Market-leading cable manufacturer Draka is the latest to have signed up to support the new Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI) certification for cable installers. Draka will now accept this accreditation as a demonstration of competence for contractors looking to join its coveted UC Connect Approved Installers scheme. Product Manager for UC Connect, Lee Stokes, is hugely supportive of the new certification: “There is no doubt that this is a sign that the industry is at last growing up” he summarises. “For a long time the industry has needed a set level of competence that everyone recognises and trusts. The determination of the team at CNet Training has resulted in the CNCI programme to deliver that.”

For those who have yet to undertake CNCI programme, or who choose not to do so, Draka will still provide its current training programme to ensure all contractors have the opportunity to join the UC Connect scheme. However, CNet Training – providers of the CNIC programme – point out that the days of manufacturer-led training programmes may be numbered.

“The industry has been crying out for this type of universal certification for years yet nobody has been able to tackle the problem successfully” says CNet Training Managing Director Andrew Stevens. “Not only have installers and manufacturers been very quick to come on board but we are now starting to see the first specifications requiring the use of CNCI certified contractors. “

Lee Stokes sees benefits to both the manufacturer and installer: “Draka is a manufacturer not a training provider. Having an industry-led training programme delivered by a professional training company allows us to focus our resources where they should be – on providing the best products and most comprehensive technical support to our UC Connect installers.”

Source: Technical MMS UK