Training

Develop Training is continuing to raise awareness of the need for qualified electric vehicle (EV) charging installers in order to tackle the UK’s demand for EV charging infrastructure.

EVs are a significant part of the growing necessity for greener technologies, and with the UK ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, electric vehicles, and the technologies required to charge them, will be essential for day-to-day transport. Develop Training now offers the resources needed for upskilling practicing electricians, providing the training that will allow them to competently carry out the EV charging installation process.

The comprehensive course developed by the learning provider is the Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Installation. This City & Guilds accredited two-day course enables practising electricians to qualify as EV charging equipment installers, and covers legislation, design, selection and commissioning of the final installation.

Stuart Gilby, Operational Training Manager at Develop Training, says: “Here at Develop Training, we recognise that EV charging installation is a skill that is rapidly becoming a priority within the construction industry as part of the push towards a net zero future.

“The benefits of qualifying as an installer, for both the workforce and the employer, cannot be downplayed. For the learner, there is the chance to gain vital skills and knowledge, which will allow them to safely install EV charging points in line with current industry guidelines. In supporting their workers to undertake the training, employers will be able to gain a share of a rapidly growing market, future-proofing both theirs and their employees’ earning potential.”

UK Power Networks plans to recruit a bumper intake of 50 apprentices in 2023 to support the country’s transition to net zero.

Apprentices who join the company will be trained in traditional skills that maintain, repair and build electricity networks which help deliver power to 8.4 million homes and businesses across the East of England, London and the South East. Their work will also help communities use local electricity networks to run low carbon technologies, including electric vehicles and heat pumps.

The company is currently training 32 new craft apprentices in Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards and 21 new higher apprentices (engineers) in Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship Standards. In the last 10 years, 333 apprentices have been trained by the electricity firm.

Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, says: “We are excited to recruit the new intake of 50 apprentices. The success of our previous cohorts really demonstrates the business benefits of providing apprenticeships and I’m sure our next group will bring skills, enthusiasm, and bags of potential to become fantastic assets for our business as we keep the power flowing for customers and play our part in helping to widen the age profile of our industry to build for the future.”

The two-year programme gives apprentices the opportunity to become a qualified and competent craftsperson in one of three trades: cable jointer, overhead linesperson and electrical fitter. The practical skills are taught at the company’s training centres in Suffolk and Kent, coupled with on-the-job training with experienced field staff, putting new skills into practice under supervision.

The company welcomed 14 new craft apprentices in September as part of its 2022 intake and applications for the next 50 will open soon.