Green Careers Week (4 - 9 November 2024) highlights the growing demand and exciting opportunities within the green technologies sector.
Paul Collins | Technical Director
Green Careers Week (4 - 9 November 2024) highlights the growing demand and exciting opportunities within the green technologies sector. The electrical industry in particular, is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of low carbon technology solutions. Therefore, qualified electricians and certified businesses are key to unlocking net-zero and electrification of everything.
With this in mind, NICEIC is encouraging individuals to explore the diverse range of paths to becoming a qualified electrician, such as an apprenticeship, T-Levels, or the Experienced Worker route. By investing in skills, training, and qualifications, electrical professionals and businesses can contribute to a greener planet and a brighter future.
The ever-growing electrical industry
The transition to net-zero is creating a surge in demand for qualified electricians. As electricity becomes the primary energy source, the need for qualified and competent professionals to install and maintain green technologies like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, electrical energy storage systems (EESS), wind turbines and electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) is continuously growing.
However, the industry faces a significant skills gap that NICEIC, ECA and the wider industry are committed to closing. According to ECA’s Electrical Skills Index, while many individuals enrol on classroom-based training, only 10% successfully transition into apprenticeships, which provide the essential on-site practical experience needed to become a fully qualified electrician. The remaining 90% can struggle to enter the workforce and establish themselves in the electrical industry, which may lead some to leaving the sector altogether. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for more apprenticeship spaces to meet the growing demand.
Closing the skills gap with the next generation of electricians
A good starting point for those looking to embark on a rewarding career in green technologies is to consider an electrotechnical apprenticeship.
Demi Whitehead, SkillELECTRIC 2023 finalist and qualified electrician at a NICEIC-certified business, is a prime example of this. Demi undertook an electrotechnical apprenticeship and now uses key aspects of her qualification in her day-to-day role and has never looked back.
Commenting on what attracted her to the sector and her experience, Demi said:
“I was attracted to a career in the electrotechnical industry because I was intrigued by the wide range of areas that I could specialise in. I enjoy that the industry provides me with ongoing opportunities to upskill in areas such as green technologies.
“My electrotechnical apprenticeship allowed me to gain the practical experience and theoretical knowledge I need to thrive in my desired career. These skills have provided a strong foundation for me to build on in an ever-evolving electrical industry.”
Read more about apprenticeships in the electrical sector, here: https://www.the-esp.org.uk/apprenticeships/.
Last year, the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard, which was selected by the Department for Education (DfE) as one of six 'gold-standard' green apprenticeships, received a significant update. The revised standard was introduced to allow individuals to be equipped with the necessary qualifications to be able to install and connect an extensive range of green technologies.
This now means that the Level 3 electrotechnical apprenticeship qualification includes vital training on a wide range of green technologies, such as Renewable Energy Systems, Energy-Efficient Lighting, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, and Electrical Energy Storage Systems.
The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) further strengthens this foundation with its ‘Electrician Plus’ initiative. This is designed to highlight the crucial role of qualified electricians in deploying low-carbon and renewable technologies.
Electrician Plus emphasises that upon becoming a qualified electrician, individuals can future-proof their careers by committing to continuing professional development (CPD) and obtaining certifications in new green technologies. Examples include training in solar PV and EVCPs, ensuring safe and compliant installations.
Upskilling workforces for a greener future
To help to stay ahead of the curve of advancing technologies, employers can take on apprentices equipped with these skills, as well as upskilling their existing workforce. Businesses are able to access a wide range of training courses and qualifications, including those in green technologies such as:
These courses allow businesses to equip their workforce with the skills necessary to grow in-line with the evolution of sustainable solutions.
An example of this is Greg Cheesbrough who owns and runs NICEIC-certified business, Enhance Power Ltd. Greg expanded his business to cater to increasing domestic adoption of low carbon technologies through NICEIC training courses and is now seeing the results for his business.
Reflecting on his experience, Greg commented: “Upskilling through NICEIC’s Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small-Scale Solar PV Systems has been a game-changer for Enhance Power Ltd. By investing in courses like this, we have been able to future-proof the work that we offer to our customers, as well as attract new business, in the rapidly evolving electrical industry.”
Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, added: "The growth of the renewable energy sector presents exciting opportunities for the electrical industry. By embracing green technologies and investing in training and development to create strong foundations for green careers, we can ensure a sustainable future for individuals and businesses alike.
"For young people looking to join the sector, now is the perfect time. With announcements such as new electrical vehicle tax incentives in the 2024 Autumn Budget, there is an increasing demand for electricians with green skills, providing plenty of opportunities for fulfilling and rewarding careers. By investing in training and apprenticeships, electrical professionals can gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in this growing industry and to close the existing skills gap.”
With this in mind, NICEIC is encouraging individuals to explore the diverse range of paths to becoming a qualified electrician, such as an apprenticeship, T-Levels, or the Experienced Worker route. By investing in skills, training, and qualifications, electrical professionals and businesses can contribute to a greener planet and a brighter future.
The ever-growing electrical industry
The transition to net-zero is creating a surge in demand for qualified electricians. As electricity becomes the primary energy source, the need for qualified and competent professionals to install and maintain green technologies like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, electrical energy storage systems (EESS), wind turbines and electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) is continuously growing.
However, the industry faces a significant skills gap that NICEIC, ECA and the wider industry are committed to closing. According to ECA’s Electrical Skills Index, while many individuals enrol on classroom-based training, only 10% successfully transition into apprenticeships, which provide the essential on-site practical experience needed to become a fully qualified electrician. The remaining 90% can struggle to enter the workforce and establish themselves in the electrical industry, which may lead some to leaving the sector altogether. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for more apprenticeship spaces to meet the growing demand.
Closing the skills gap with the next generation of electricians
A good starting point for those looking to embark on a rewarding career in green technologies is to consider an electrotechnical apprenticeship.
Demi Whitehead, SkillELECTRIC 2023 finalist and qualified electrician at a NICEIC-certified business, is a prime example of this. Demi undertook an electrotechnical apprenticeship and now uses key aspects of her qualification in her day-to-day role and has never looked back.
Commenting on what attracted her to the sector and her experience, Demi said:
“I was attracted to a career in the electrotechnical industry because I was intrigued by the wide range of areas that I could specialise in. I enjoy that the industry provides me with ongoing opportunities to upskill in areas such as green technologies.
“My electrotechnical apprenticeship allowed me to gain the practical experience and theoretical knowledge I need to thrive in my desired career. These skills have provided a strong foundation for me to build on in an ever-evolving electrical industry.”
Read more about apprenticeships in the electrical sector, here: https://www.the-esp.org.uk/apprenticeships/.
Last year, the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard, which was selected by the Department for Education (DfE) as one of six 'gold-standard' green apprenticeships, received a significant update. The revised standard was introduced to allow individuals to be equipped with the necessary qualifications to be able to install and connect an extensive range of green technologies.
This now means that the Level 3 electrotechnical apprenticeship qualification includes vital training on a wide range of green technologies, such as Renewable Energy Systems, Energy-Efficient Lighting, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, and Electrical Energy Storage Systems.
The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) further strengthens this foundation with its ‘Electrician Plus’ initiative. This is designed to highlight the crucial role of qualified electricians in deploying low-carbon and renewable technologies.
Electrician Plus emphasises that upon becoming a qualified electrician, individuals can future-proof their careers by committing to continuing professional development (CPD) and obtaining certifications in new green technologies. Examples include training in solar PV and EVCPs, ensuring safe and compliant installations.
Upskilling workforces for a greener future
To help to stay ahead of the curve of advancing technologies, employers can take on apprentices equipped with these skills, as well as upskilling their existing workforce. Businesses are able to access a wide range of training courses and qualifications, including those in green technologies such as:
- Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small-Scale PV Systems
- Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points
- Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems
These courses allow businesses to equip their workforce with the skills necessary to grow in-line with the evolution of sustainable solutions.
An example of this is Greg Cheesbrough who owns and runs NICEIC-certified business, Enhance Power Ltd. Greg expanded his business to cater to increasing domestic adoption of low carbon technologies through NICEIC training courses and is now seeing the results for his business.
Reflecting on his experience, Greg commented: “Upskilling through NICEIC’s Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small-Scale Solar PV Systems has been a game-changer for Enhance Power Ltd. By investing in courses like this, we have been able to future-proof the work that we offer to our customers, as well as attract new business, in the rapidly evolving electrical industry.”
Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, added: "The growth of the renewable energy sector presents exciting opportunities for the electrical industry. By embracing green technologies and investing in training and development to create strong foundations for green careers, we can ensure a sustainable future for individuals and businesses alike.
"For young people looking to join the sector, now is the perfect time. With announcements such as new electrical vehicle tax incentives in the 2024 Autumn Budget, there is an increasing demand for electricians with green skills, providing plenty of opportunities for fulfilling and rewarding careers. By investing in training and apprenticeships, electrical professionals can gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in this growing industry and to close the existing skills gap.”
