New Training Opportunities for EV Charge Point Installers

Electric vehicles have surged in popularity, but the number of charge points in the UK, and plans to roll more out, are sorely lacking.

For electrical contractors, this presents a clear business opportunity. But do you know how much electrical training is required to qualify as a charge point installer? The answer is worryingly little. Which is something ECA is working to change.

It’s part of a broader challenge with the rapid move towards net zero technologies. The training and regulatory infrastructure lags behind policy and Government targets. Often, it’s not until something goes wrong that safeguards are put in place. 

ECA believes a solid foundation of electrical qualifications is required before anyone should be able to take upskilling courses in new technologies such as solar PV or EV charge point installation. 

To achieve this, ECA is working with bodies such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and City & Guilds, to put in place more rigorous training and qualification requirements. 

There is also a new apprenticeship for Domestic Electricians, launching this Spring. This will include a Level 3 technical qualification covering the installation of a range of circuits and technologies in domestic settings - including EV charge points. 

At the end of their three-year course, apprentices will have to pass a modified version of AM2. This Domestic Electrician assessment will take three days, including 19 hours of practical installation, testing and fault finding, plus a knowledge assessment and a scenario-based technical interview.

A parallel route for experienced workers is also under development. It will launch later this year. This will provide a route for those already working in this area to qualify to the new standard.

EV charge point technology will continue to evolve at pace over the next few years. Our goal is to uphold the highest standards of safety, quality and competence, and position the UK’s electrotechnical industry as a world leader in Net Zero solutions. 

For more information, guidance notes, and technical bulletins, visit your Members’ area at www.eca.co.uk.