Trusol | Trusol Education

10 May JOB VACANCY – IP CCTV System Installation & Service Engineer

Posted at 10:17h in Jobs

Career Opportunities with Trusol Limited (Part of the IKAN Group)

Following a recent merger with Electracom Projects Limited, Trusol Limited are expanding their specialist engineering team.

As a result, we are looking to strengthen our installation & commissioning teams with the following role:

IP CCTV System Installation & Service Engineer

Outline

Installation, service and maintenance of IP CCTV and data network infrastructure (passive and active networking) at client premises. Based from our West London offices the work will be to support our clients in the leisure, education, commercial and construction sectors.

To include

Installation, configuration and commissioning of IP CCTV and structured cabling systems.
Service callouts, system audits and scheduled maintenance visits
Working with the service and operations team to ensure adherence to our SLAs
Joining multidisciplinary teams to assist on larger integration projects

The work is mostly in the South East of England but the ability to travel and where necessary stay away overnight will be expected.

We offer attractive employment packages dependent upon previous experience, with good training and development opportunities within the group.

Desired personal attributes

A trustworthy, enthusiastic, self-motivated and pro-active individual, capable of working on their own or as part of a larger team
A forward thinker with the ability to plan & prioritise tasks.
Independent and organised with good time management and punctuality
Good customer and peer communication skills
A strong interest in IP CCTV, data networks and integrated technology services
Excellent computing skills with a knowledge of basic network configuration
Attention to detail and the ability to accurately record all important information

Preferred requirements
 Minimum 3 years’ experience in installing CCTV, data or other technology systems
 Ability to liaise with other trades on site to coordinate works as required
 Ability to report daily to your line manager on works completed, outstanding tasks
and another other relevant information

Essential requirements

Full UK driving license
You must already have the legal right to work in the UK
No criminal convictions on record – DBS/CRB checks will be undertaken in order that you can work on many of our client sites

Desirable skills

IP or CCTV installations to include:

3 years’ experience in CCTV or similar IP based technologies
Networking capabilities
Configuration, witnessing and demonstration of systems
Data infrastructure installation, service and maintenance
IPTV and other TV distribution
Integration of automation and access control
Audio visual product installation

Desirable qualifications and training

ECS or CSCS skill card
CNET or BTEC related SCS installer certification
Electrical competency qualifications are an advantage

Trusol offers comprehensive training and skills development.

Package

An initial 6 month probationary period with the potential of a permanent employment
contract after this period.

Permanent Employment Contract (after 6 months if both parties are happy)

Permanent Employment Contract (45 hours per week)
£24,000-£35,000 P.A depending on experience levels and skill sets
All sensible and pre-agreed work related expenses paid
22 days paid holiday, increasing by 1 day for every year worked up to 25 days.
Enrolment onto Company Pension Scheme
Good career progression opportunities available
Training opportunities
Vehicles, laptops and phones available for some senior roles.

To register interest in this vacancy, please send your CV to Jo Gammage, Group HR Manager jo@trusol.com before Friday 27th May. Appointments will be confirmed in June 2022.

10 May JOB VACANCY – Trainee Data/AV Engineer

Posted at 10:11h in Jobs

Career Opportunities with Trusol Limited (Part of the IKAN Group)

After securing a number of large installation projects in London, Trusol are looking to strengthen its current installation team by recruiting trainee engineers who will be initially trained on site by our senior engineers in the various disciplines offered by Trusol across a number of industry sectors.

These specialist areas will include the following disciplines:

Installation of copper data network cabling (Category 5e, 6 and 6A)
Installation of fibre optic network cabling (Singlemode & Multimode)
Termination, testing and connectivity for all of the above cable types.
Installation of data racks/cabinets including earth bonding.
Installation of network hardware (switches, routers, firewalls, UPS systems)
Installation of Classroom AV systems (Interactive touch panels, projectors and audio systems) for our education clients
Installation of Virtual Studio systems, Digital Signage systems and Studio Audio/PA systems for our Leisure clients

Trainee Data/AV Engineer

Essential requirements

Be over 18 years of age, well motivated and a logical thinker with a good work ethic.
Be willing to learn and develop “hands on” skills which will form the foundation of a long term career with Trusol.
Be punctual and physically able to work in a manual role for 5 days a week, 9 hours per day.
Be able to solve simple problems in a logical approach and have the confidence to think through situations rather than always waiting to be told what to do next.
Be a good communicator, able to communicate confidently with peers and others around you.
Be willing to work in a variety of different environments from construction sites to fitness suites.
Hold a clean criminal record – ideally holding a current DBS/CRB certificate (although this will be undertaken by Trusol for any successful applicants anyway)

Ideal Requirements:

Be London based or willing to travel into Central London on a daily basis.
A clean driving license.

Package

Permanent Employment Contract (45 hours per week – 0800-1700 Mon-Fri)
From £18,000 P.A + benefits
All sensible and pre-agreed work related expenses paid
22 days paid holiday, increasing by 1 day for every year worked up to 25 days.
Good career progression opportunities available
Onsite Training (immediately) and Industry accredited training opportunities (after the first 6 months)
Enrolment onto Company Pension Scheme

All successful candidates will be required to complete and pass the following assessments before employment contracts can be awarded. The organisation of and costs associated with these assessments will be covered by Trusol:

ECS/CSCS Health & Safety examination (self learn booklet provided for revision – 50 question multiple choice test online)
Enhanced DBS check – Criminal record check before you can work in any of our schools.

If you are interested in this role, please send a copy of your CV and any associated correspondence to our HR Director, Jo Gammage on the following email address – jo@trusol.com.

10 May JOB VACANCY – Data Cabling Engineer

Posted at 10:07h in Jobs

Career Opportunities with Trusol Limited (Part of the IKAN Group)

Following a recent merger with Electracom Projects Limited, Trusol Limited have secured a
number of large structured cabling jobs in London.

As a result, we are looking to strengthen our site project and installation teams with the
following roles:

Data Cabling Engineer

Essential requirements

At least 3 years consistent experience of working in the structured cabling installation environment.
To be a good communicator and strong team member
To be self motivated, a forward thinker and looking to further your abilities and career within Trusol and the IKAN Group.
To be able to work on your own and within a team.
Hold at least one of the following qualifications:
o Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI)
o BICSI Installer Level 2
o BICSI Technician
o City & Guilds Communications Cabling & Networks (3667)
A clean criminal record – ideally holding a current DBS/CRB certificate (although this will be undertaken by Trusol for any successful applicants anyway)
Experience of working in the construction industry, particularly on large project sites.
Possess a CSCS or ECS skill card (not a green CSCS labourers card)
Have a confident and competent approach to cable pulling (Cat 5e/6/6A and Fibre Optics)
Be a competent copper cable terminator (Cat 5e/6/6A and CW1308)
Posses a good knowledge and understanding of fibre optic and copper cable testing.
Have the ability to troubleshoot and rectify network cable issues.
Be able to read site drawings and install to them.
Be able to patch cabling systems in line with patching schedules.

Ideal Requirements:

Be London based or willing to travel into Central London on a daily basis.
A clean driving license.
Hold IPAF and or PASMA certificates (These can be organised by Trusol if not)
Hold Asbestos Awareness certificate (This can be organised by Trusol if not)

Desirable qualifications and training

ECS or CSCS skill card
CTS or similar audio visual qualifications
Electrical or cabling installation qualifications are an advantage

Package

Permanent Employment Contract (45 hours per week)
£24,000-£35,000 P.A depending on experience levels and skillsets
All sensible and pre-agreed work related expenses paid
22 days paid holiday, increasing by 1 day for every year worked up to 25 days.
Good career progression opportunities available
Training opportunities available after the probationary period
Enrolment onto Company Pension Scheme
6 Month probationary period

If you are interested in this role, please send a copy of your CV and any associated correspondence to our HR Director, Jo Gammage on the following email address – jo@trusol.com.

10 May JOB VACANCY – Audio Visual Systems Installation & Service Engineer

Posted at 09:43h in Jobs

Career Opportunities with Trusol Limited (Part of the IKAN Group)

Following a recent merger with Electracom Projects Limited, Trusol Limited are expanding
their specialist engineering team.

As a result, we are looking to strengthen our site project and installation teams with the
following role:

Audio Visual Systems Installation & Service Engineer

Outline
Installation and service of audio visual equipment and data infrastructure at client premises.
Based from our West London offices the work will be at client facilities across the UK in the
leisure, education, commercial and construction sectors.

To include

Installation, commissioning and support of Audio Visual (AV) systems and data network systems at existing active locations and new build sites
Diagnosis and repairing faults on site, working with the support team to ensure excellent client service
Joining multidisciplinary teams to assist on larger projects

The work is mostly in the South East of England but the ability to travel and where necessary stay away overnight will be expected.

We offer attractive employment packages dependent upon previous experience, with good training and development opportunities within the group.

Desired personal attributes

A trustworthy, enthusiastic, self-motivated and pro-active individual, capable of working on their own or as part of a larger team
A forward thinker with the ability to plan & prioritise tasks.
Independent and organised with good time management and punctuality
Good customer and peer communication skills
A strong interest in IP, Audio Visual technologies and integrated solutions
Excellent computing skills with a knowledge of basic network configuration
Attention to detail and the ability to accurately record all important information

Preferred requirements

Minimum 3 years’ experience in installing audio visual systems and data networks
Ability to liaise with other trades on site to coordinate works as required
Ability to report daily to your line manager on works completed, outstanding tasks and another other relevant information

Essential requirements

Full UK driving license
You must already have the legal right to work in the UK
No criminal convictions on record – DBS/CRB checks will be undertaken in order that you can work on many of our client sites

Desirable skills
Installation experience of leisure and commercial audio visual systems in one or more of the following disciplines:

Multi-zone audio systems for the retail and leisure sector
Screen and projection systems for signage, communication and live streaming
Video wall system installation and control
Lighting systems including DMX and LED pixel tape
Education or fitness industry audio visual systems
Data infrastructure installation, service and maintenance
Aerial and satellite, IPTV and TV signal distribution systems (IRS/FIRS)
Automation and control systems
Cellular Repeater / DAS systems

Desirable qualifications and training

ECS or CSCS skill card
CTS or similar audio visual qualifications
Electrical or cabling installation qualifications are an advantage

Trusol offers comprehensive training and skills development.

Package

An initial 6 month probationary period with the potential of a permanent employment
contract after this period

Permanent Employment Contract (after 6 months if both parties are happy)

Permanent Employment Contract (45 hours per week)
£30,000-£40,000 P.A depending on experience levels and skillsets
All sensible and pre-agreed work related expenses paid
22 days paid holiday, increasing by 1 day for every year worked up to 25 days.
Enrolment onto Company Pension Scheme
Good career progression opportunities available
Training opportunities
Vehicles, laptops and phones available for some senior roles.

To register interest in this vacancy, please send your CV to Jo Gammage, Group HR Manager jo@trusol.com before Friday 27th May.
Appointments will be confirmed in late June 2022.

21 Nov Why more schools are switching to a cloud-based MIS

Posted at 10:18h in Education, Technology

With more schools than ever predicted to move to a cloud-based MIS this year, we talked to our MD, Neil Goodhead, about why he made the decision to add this service to our education solution portfolio.

What was the catalyst for adding a cloud-based MIS solution to the Trusol service offering?

It’s been an incredibly challenging year for schools trying to navigate DofE guidance amidst the current pandemic, and it’s just adding to the ever-increasing workload for teachers. Grappling with out-of-date systems and software is just another unnecessary element putting pressure on the education community.

We want to support schools with more intelligent IT systems to help them cope with the constant demands of daily school life, worsened recently by Covid-19.

Aside from the obvious increase in admin that the pandemic is creating, what other reasons are driving schools to switch from traditional server-based systems?

Covid-19 working restrictions have driven the need for anywhere learning, meaning the need for cloud-based MIS has never been stronger. A cloud-based MIS is designed to make a real difference to the way you work.

It can provide quick access to a wide variety of data and help battle the overload of information, process and procedures required to be carried out by teachers on a daily basis. It also provides teachers with access to information they need wherever they are working from, enabling schools to pivot and stay flexible.

Potential cost savings are also compelling schools to move. On average, you can make a 30% saving on your total system costs by switching to Arbor. Not to mention the savings created by freeing up staff time.

How are you planning on delivering this service to schools alongside Trusol’s existing range of IT support services?

We have always worked to provide an extensive IT support service to our schools, where they trust in our ability to support them with the best solutions to suit their requirements. Historically, we have worked with licensed partners to deliver the MIS support, and SIMS has been our partner of choice for many years. We started to assess the available options for cloud-based systems last year as the SIMS product was just not being delivered fast enough.

We identified Arbor as the strongest contender with its all-encompassing management information system which eliminates the need for extra 3rd party products such as student dining, target tracker, school cash office and parent mail. It also offers schools a cost-effective migration away from SIMS to a cloud-based platform.

Given the traction we have seen, with over 1,000 schools currently using Arbor MIS, and around 1,800 schools looking to make the switch following the recent periods of lockdown, we made the decision to partner with Arbor to deliver this service.

What value does Trusol add to the switch over process?

If schools are looking to switch to a cloud-based system, we will begin with a consultation process to ascertain whether this solution is right for them. We can then ensure the effective and enhanced use of Arbor to give schools peace of mind that their funding is correct and Ofsted data is ready.

The Trusol team are accredited Arbor engineers and have completed comprehensive training on every aspect of Arbor, so expert support is on hand for your team whenever they need it.

Beth Mokrini, Partnership Manager at Arbor, said about our partnership: “We’re delighted to welcome the Trusol team to the Arbor partner network. We look forward to working together to help schools move to a modern, cloud based MIS, with the support of an expert local support team.”

How has Arbor helped other schools?

Above all, it has saved them precious time and allowed them to focus on teaching. Below are just some of the things schools say about Arbor MIS, which all speak volumes for the benefits it brings…

“If I were talking to a school thinking about moving to Arbor, the one thing I would tell them is just do it.”
Ruth Davies – IT Manager at St James’ CofE Primary School

“We chose Arbor as the MIS for all our schools as we knew we wanted to have a cloud-based product. This was important for our Trust as our schools cover a wide geographical area. We can access all of our data and information wherever we are, whenever we need it.”
Mark Greatrex – Chief Executive at Bellevue Place Education Trust

“Arbor has been a revelation since we took it on. It’s easy to use, and when we do have issues Arbor has found solutions every time.”
Jason O’Rourke – Headteacher at Washingborough Academy

“Arbor’s simple interface is easy to use, and we love the MAT reporting tool – the ability to see MAT data in one place without having to contact all schools individually has saved us so much time.”
Lisa Sarikaya – Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Operations at St Bart’s Multi-Academy Trust

“Our old MIS was outdated and not particularly user friendly. We found Arbor to be far more intuitive, and easy to use. The price point was a big draw too; a far more effective use of money.”
Alan Pike – Data Manager and Teacher at Glenmoor & Winton Academies

“Arbor MIS really is a one stop shop… all the information is in one place. You can open up a pupil profile and everything you need to know about that child is there in front of you.”
Patricia Beechey – Oatlands School Headteacher

Take a look at our case study on how The Park Academies Trust has benefited from Arbor since making the switch earlier this year. For academies in particular, aligning all schools on the same system and centralising all data is invaluable. They can also benefit from the dedicated MAT tools, without having to contact each school separately.

Do you offer a demo of Arbor MIS?

Yes – our team can offer a free demo of Arbor. We’ll talk you through the features and benefits of the system, discuss your frustrations with your current system and your requirements going forward, and answer any questions you might have.

To find out more about switching to Arbor with the Trusol MIS team, contact us by email at info@trusol.com, call us on 03456 121 222 or complete our form to get in touch here.

20 Nov Arbor MIS at The Park Academies Trust

Posted at 11:44h in Case Studies

The Trust’s Requirements:
The Park Academies Trust is a group of academies based in Swindon, who were looking to implement a cloud-based Management Information System across all of their schools. The secondary schools moved to Arbor in April 2020, and primary schools will move by Spring 2021.

The Solution:
The academies had multiple aims with moving to a cloud-based MIS, and Arbor offered the perfect solution. One aim was to centralise data across the trust, and the other was to lose baggage from their previous server-based system, for example dropping their 3rd party systems.

The Result:
Moving to Arbor’s cloud based MIS has allowed Park Academies to come together to align processes across the trust. During the Covid-19 crisis, they have also been finding new and flexible ways of working thanks to Arbor. Staff have been able to keep in touch with hard-to-reach students, stay on top of key attendance stats and kick-start interventions for when students return.

Here are just some of the things that were easier during Covid-19, thanks to the Arbor system:

Communications logs, allowing for follow-up with students
Creating interventions for Year 10’s gradual return
Submitting the DfE return takes minutes with Arbor’s Covid-19 dashboard

The Arbor system has made a measurable difference to staff:

73% say that communication has improved throughout Covid-19
67% can see the benefits of using Arbor compared to their previous server-based system
57% are more aware of school key measures now compared to using SIMS

“Arbor’s general response to Covid has been great!”
Jon Ward, Vice Principal (Curriculum & Standards), Abbey Park School

20 Nov St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Posted at 11:40h in Case Studies

The School’s Requirements:
Having realised that their existing ICT Suite was in desperate need of an upgrade, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School researched online for companies and got in touch with us. The brief was to design, renovate and project manage all works required to provide a new ICT Suite at the school, incorporating the following:

A minimum of 30 pupil work areas
A front of class teaching space with a large interactive screen and dedicated teacher desk
All work areas to be facing forward (the room is also used for Borough wide teacher training so it was important that the room was considered for dual purpose use)
All work areas to be provided with new “All in One” style PCs
New power and data cabling to be discreetly contained around the room and within the ICT furniture
The removal and disposal of legacy cabling, containment systems, furniture, carpet and radiator
Full decoration of the room
Ultimately, to deliver a new state of the art ICT Suite with the “WOW” factor

The Solution:
Trusol started work in late July 2020 and handed over a fully operational ICT suite in the stunning school colours in mid August, meeting all requirements within the brief.

The Result:
“When we decided to upgrade our computer room we were looking for a company that would be able to fully project manage all aspects of the refit including replacing all network cables, electrics, desks, carpets, radiators and PCs. We had a specific design in mind, unique to our school, and Trusol were able to offer invaluable advice and a plan including bespoke furniture matching our school colours. It was important to us that all computer desks faced the front of the classroom and Trusol provided a very cost effective solution based on our needs. The work was completed to an exceptionally high standard and we are delighted with the results.”

Simon Ellis
Assistant Headteacher

20 Nov Wolf Fields Primary School

Posted at 11:34h in Case Studies

The School’s Requirements:
Wolf Fields is a community primary school in Southall. It’s a mixed school with 440 pupils from 3 to 11 years of age and is one of 67 infant, primary and junior schools in the London Borough of Ealing. Headteacher, Simoné Neil approached us because they were determined to kick-start and improve the ICT services available for their teachers and pupils. Although they were previously with a different service company, their school still lacked some basic ICT requirements, leading to inadequate teaching facilities for their staff.

The Solution:
We assisted Wolf Fields Primary School by providing new servers, cabling and infrastructure, plus a whole new configuration for the school IT systems.

The Result:
“The result was brilliant; not only did Trusol provide us with extensive support, they even helped investigate the Curriculum requirement to provide us with the tools best suited for our school, without pushing sales towards the higher-end products.

One thing that was helpful was Trusol’s ability to make the best use of our IT budget, allowing us to plan for both immediate and future investment on a rolling cycle. The technical support provided by the school’s allocated technician is very ‘hands on’ – and Trusol are also always readily available for support by phone or email, including remote troubleshooting.

Trusol are unique in their approach to delivering a service. I would recommend Trusol to people who need to feel secure with the IT services provided at their schools, as they definitely don’t disappoint!”

Simoné Neil
Headteacher

20 Nov Edward Betham CofE Primary School

Posted at 11:29h in Case Studies

The School’s Requirements:
Edward Betham is a voluntary aided Church of England Primary School for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. Located in Greenford in the Willesden area of the Diocese of London, the school is maintained by the London Borough of Ealing Education Authority. The brief was to advise and support across the school’s ICT provision.

The Solution:
We have been the school’s ICT support provider since 2007, taking care of all school IT and AV systems, as well as supporting their Management Information Systems.

In the past 2 years, we have:

Installed and upgraded the school-wide WiFi system
Implemented interactive touch screen classroom panels throughout the school
Upgraded the school’s Admin and Curriculum Servers
Fitted out two halls with impressive AV systems

We provide a regular support technician, who has been with the school since our relationship began.

The Result:

“Trusol provides us with an excellent technical support service. Having supported Edward Betham for such a long time they just know what we need, working with us to develop our strategy and ensure we are always aware of emerging technologies.

The team are extremely proactive, efficient and helpful, ensuring that any issues which arise, however large or small, are dealt with promptly and always with a smile. Our regular support technician is extremely friendly, understands the needs of our school and our teachers’ expectations, and is technically brilliant. No issue has ever been too much for him to resolve, even if it materialises at the end of his allotted support visit. He is now part of our school family and is someone who is respected by both staff and pupils.

They have always been very competitively priced, with the added reassurance of supplying quality equipment, a professional installation and superb after sales support service. I have no hesitation in recommending Trusol for their outstanding service and professionalism.”

Tracey Cameron
School Business Manager

09 May Why it’s important for teachers to keep in touch with the latest classroom technology

Posted at 14:23h in Education

Although we may not always realise, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. It influences how we communicate, socialise, connect, play and learn. Although the use of technology increases its presence in our daily lives, it would be vital to ensure the presence of technology in the classroom. Yet there are still some schools which delay the use of imminent technology in the classroom, even though it is a valuable learning tool for teachers.

Here are a few recommendations from us as to why it’s important to keep technology in the classroom.

1) If used correctly, will help prepare students for their future careers, which will inevitably include the use of wireless technology.

2) Integrating technology into the classroom is definitely a great way to reach diversity in learning styles.

3) It gives students the chance to interact with their classmates more by encouraging collaboration.

4) Technology helps the teachers prepare students for the real world environment. As our nation becomes increasingly more technology-dependent, it becomes even more necessary that to be successful citizens, students must learn to be tech-savvy.

5) Integrating technology in education everyday helps students stay engaged. Today’s students love technology so they are sure to be interested in learning if they can use the tools they love.

6) With technology, the classroom is a happier place. Students are excited about being able to use technology and therefore are more likely to learn.

7) When mobile technology is readily available in the classroom, students are able to access the most up-to-date information quicker and easier than ever before.

8) The traditional plearning method is adjusted. With technology in the classroom the teacher becomes the encourager, adviser, and coach.

9) Students become more responsible. Technology helps students take more control over their own learning. They learn how to make their own decisions and actually think for themselves.

10) A student can have access to digital textbooks that are constantly updated and often more vivid, helpful, creative, and a lot cheaper than those old heavy books.