Whenever we hear the word laboratory it’s impossible not to think of poor Beaker from the Muppets, long-suffering assistant of Dr Bunsen Honeydew, holding an exploded vial, with his hair on fire.
So when we heard a new laboratory had just opened in Grangemouth, we feared the worse.
In fact, it turns out there’s not a Bunsen burner or beaker in sight at the facility run by York EMS Services, a York University subsidiary and compliance service provider. This lab is all about electricity; in particular electrical compliance.
York EMC Services has relocated its operation from Dalgety Bay and the bespoke lab offers EMC, safety, radio, telecoms and EMF compliance services to companies in Scotland and the North of England.
The facility boasts new EMC test chambers, including a fully compliant 3m semi anechoic/fully anechoic chamber, enabling radiated emissions to be performed in an electromagnetically quiet environment.
Such investment reflects the bigger picture of just how important electrical compliance is right now to the electronics industry. Testing products to make sure they meet EU and international regulations and standards is vital as electrics are a major part of Scottish exports.
Expert technicians, therefore, play a huge role in maintaining and enhancing the renowned quality associated with Scottish manufacturing products.
Compliance is also about innovation and training, and the lab will help grow the technology in the electrical compliance market and train people in its execution – helping the industry stay ahead of the curve.
Where technology is continually evolving, compliance must always be evolving too. Moreover, new regulations are constantly passed in the areas of safety, trade and standards, and the compliance sector needs to adapt quickly to this.
In such a fast-changing environment, electrical engineers with experience or knowledge in compliance are much sought after. If you can combine your electrical engineering skills, a keen eye for detail and an awareness of compliance regulations and how they work, companies will want you on board.
There’s no need to go out and buy a lab coat and goggles, just yet, however: compliance can also mean visiting homes, businesses or even power generators. There’s a wealth of opportunities out there, one in which electrical fitters and technicians can make upwards of £23,000 a year.
So get out there and add that vital spark to your career!