Giving Back to the Industry: Why Chris Horne Became an EIC Ambassador

After more than four decades in the electrical industry, Chris Horne has worn many hats. From starting out as an apprentice in 1979 to working as an electrician, running his own business and later helping to shape the next generation of professionals through electrical education, his career has been defined by a commitment to supporting others.

Today, as an EIC Ambassador, Chris is continuing that mission by helping to raise awareness of the Electrical Industries Charity and the life-changing support it provides to those working across the electrical and energy sectors.

Giving Something Back

Chris first became aware of the Electrical Industries Charity through his long-standing involvement in the sector and his work in electrical education.

“I started my own journey in the industry as an apprentice in 1979, and since then I’ve worked as an electrician, run my own electrical business and spent many years teaching and supporting the next generation of electricians,” Chris says.

“During that time, I became increasingly aware of the importance of looking after the people within our industry, not just from a professional point of view but also when life doesn’t quite go according to plan. Learning more about the work of the EIC made me realise just how important the Charity is to our electrical community.”

Having spent virtually his entire working life in the industry, Chris has seen first-hand the challenges that people can face both inside and outside of work. That understanding, combined with a desire to give back, inspired him to become an EIC Ambassador.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people,” says Chris, “whether that was as an electrician, helping a colleague, running my own business, or later as a lecturer helping apprentices and students develop their skills and start their careers, supporting people has been a big part of my working life.

Becoming an Ambassador felt like a natural next step.

“I can use the experience, knowledge and contacts I’ve built up over the years to make more people aware of the support that’s available,” he says.

“Sometimes people can be very proud and independent and don’t want to admit that they’re struggling. I want to help change that attitude and make sure people know that asking for help isn’t a weakness.”

For Chris, one of the most powerful aspects of the EIC’s work is its focus on people.

“What really resonates with me is that the EIC is there to support people when they need it most. It’s not simply about the electrical industry as a business; it’s about looking after the people who make up that industry.”

Supporting the Next Generation

Throughout his career in education, Chris has been passionate about preparing apprentices and students for successful careers. He believes support and guidance should extend beyond technical training, and this has shaped some of his proudest achievements as an Ambassador.

“One of the things I’m particularly proud of is being able to use my experience in electrical education to help raise awareness of the EIC among apprentices, students and people entering the industry,” Chris says.

“I’ve spent many years standing in front of classrooms and workshops helping young people develop their skills and prepare for a career in the electrical industry. I’ve always believed that education isn’t just about teaching somebody how to wire an installation; it’s also about preparing them for the realities of working life. Being able to introduce people to the EIC and let them know that support is available is something I consider a real achievement.”

Chris believes even the simplest conversations can have a lasting impact.

“If I’ve helped even one person find support when they needed it, then I’ve achieved something worthwhile,” he says.

That opportunity to help others remains the most rewarding part of his role.

“The most rewarding part is knowing that I can potentially make a difference.”

“The EIC provides an incredibly important service, but that service is only useful if people know it exists. So, if I can help spread that message and make somebody aware that there is somewhere they can turn to when life becomes difficult, then I feel I’m giving something back to the industry.”

Building Awareness for the Future

Looking ahead, Chris is particularly passionate about ensuring apprentices and young people entering the industry are aware of the support available from the very beginning of their careers.

“Having worked in electrical education for many years, I know how important those early years are,” he says. “We spend a lot of time teaching apprentices about regulations, safe working practices and technical skills, but I also think we should make them aware of the support available to them as people.”

“I’d like to see apprentices being introduced to the EIC early in their careers. When I visit FE colleges around the country, being part of the eFIXX College Connections team, the apprentices are informed about the EIC so that they know who to turn to if they, a colleague or a family member ever finds themselves in difficult circumstances.”

Chris also hopes to continue strengthening the links between education, employers and the wider industry.

“I think there is a real opportunity to make the EIC a familiar name to everyone working within our sector.”

Why Become an Ambassador?

For anyone considering becoming an Ambassador themselves, Chris has a simple message.

“I’d say, go for it.”

“You don’t have to be an expert in everything the EIC does,” Chris says. “What you need is a genuine desire to help people and a willingness to talk about the Charity and the support it provides.”

Above all else, Chris believes awareness is key.

“The most important thing is to get the message out there. You might speak to someone today who doesn’t need the EIC’s help, but six months or a year down the line, that person or somebody they know might desperately need support. If you can be the person who makes them aware that help is available, you’ve potentially made a life-changing difference. And I think that’s a pretty good reason to become an Ambassador.”

Chris’s story demonstrates the lasting impact that knowledge, experience and a willingness to help can have on others. Through his work as an EIC Ambassador, he is helping to ensure that more people across the electrical industry know where to turn when they need support, while continuing a lifetime commitment to helping others succeed.

Becoming an EIC Ambassador is a great way to get involved and make a difference. If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved as an Ambassador, click here to find out more about the ways you can make a difference.