We’ve all donated unused electrical goods to charity shops, hoping that someone else might get more use out of them than we did, and raise some money for a good cause at the same time. However, what many of us may not realise is that charities are required to check electrical equipment is safe before it can be resold. That’s why this National Volunteer Week, we’re choosing to celebrate the unsung heroes of charity shops: PAT specialist volunteers. Without these skilled individuals, charity shops would be unable to accept donations of electrical equipment, thereby denying themselves a critical source of fundraising, and potentially leading to more goods ending up in landfill.

Angry ghosts and the watchful eye of Lucifer pale in comparison to the very tangible threat facing Ardrossan Castle: water damage. Thankfully, advances in thermography are finally revealing the secrets of this castle, making it easier for the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society to conserve its ruins and mystery for future generations.     

There are plenty of reasons to work in engineering: higher earning potential, job flexibility, healthy work-life balance, opportunities to travel, options to specialise, and, as engineering is a growing sector, job security. Importantly, engineering also provides the chance to express your creativity and work collaboratively while solving problems and improving people’s lives.[1] Still, there’s one reason to become an engineer that is often overlooked but could prove key when attracting new talent to bridge the skills gap. That is the prestige and respect that goes along with being an engineer.

An ETT survey found that 80% of Northern Irish electricians have suffered electric shocks at work. Many skip safety procedures, highlighting the urgent need for better training, awareness, and access to proper isolation tools.

Alan Turing and Claude Shannon met briefly in 1943, exchanging ideas that shaped computing and artificial intelligence. Their pioneering work laid the foundation for today's digital world. Discover how their meeting changed history.

Cinnamon, the capybara, escaped from Hoo Zoo in September 2024, leading to a week-long search using thermal imaging. After a dramatic rescue, she was safely reunited with her family, ready for her belated birthday celebration.

Mental health issues are rampant among tradespeople, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting 80% of workers. Discover the pressures they face and steps that can help protect their well-being.

Stanley the cat's disappearance led to a rescue mission using a thermal camera, saving him from beneath the floorboards. This is just one example of how thermal imaging aids animal rescues.

A Japanese macaque, Honshu, escaped Highland Wildlife Park, evading rescuers for five days. Thermal cameras and drones helped track him, but he was finally captured after being lured by a Yorkshire pudding!

Photographer Benedict Brain uses the FLIR One Pro Thermal Camera to capture powerful, artistic images of the North Atlantic landscapes, highlighting the climate crisis through vivid thermal imagery.