If the drive towards a carbon Net Zero economy in the UK by 2050 continues at the current pace, then it is likely to have strong implications for the electrotechnical trade and the types of services that electricians are called upon to deliver. This will result not only in a greater demand for electricians in all parts of the country, but also for a wider range of skills beyond the traditional electricians’ skill set. There has never been a better time to be an electrician and this looks set to continue for at least the next 20 years.
New trainees are joining the sector in record numbers, but there are also lucrative opportunities for existing electricians to expand their competencies, access a larger market, and achieve an excellent income. Here the main reasons why:
UK Skills Shortage
With or without net zero, the UK still faces a critical shortage of qualified electricians in many areas, with estimates that up to 100,000 more electricians will be needed to service demand by 2032. Some of this demand comes from an increase in the renewables and electrical vehicle charging sectors, but is also due to increased IT infrastructure used by businesses arising from cloud computing, the burden of a growing population, and increased adoption of domestic smart appliances and electrical infrastructure.
Growing Domestic and Commercial Spaces
Housing estates, business parks, and infrastructure popping up across the UK create a huge opportunity for electricians to work with property developers and construction contractors on newbuild projects. Some electricians are already specialising in this field, with a significant volume of work projected to become available in the coming years.
Technological Changes
Smart homes, IoT (Internet of things) devices, and domestic energy-efficient appliances further increase the demand for electricians skilled in working with modern technologies. As emerging technologies, many of these devices and systems were not covered in standard electrical training courses even a few years ago, making it important for practising electricians to keep their skills up-to-date.
Green and Sustainable Technologies
The increased adoption of renewable energy solutions in homes and businesses, including solar panels, energy storage systems, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points, is driving an explosion of demand for electricians with specialist skills. These technologies require specialist expertise for installation and maintenance, which many electricians do not have. The shortage of renewable energy specialists is even more acute than the general dearth of electricians across the UK, creating a lucrative opportunity for electricians willing to invest in their skills this year. As well as independently owned renewable systems, there is also a growth in large-scale solar and wind farms across the country, which creates an emerging niche market for electrical installers and maintenance professionals.
Find Out More
At PTT, we provide a range of specialist and practical training courses for new and established electricians, helping you take advantage of all the opportunities of the transition to Net Zero. Please contact us today to find out more and book your place on one of our innovative courses.
