Obituary for Derek Thompson

The ECA team has been greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Thompson, CEO of the Electrical Training Trust in Northern Ireland.

ECA Northern Ireland Reginal Manager Alfie Watterson said, “The Northern Ireland Electrical Industry has lost a strong advocate, and great friend, in Derek Thompson.”

Derek began his career in 1975 as an Electrical Apprentice with Blackbourne Electrical in Antrim. Derek progressed through the Company eventually becoming the Managing Director.

During his time at Blackbourne Electrical Derek served a term as Chairman of the Northern Ireland Branch of ECA and was a great supporter of the Association and local industry.

Following his departure from Blackbourne Electrical Derek was appointed CEO of the Electrical Training Trust (ETT) on the retirement of Ronnie Geary who, with the assistance of ECA, founded the ETT in 1997.

The role of the ETT was to promote and monitor the delivery of employer led apprenticeships along with providing training for contractors and operatives.

Alfie Watterson added, “With the support of the ETT Board and ECA, Derek successfully helped to raise standards and improve quality in Northern Ireland’s electrical sector. Following several years of hard work and lobbying local Government, the License to Practice for Electrical Operatives working on Public Sector contracts was established in 2016.

“Whilst Derek’s passing is a great loss to the local industry, the greater loss will be felt by his wife Karen, his sons Mark and Andrew, and his wider family circle.”