Electrician Plus
In August 2023, the new brand concept ‘Electrician Plus’ was launched by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) to highlight how the role of a qualified electrician is central to the installation of low carbon and renewable technologies.
Adequate understanding of electrical scientific theory and principles and demonstrable occupational competence are critical for the safe installation of technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging points (EVCP). The core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in these areas.
The Electrician Plus model highlights how once someone reaches qualified electrician status, all that is needed is top-up CPD and qualifications in specific new technologies, to enable safe, compliant and competent installations.
Awarding bodies such as City & Guilds, EAL and BPEC have been leading the way in this area with their updated EVCP and solar qualifications, designed so that only electricians who meet the industry Level 3 standard can enrol on these courses, helping safeguard against non-qualified and under-qualified personnel undertaking renewable installations and the potential safety and fire risk this poses.
The new Electrician Plus logo will be used to endorse relevant qualifications to show they are industry approved in terms of content and assessment, providing robust upskilling for qualified electricians who have a solid foundation of electrical skills and knowledge.
“The boom of low carbon technologies has led to some ill-informed claims that a whole new set of narrow occupations are needed around low carbon technology installation – this is simply not the case,” said Ruth Devine, Chair of TESP. “A significant proportion of activity is firmly within the skills remit of qualified members of the existing workforce; electricians are leading the way in this area.”
“The Electrician Plus model highlights that, once armed with core electrical competence, CPD and additional qualifications can be undertaken in a variety of low carbon technologies, helping electricians and electrical contractors bring added value to their business and customers.
“Working with industry and awarding bodies we want to ensure that installations are carried out competently and are safe, high-quality and effective. Look out for the Electrician Plus badge to be sure the qualification is industry-recognised and approved.”
Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, said:
“Electrical apprentices and trainees study and practice for years for a reason. Installing and integrating electrical systems safely and efficiently demands a high degree of knowledge, skill and experience. This is as true for solar PV, EV charging and energy storage systems as it is for all other electrically based technologies.
“Enthusiasm for net zero should not blind us to the fact that installers and integrators of low carbon systems need to be appropriately qualified and competent in the first place. Upskilling training in particular technologies can help individual electricians supplement this fundamental trade competence, but can never replace it. Electrician PLUS offers practitioners, customers and wider society a straightforward benchmark for singling out those qualifications that align with this obvious yet essential principle.”
www.electricalcareers.co.uk/electrician-plus
This article originally appeared on the ECA website on 8 August 2023.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.