The Electrical Show

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan explore whether electricians should have their own compulsory accreditation scheme, following SELECT’s campaign in Scotland to protect the title of electrician.

They’re joined by plumbing and heating industry expert Jimmy Hendry to discuss how Gas Safe works in practice, how engineers are vetted, the benefits and frustrations of the system, and what reforms might be needed.

Thomas and Paul debate what a register of competency could look like in the electrical sector, whether it would genuinely tackle poor workmanship, and what a good or bad version of the scheme might mean for contractors.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Neil Claxton, the Scottish electrician recently named Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, to find out what sets the very best tradespeople apart.

They discuss the skills, attitude, professionalism and work ethic that can take an electrician from simply getting by to becoming one of the best in the business. 

Thomas and Paul debate who else in the electrical and wider construction industry deserves recognition — and whether industry awards should be about technical ability alone, or also recognise customer service, helping others and running a great business.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan are joined by Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at the ECA, to discuss the challenges facing apprentices, employers and colleges.

They look at the shortage of work placements, the quality of college training, rogue training providers and how competency standards could be improved.

They also look into whether the electrical industry needs a licensing system similar to the Gas Safe Register, how to encourage more mature students into the trade, and what needs to change to get more electrical contractors taking on apprentices.

Thomas Nagy and Paul Meenan explore the booming opportunities for electricians in the UK’s data centre expansion - and ask the big question: would you move for work?

They’ll discuss the growing demand for skilled electricians, whether domestic sparks could move into commercial data centre work, the skills and qualifications needed, and whether the money and opportunities are enough to tempt electricians away from home.

They’re joined by Danny Webb from Alpha Tech Group and Nathan Sheridan from JS Electrical NE LTD to get their perspectives on the opportunities, skills and challenges around data centres - and whether they’d move for the right opportunity.

Thomas and Paul also put the question to each other: is the data centre boom a genuine opportunity for electricians, and what would it take to attract experienced sparks into the sector?

Would you move for work - and is the data centre boom the next big opportunity for electricians?

Thomas Nagy flies solo for a Q&A featuring questions from listeners. Thomas tackles juicy questions about pricing, hiring, training and the future of the industry, reflects on his contracting journey and answers some controversial questions along the way!