TESP launches ‘Electrician Plus’ concept to encourage upskilling

The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has launched a new concept dubbed ‘Electrician Plus’ in the hopes that it will get more electricians to upskill and learn how to install new low carbon and renewable technologies. 

Many electricians are perfectly content with designing and installing the electrical systems of domestic properties, but for those who are hungry for more, the opportunities are endless. However, while there are endless opportunities – knowing where to start can be difficult. 

That’s why TESP has announced a new concept it is calling ‘Electrician Plus’ that will help guide electricians to new courses that will deliver valuable skills for those wanting to expand their competencies. 

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.

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 boom of low carbon technologies has led to some misinformed 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.”