologies evolve so quickly that even experienced professionals can lose track of what they actually need to understand. Elec Training sees this across the wider vocational sector. People want to do well, they want

Engineering rarely moves forward by accident. It advances when people come together around a shared purpose, a clear framework and a willingness to rethink traditional systems. The Rail Technical Strategy (RTS) demonstrates this principle in one of the most challenging environments: the UK rail network. At its heart, the RTS

The world of engineering and media technology is changing faster than many people expected. What once relied on hardware, physical infrastructure and tightly controlled onsite systems is now moving into cloud platforms, AI supported workflows and software defined operations. The landscape revealed at IBC 2025 showed exactly how far this

Engineering is often described as analytical, structured and detail heavy, but the reality is far more varied. It is a field shaped by imagination, adaptability and the ability to see solutions where others may see obstacles. For many neurodivergent engineers, ADHD brings exactly those qualities. The challenge is rarely capability.

Technical knowledge is the foundation of engineering, but it has never been the full story. Careers are shaped just as much by communication, confidence, teamwork and adaptability as they are by formulas, tools or calculations. For many learners, the turning point often arrives not in the classroom but in real

Robotics is no longer an abstract promise or a distant technology reserved for specialist factories. It has become a central part of how modern engineering skills are defined, practiced and developed across the UK. From agriculture to logistics, healthcare to manufacturing, automation is reshaping what technical work looks like. And

Engineering has always been shaped by the challenges of the moment. Yet today’s challenges, from sustainability to safety in high-pressure environments, are influencing the way technical teams think far more deeply than before. Modern engineers are being asked not only to understand the technology in front of them but to

Engineering history is full of moments that appear simple at first glance but reveal deeper lessons when we take the time to look closely. The opening of the New York City Subway in 1904 is one of those moments. People remember the scale, the speed and the ambition, but the

Electrician Gadgets Worth Actually Buying in 2025: From Budget Kit to Professional Upgrades Electricians love gadgets. Always have, probably always will. Whether it’s the latest multifunction tester, a tool kit upgrade, or even something practical enough to count as a stocking filler, s parks are constantly looking for kit that

Where to Fit a Consumer Unit: Stop Hiding Them Behind Boxes and Actually Think About Access Finding the right spot for a consumer unit sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many boards end up mounted next to the ceiling above a downstairs toilet where you can’t even get the

Asbestos remains one of the biggest legacy risks in UK housing and construction. Although it was banned in 1999, it’s still present in millions of homes, offices, and public buildings across the country. Knowing what it is, where it’s f ound, and how to handle it safely is essential for

If you’re an electrician or business owner looking to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points, becoming OZEV authorised can open up new opportunities. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) oversees the UK’s EV charge point grant schemes — helping homeowners, landlords, and businesses save money on installations while supporting

Older adults are among the most vulnerable when it comes to electrical safety at home. Many live in properties with ageing wiring, older appliances, and limited access to professional safety checks — a combination that can quickly b ecome dangerous. At Elec Training, we believe electrical safety shouldn’t depend on

In this part of our Health and Safety Policy series, we’re looking at COSHH — the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. If you’re an electrician, employer, or sole trader, COSHH is a key part of your Health and Safety Policy. It sets out how to identify, assess,

When installing lights, switches, or electrical accessories, understanding IP ratings is vital for safety and compliance. These small two-digit codes can make the difference between a safe installation and one that risks water damage or electric shock. Whether you’re training to become an electrician or already working in the field,

In the third part of our Health and Safety Policy series, we’re taking a closer look at PUWER — the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations set out the legal duties for anyone who owns, uses, or controls work equipment. If you’re an electrician, employer, or

Are they actually Safe? Yes, But Not for the Reasons You Think Short answer: yes, electrician jobs are safe from robots. But not because the work is magically immune to automation. It’s safe because construction is chaos, sites are u npredictable, and every property throws curveballs that robots can’t handle

The Department for Education announced this week that it won’t rely on specific Ofsted grades to intervene with poorly-performing apprenticeship providers for the next 12 months. Instead, it’ll take a “case-by-case” approach during the transition to Ofsted’s new inspection regime, which scraps the old “inadequate,” “requires improvement,” “good,” and “outstanding”

If you use a van for work, you already know how essential it is to protect it. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, or self-employed installer, your van is more than just a vehicle — it’s your mobile workshop, tool store, and a key part of your business. But not all

Planning permission and building control often get mentioned together, but they solve two different problems. Planning is about whether your project should happen in a specific place (design, neighbours, heritage, environment). Building control is about how the work is carried out (safety, structure, energy, access). If you’re planning home improvements

Once you’ve completed a Domestic Electrician Course or the full Domestic Electrician Package, you’ll be qualified to carry out a wide range of electrical work in domestic settings. But it’s important to understand where the legal boundaries are — particularly under Part P of the Building Regulations. Electrical work in

If you work for yourself as a tradesperson, understanding VAT (Value Added Tax) can feel like one of the more confusing parts of running your business. Should you register? What happens when you do? And will it make your services more expensive? This guide explains everything from the basics of

Launching an electrical business takes more than qualifications and technical skills — it also takes a clear, professional brand that customers recognise and trust. Whether you’re a sole trader or a growing company, strong branding helps you stand out in a competitive market, builds credibility, and keeps your business memorable

If you’re considering a career in electrics, you’ve probably come across several “domestic installer” training options — each offering a slightly different pathway. It can be confusing to work out which course suits your goals, experience, and long-term ambitions. This guide breaks down Elec Training’s domestic electrician r outes, explains

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the future — they’re fast becoming the present. With the UK government banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the demand for skilled EV charger installers has grown rapidly. For electricians and career changers alike, this is one of the

Late payments can happen to anyone — electricians, small business owners, or freelancers. But when it becomes routine, it can seriously disrupt cash flow and morale. Chasing unpaid invoices is frustrating and time-consuming, yet how you handle the situation can make all the d ifference between resolving it quickly and

Every two seconds, someone in the UK searches online for “depression.” Every minute, more than twenty people search for “stress” or “anxiety.” These aren’t abstract statistics — they’re a reminder that mental health challenges touch every part of modern working life. Despite greater public awareness, a lingering stigma still prevents