‘Electrician Plus’ is a skills and training initiative for electricians launched by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) in August 2023. The purpose is to guide qualified electricians towards new courses to develop and teach them valuable skills in the field of renewable energy.
The scheme was part of a number of ‘green’ skills and apprenticeship schemes funded by the Department of Education in honour of the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, and has been endorsed by various industry stakeholders, including the NICEIC, Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), the Joint Industry Board (JB), and Unite the Union.
Involvement From Training And Awarding Bodies
Nationwide awarding bodies, such as City & Guilds, LCL, EAL, and BPEC, have responded to the initiative with a forward-looking range of new and updated solar, energy storage and Electric vehicle Charging Point (EVCP) qualifications. Electrician Plus aims to establish the central role of qualified electricians in the installation and maintenance of low-carbon and renewable technologies, driving higher standards and efficiency over the coming years.
Courses and qualifications that meet the Electrician Plus standards can display the Electrician Plus Kitemark, making them easy to identify when looking for your next upskilling opportunity.
Kitemarked Courses Include:
- City & Guilds Level 3 Award In Electric Vehicle Charging Installations (2921)
- EAL Level 3 Award In The Installation Of Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems (600/5175/9)
- LCL Level 3 Award In The Installation And Maintenance Of Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems (600/5775/0)
- …and more, being added to regularly.
Enriching And Developing Your Skills
For the electrotechnical industry, Electrician Plus aims to ensure a steady supply of highly trained and qualified professionals ready to support the transition to greener technologies, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness and resilience. Individual electricians also stand to benefit from a wider range of technical training opportunities, up-to-date knowledge, and higher remuneration.
If you are a self-employed electrician, it is an exciting time to be part of the industry, with plenty of opportunities for career development, upskilling, and work opportunities, with high demand among businesses and homeowners across the UK. These opportunities are set to increase in the coming years, as Starmer’s Labour government continues the previous Conservative administration’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
Once someone has qualified as an electrician through the normal route (City & Guilds etc), the Electrician Plus training model encourages further sustainable skills development through CPD courses and additional qualifications in emerging fields, such as solar PV electrical energy storage systems and electrical vehicle charging.
Find Out More
At PTT, we are proud to offer a variety of Electrician Plus-approved advanced training courses for practising electricians. Please get in touch with one of our team to find out more.
Image Source: Canva
