Despite alarm bells being rung as to whether the UK can meet the challenge of installing thousands of EV chargers to hit Government goals, new research on behalf of the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has noted that the UK already has enough electricians to meet the demand.
Some feared that without the appropriate number of electricians, there would be a backlog in the installation of electric vehicle chargers, or some consumers may take it upon themselves to install their own chargers. However, TESP’s research notes that there is no need for the UK to turn to non-qualified or under-qualified personnel to undertake this safety-critical work.
Independent researchers Pye Tait worked with experienced EVCP installers to calculate the typical time and number of electricians required for each EVCP installation, and then applied these to UK government 2030 targets for both domestic (new build and retrofit) and commercial EVCPs. Allowing for a range of different variables, including the number of electric vehicles on UK roads by 2030, Pye Tait arrived at a mid-case estimate of 1,495 and a top-end estimate of 4,894.
There are currently well over 200,000 electricians in the UK, and additionally 30,000 apprentices in training.
These research findings directly contradict previous claims that tens of thousands of EVCP installers might be required. They also further strengthen the case against cutting corners on competence and electrical safety through use of non-qualified and under-qualified personnel to undertake EVCP installations.
The electrotechnical sector is taking action to meet growing public demand for electric vehicles through provision of high-quality training for both new and existing employees. The Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard, launched in England earlier this year, incorporates domestic EVCP installation as a core electrical activity. Proposed changes to the main Installation and Maintenance Electrician standard, currently under review, similarly envisage EVCPs as part of the main qualification, to be rolled out by September 2023.
Responding to evidence of people attending EVCP upskilling courses without being fully qualified electricians, ECA has worked with awarding bodies to strengthen entry requirements so that all those enrolling on these courses are already fully qualified electricians. City & Guilds ensures that learners taking its new EVCP installer qualifications, launched earlier this year, are fully qualified electricians as a prerequisite. EAL is similarly strengthening its entry requirements.
ECA has collaborated with industry partners to create ‘Leading the Charge’, a digital series aimed at raising awareness of the electrotechnical sector’s essential role in delivering Net Zero and attracting the next generation of electricians.
Mike Smith, ECA Technical Director, commented, “This new research shows us the likely demand for EV charging and how it can be met with focused recruitment into the sector and upskilling of the existing workforce. Electrical installation contractors can now see the ample opportunity to invest in this sector if they grasp the nettle and upskill.”
Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, added, “The use of fully qualified electricians is essential if the safety of both installers and the public are to be protected. Like all industries, the electrotechnical sector needs to up its game on recruitment, but this research helps shift the focus from exaggerated claims of workforce shortages to the more pressing priorities of high-quality training and competence.”
