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Lighting manufacturer challenges college students

Leading lighting manufacturer Ansell Lighting has taken its support partnership with Warrington & Vale Royal College to the next level, by challenging students with real-life projects, designed to enhance learning, develop practical skills and support future careers.

The tasks set by Ansell’s Lighting Design Manager, Ken Chua, required the students to create lighting schemes for different environments using Relux – an application used by manufacturers to establish the number and placement of light fittings in a space.

Students currently undertaking the Level 1 City and Guild certification in Electrical Installation, worked collaboratively to design a lighting scheme for a sports hall. The assessment considered the placement of light fittings, and emergency fitments, as well as their ability to factor in sustainability – such as the replacement of old halogens with energy-efficient LEDs.

Level 3 students working towards the Advanced Technical Diploma in Electrical Installation were tasked with creating a lighting scheme for a large open office space, which featured additional rooms such as a reception, canteen and toilets. Their work will be assessed based on their research of appropriate lighting levels and will contribute to their final qualification.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, said: “We have worked with the College extensively in recent years providing support and resources for electrical apprentices and full time students, as well as team members undertaking regular talks and presentations on the latest lighting technology and products, but this is the first time we have worked with them on a lighting project.

“We’re proud to be able to support local future talent and are looking forward to seeing what solutions the students come up with. Hopefully this experience will give them the skills they need to progress their studies and careers.”

Karl Hill, Subject Leader for Electrical Installation at Warrington & Vale Royal College, said: “It’s fantastic to work with Ansell Lighting again and welcome the staff into the college to talk with the students and help them develop the practical skills they will need in a work environment. As a local manufacturer, it’s excellent for the students to see the types of roles they can progress to after completing their qualifications.”

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industry updates

Dialight Set to Showcase Lighting Innovations at AISTech 2026

Dialight (LSE: DIA), the global leader in hazardous and industrial LED lighting innovation, is proud to announce its participation at AISTech 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At booth #41, attendees can explore Dialight’s latest advancements engineered for the extreme demands of iron and steel environments, reinforcing its commitment to safety, reliability, and performance in the world’s toughest applications.

Taking place May 4–6 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, visitors can stop by the Dialight booth to learn more about its industry‑leading LED solutions for hazardous and industrial environments. The team will be onsite to showcase product samples, answer questions, and help visitors identify the ideal lighting options for their specific iron and steel applications.

The booth will be supported by a highly experienced team prepared to help attendees identify the right lighting solutions for their facilities. Representing Dialight will be Ben Myer, Global VP of Sales Enablement; Cory Cook, Director of Sales; Ryan Morgan, Director of Specification Sales; and Regional Sales Managers Ryan Antonikas, Casey Virgin, and Mark Scott.

Dialight will showcase a range of high‑performance solutions engineered to provide unmatched durability, efficiency, and reliability in iron and steel environments.
AISTech 2026 is one of the industry’s most anticipated events, bringing together more than 8,000 steel professionals from over 40 countries to explore new solutions, access learning opportunities, and connect with peers.

“At Dialight, AISTech continues to be one of the most important opportunities for us to connect directly with the iron and steel community. This industry demands lighting solutions that perform in the harshest environments, and our team is committed to delivering exactly that. Being at AISTech allows us to listen, learn, and ensure we are providing the safest, most reliable LED technology for the challenges our customers face every day,” said Steve Blair, CEO of Dialight.

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industry updates

Ventilux Launches Waylite Bollard with Extended 8-Year Warranty to Support Long-Term Performance

Exterior lighting is often expected to perform without compromise, yet too often it is specified as an afterthought, leaving projects exposed to inconsistent illumination, premature failure, and increased maintenance demands. In environments where safety, visibility, and aesthetics are critical, the absence of a robust, well-designed solution can quickly become a long-term liability rather than a short-term saving.

Responding to these challenges, Ventilux has announced the launch of the Waylite Bollard, a modern exterior luminaire designed to deliver reliable, high-quality illumination across a wide range of outdoor environments. Combining robust engineering with a refined, contemporary aesthetic, the Waylite Bollard addresses the growing demand for lighting solutions that balance performance, durability, and visual integration.

Constructed from durable die-cast aluminium and rated to IP65, the 20W bollard is engineered to perform consistently in challenging weather conditions while maintaining its visual appeal over time. Its clean, architectural form allows it to sit comfortably within a variety of schemes, from commercial and public realm projects to hospitality settings and residential developments, where both safety and design coherence are key considerations.

The Waylite Bollard has been developed to support applications including pathways, landscaped areas, and building perimeters, helping to improve visibility and enhance the overall user experience in external spaces. Its versatility makes it well-suited to commercial environments, healthcare and education campuses, and urban landscapes, where dependable illumination is essential for both functionality and safety.

Alongside the introduction of the Waylite Bollard, Ventilux is extending its standard product warranties from six to eight years. This move reflects a wider shift within the industry towards prioritising long-term performance and lifecycle value, supporting engineers, contractors, and clients who are increasingly focused on how products perform well beyond initial installation.

Ian Murphy, R&D Manager at Ventilux, commented: “There is a clear shift in the market towards solutions that deliver sustained performance over time, not just compliance on day one. With the Waylite Bollard, we’ve focused on creating a product that is not only robust and reliable in demanding outdoor environments but also designed to integrate seamlessly into modern schemes. Extending our warranties to eight years is a natural step in supporting our customers with greater confidence in the longevity and performance of our products.”

The launch of the Waylite Bollard, together with the extended warranty offering, highlights Ventilux’s continued focus on delivering practical, design-led lighting solutions that meet the evolving needs of the built environment, where durability, efficiency, and long-term reliability are more important than ever.