World EV Day 2022: New research strengthens case against cutting corners on EV charging safety

ECAtoday

World EV Day 2022: New research strengthens case against cutting corners on EV charging safety

New research on behalf of the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has confirmed that projected demand for electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs) can be readily accommodated by the UK’s workforce of fully qualified electricians.

These findings further strengthen the case against use of non-qualified and under-qualified personnel to undertake this safety-critical work.

Independent researchers Pye Tait worked with experienced EVCP installers to calculate the typical time and number of electricians required for each EVCP installation, and then applied these to UK government 2030 targets for both domestic (new build and retrofit) and commercial EVCPs. Allowing for a range of different variables, including the number of electric vehicles on UK roads by 2030, Pye Tait arrived at a mid-case estimate of 1,495 and a top-end estimate of 4,894.

There are currently well over 200,000 electricians in the UK, and additionally 30,000 apprentices in training.

These research findings directly contradict previous claims that tens of thousands of EVCP installers might be required. They also further strengthen the case against cutting corners on competence and electrical safety through use of non-qualified and under-qualified personnel to undertake EVCP installations.

The electrotechnical sector is taking action to meet growing public demand for electric vehicles through provision of high-quality training for both new and existing employees. The Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard, launched in England earlier this year, incorporates domestic EVCP installation as a core electrical activity. Proposed changes to the main Installation and Maintenance Electrician standard, currently under review, similarly envisage EVCPs as part of the main qualification, to be rolled out by September 2023.

Responding to evidence of people attending EVCP upskilling courses without being fully qualified electricians, ECA has worked with awarding bodies to strengthen entry requirements so that all those enrolling on these courses are already fully qualified electricians. City & Guilds ensures that learners taking its new EVCP installer qualifications, launched earlier this year, are fully qualified electricians as a prerequisite. EAL is similarly strengthening its entry requirements.

ECA has collaborated with industry partners to create ‘Leading the Charge’, a digital series aimed at raising awareness of the electrotechnical sector’s essential role in delivering Net Zero and attracting the next generation of electricians.

ECA Technical Director Mike Smith said:

"This new research shows us the likely demand for EV charging and how it can be met with focussed recruitment into the sector and upskilling of the existing workforce. Electrical installation contractors can now see the ample opportunity to invest in this sector if they grasp the nettle and upskill."

ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs Andrew Eldred said:

“The use of fully qualified electricians is essential if the safety of both installers and the public are to be protected. Like all industries, the electrotechnical sector needs to up its game on recruitment, but this research helps shift the focus from exaggerated claims of workforce shortages to the more pressing priorities of high-quality training and competence.”

The full Pye Tait report and executive summary can be downloaded here.

The research was funded by NET, the industry assessment charity, on behalf of TESP.