NICEIC highlights industry opportunities during Green Careers Week
Posted by: electime 8th November 2024
NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the electrical contracting industry and wider building services sector, highlights the growing demand for qualified electricians in the green technology sector during Green Careers Week (4–9 November 2024).
As the world transitions towards a net zero future, the demand for qualified electricians to install and maintain renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV), electrical energy storage systems (EESS), and electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) is soaring. However, a significant skills gap threatens to delay this progress.
NICEIC is encouraging young people to explore the rewarding careers on offer in the electrical industry. Apprenticeships and T-Levels offer excellent pathways to gain the necessary skills and experience. Demi Whitehead, SkillELECTRIC 2023 finalist and a qualified electrician at a NICEIC-certified business, undertook an electrotechnical apprenticeship and now uses key aspects of her qualification in her day-to-day role and has never looked back.
Demi said: “I was attracted to a career in the electrotechnical industry because I was intrigued by the wide range of areas that I could specialise in. I enjoy that the industry provides me with ongoing opportunities to upskill in areas such as green technologies.
“My electrotechnical apprenticeship allowed me to gain the practical experience and theoretical knowledge I need to thrive in my desired career. These skills have provided a strong foundation for me to build on in an ever-evolving electrical industry.”
NICEIC is also committed to equipping businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. To help stay ahead of the curve, businesses can upskill existing employees with training to deliver sustainable solutions. An example of this is Greg Cheesbrough who owns and runs NICEIC-certified business, Enhance Power Ltd. Greg expanded his business to cater to increasing domestic adoption of low carbon technologies through NICEIC training courses and is now seeing the results for his business.
Reflecting on his experience, Greg commented: “Upskilling through NICEIC’s Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small-Scale Solar PV Systems has been a game-changer for Enhance Power Ltd. By investing in courses like this, we have been able to future-proof the work that we offer to our customers, as well as attract new business, in the rapidly evolving electrical industry.”
Paul Collins, NICEIC Technical Director, added: “The growth of the renewable energy sector presents exciting opportunities for the electrical industry. By embracing green technologies and investing in training and development to create strong foundations for green careers, we can ensure a sustainable future for individuals and businesses alike.
“For those looking to join the sector, now is the perfect time. With announcements such as new electrical vehicle tax incentives in the 2024 Autumn Budget, there is an increasing demand for electricians with green skills, providing plenty of opportunities for fulfilling and rewarding careers. We have also recently seen the introduction of the ‘Electrician Plus’ standard for qualifications in a variety of low carbon technologies, enabling qualified electricians to hone their skills on the installation of low carbon and renewable technologies. NICEIC supports this introduction and we are proud to offer qualifications carrying the prestigious ‘Electrician Plus’ kitemark.”
For more information, visit:
- com/training to find out more about NICEIC training programmes
- Read more about apprenticeships in the electrical sector, here: https://www.the-esp.org.uk/apprenticeships/.
