The electrical department is divided into two sections, the electrical workshop area and the electrical plant area. As a further facility for heavy plant work there is another area with a 10-ton crane.

        The workshop, which is fully equipped, provides a service similar to that of an electrical workshop in a power station.

        The workshop also houses some special test rigs designed for training purposes.

        In the plant area are items of equipment, mainly of which are in full working condition. These enable training to take place in an ideal environment.

CRAFT APPRENTICE TRAINING

        Selection of apprentices for electrical trade training is based on the results of a nine-month block release course at a technical college. The apprentice's own preference is considered in selecting his trade.

        The first period of training at the centre, which occurs during the second year of apprenticeship, lasts 13 weeks. Three weeks of this time are devoted to basic electrical studies with an emphasis on safety.

        Then follows a four-week period of training on installation work. The apprentices work to a series of installation diagrams to produce various electrical circuits.

        The final period of this first block of training takes six weeks and is spent in instruction on motors and starters. This includes overhaul maintenance, motor alignment, starter maintenance and overload settings.

        After spending a short time at colleges or on their base station, the apprentices return to the electrical section of the centre for a further 13-week period of training which completes their 26-week programme.

        During this 13 weeks their course takes in the study of transformer maintenance, general topics such as low and medium voltage distribution, the use of electrical test equipment, and instruction in general electrical devices, such as relays and timers.

        Further study is given to the control circuits of equipment such as soot-blowers, actuators, oil burners and lift control gear. This is followed by work in electronic control, switchgear, protection, and power station plant appreciation.

        There is finally a period of testing and assessment which, although the apprentices are constantly monitored throughout their training, is designed to give an overall appraisal of their performance.

STUDENT APPRENTICE TRAINING

        An intensive course of training is provided for first-year students and graduates. The length of the course is six weeks, during which there is a bias toward knowledge and appreciation of the electrical craft. However, where it has been proved essential to the students' better understanding, some skills training is given. The emphasis throughout the course is on fault diagnosis.

ADULT TRAINING

        Specialised short duration courses are available for adult training. These courses cover a wide range of electrical studies according to Regional demand. Specialised courses can be arranged if there is sufficient demand for them Details can be obtained from the education and training department at Midlands Region Headquarters.