Electrotechnical apprenticeship sets gold standard for green skills

The Installation & Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship has been hailed by the government as a ‘gold standard for green skills’, one of just six apprenticeships selected for their sustainability credentials and delivering the skills needed to support the transition to net zero.

To mark the announcement, electrical apprentices and representatives from industry employers Clarkson Evans and SJD Electrical met with the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, alongside other representatives from the selected apprenticeship standards.

Gillian says, “As we work towards our net zero goals, it has never been more important to prioritise green skills and protect our natural environment. In recognition of the critical role education and skills play in responding to climate change, these green apprenticeships have been selected in honour of His Majesty The King’s Coronation.

“These gold-standard, sustainable apprenticeships offer people the chance to embark on exciting new careers in industries from forestry to construction, and contribute to creating a more sustainable economy.”

The electrotechnical industry has worked hard in recent years to develop formal green skills training routes, in recognition of that fact that many low and zero carbon technologies use the core competence of an electrician as the basis from which to upskill.

Both the revised Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard and the new Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard equip apprentices with the skills to safely install and connect a range of low carbon technologies, with electric vehicle charging skills embedded into the qualification. Existing qualified electricians can readily upskill in technologies such as EV charging point and Solar PV installation.

Jamie Bryan, Head of Lecturing at Clarkson Evans and Chair of the apprenticeship employer group, says, “We’re delighted and honoured that the role of qualified electricians at the forefront of green skills has been recognised in this way. Apprenticeships play a key role in delivering the workforce to achieve net zero ambition – safely and competently. With developing and emerging technologies there has never been a more exciting time to become a qualified electrician.

“It’s still vitally important that more employers recruit apprentices to support this green growth – I call on fellow electrical contractors to realise the benefits of apprenticeships and the return on investment they bring.”

An official King’s Coronation emblem is being issued for use by employers to promote the electrotechnical apprenticeship, reflecting His Majesty’s longstanding commitment to renewable energy sources and applying sustainability into every aspect of the economy.

Ruth Devine, Managing Director of SJD Electrical and Chair of TESP, adds, “This regal symbol of approval highlights how important electrotechnical careers are to powering up our greener, energy-efficient future. This fantastic endorsement is testament to the hard work of the employers who recently revised the occupational standard with IfATE, and all those who support and champion apprentices. Let’s celebrate the longstanding success of this apprenticeship and inspire more people into our great industry.”