The demand for electric vehicles isn’t slowing down any time soon, so how do we ensure we have the infrastructure to keep up? In this article the team at City & Guilds take a look at the growing importance of EV charging qualifications.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant surge in the uptake of electric vehicles, revolutionising the way we think about transportation and energy consumption. The UK, with a 2035 zero-emission vehicle mandate in place, is no exception.
As a result, the demand for electricians with specialised knowledge and skills in EV charging point (EVCP) design, installation, and maintenance is skyrocketing. But why should electricians explore this market, and how can an EV charging qualification help?
EVCP demand presents an opportunity for electricians
While EVs are on the rise, insufficient EVCP infrastructure is hindering progress. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there was one charge point installed for every 53 cars sold in 2022. Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) in early 2023 revealed that meeting the government’s target of 300,000 chargers by 2030 requires a 288% increase in monthly installations.
There’s a lot of work to do and there is investment to match. This March, the government committed almost £400 million to EVCP infrastructure, launching its £381 million Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) fund and adding £15 million to the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS). Installing these new chargers is a task that will require upskilled electricians and electrical installers.
Build confidence in safe and robust installation
To mark this year’s World EV Day on 9th September, businesses will be asked how they will #DriveChange in support of the shift to EVs. Electricians are uniquely positioned to play a role in the growth of EV infrastructure, ensuring safe and robust EVCP installations.
In a recent City & Guilds survey, 88% of qualified EVCP installers surveyed expressed low confidence in non-qualified installers’ ability to handle larger-scale super-fast charge points. With risks of fire and electrocution, industry-led training helps to maintain safety standards and address the complexities of charging installations.
Luke Osborne, Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), is keen to highlight the importance of robust training, stating: “Maintaining the quality standard of upskilling training ensures that qualified electricians are up-to-date with the knowledge and ability to deliver quality charge point installations. Incorrect installation risks not only creating an unsafe situation, but also failing to deliver the optimum low-carbon, energy and financial savings intended.”
Stand out from the crowd
Qualifications built according to industry standards help electricians stand out from the crowd as well as showing potential employers and customers that they can install EVCPs safely. City & Guilds’ EV charging qualifications are approved by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), allowing Gold Card members to showcase their qualification and enhance their professional profiles.
From converting petrol stations into EV charging hubs to upgrading residential streets and creating green homes with domestic EV charging points, the skills of electricians and electrical installers will be at the heart of a greener economy and society.
By arming themselves with the correct EV charging qualifications, electricians can seize opportunities, enhance their professional reputation, and shape the future of green transportation.
Learn more about the opportunities to upskill through EV charging qualifications here
