The Electrical Show

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!

Thomas Nagy is joined in the studio by 28-year-old electrical contractor Callum Biscoe from C&B Electrical Contractors Ltd.

Callum talks Thomas through his journey into the electrical trade, his experiences qualifying, the people who helped him along the way and what he wishes he’d been taught when he was training.

He also reveals how he built his business, the lessons he’s learned as a business owner and how he grew into taking on medical and education-based electrical contracts.

Thomas and Callum also discuss managing staff, the challenges and opportunities of commercial work, why Callum has moved away from taking on as much Solar PV work, and what the future holds for his business.

Paul Meenan puts electrician Mark Pink and his 16-year-old apprentice son Teddy to the test with a series of real-world electrical trade dilemmas.

From dealing with unsafe work and difficult customers to site banter, pricing jobs, buying tools and investing in training, Teddy gives his answers first before Mark draws on his years of experience to explain what he would do.

Paul Meenan is joined by electrician and site agent Mark Pink and his 16-year-old son Teddy, who is beginning his apprenticeship journey and following the family into the electrical trade.

From the traditional methods and experiences of Teddy’s grandad, through Mark’s career in the industry and working around the world, to Teddy taking his first steps into the trade.

Mark reflects on how much the electrical industry has changed, what has improved and what may have become unnecessarily complicated, while Teddy explains why he has chosen the trade, what he’s looking forward to and what makes him nervous about starting out.

Paul also looks ahead to the next 20 years and considers how technology, automation, renewables, battery storage, smart technology and AI could transform the work of electricians — and what Teddy’s career might eventually look like as a result of all of that.