Beware of rogue trainers warns the electrotechnical skills partnership
[edit] TESP launches new ‘Rogue Trainers’ video
Beware of expensive training packages that promise much but may fail to deliver– that’s the advice of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) to those looking to qualify as an Electrician.
In the latest video in it ‘Rogue Trainers’ series, an unsuspecting customer walks down a high street of what appear to be attractive gold, silver and bronze package offers, but soon falls foul of pushy sales pitches and empty promises.
TESP is highlighting the slippery tactics of training providers who operate outside of the industry-approved training routes. These ‘Rogue Trainers’ do this by trying to sell ‘bundles’ of qualifications to those unaware of what is needed to become a qualified electrician.
Many of these packages include courses that are not essential, nor suitable for new entrants. Often terms such as ‘Professional Electrician’ or ‘Full Scope Electrician’ contain a mix of knowledge qualifications and other courses that are best taken once qualified.
Ruth Devine MBE, Chair of TESP and ECA’s Senior Vice President, commented:
“Whilst we have a strong network of training providers doing the right thing, unfortunately there are some working outside of what we consider ethical practice and selling packages that come with unnecessary and unsuitable qualifications.”
She added:
“We have evidence of pressurised sales tactics and limited time discounts to force you into making a decision without considering all your options.”
“Our advice is to take one qualification at a time – any reputable provider will agree with this – and not pay out for expensive packages of training which tie you into a number of irrelevant courses.”
You read the full advice on avoiding qualification bundles by visiting the Rogue Trainers website.
TESP is a not-for-profit industry partnership formed by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), Joint Industry Board (JIB), National Electrotechnical Training (NET), SELECT and Unite the Union to support electrotechnical employers to develop and drive the industry’s skills agenda.
This article appears on the article appears on the ECA news and blog site as 'TESP launches new ‘Rogue Trainers’ video' dated June 25, 2024.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
- Building back better with apprenticeships.
- Construction apprenticeships.
- ECA articles.
- Get ready for green jobs and upgrade projects.
- Government funded apprenticeship incentives.
- National vocational qualification.
- New apprentice levy funding model.
- Organisations prompt government to Build Back Green.
- Protection for apprenticeships.
- Skills.
- Skills for Climate consultation launched.
- Tackling the construction skills shortage.
- Winter Support 2020 - 2021 packages for businesses.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”


























