North Hertfordshire College (NHC) has recently collaborated with ElectrAssure, specialists in the development and implementation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to establish the very first ElectrAssure Training Academy.
The official launch of the ElectrAssure Training Academy will be taking place on Tuesday 16th April at the college’s Stevenage-based Engineering and Construction Campus. Located right next to the well-connected Stevenage Train Station, this site supports the development of future tradespeople, taking current and future industry trends into account.
The new ElectrAssure Training Academy at North Hertfordshire College was developed with the industry’s sustainable future in mind and will equip learners with the specific skills and knowledge needed to shape a greener, more sustainable industry.
By 2035, all new cars registered in Europe must have zero emissions; EV charging points are essential in supporting the adoption of these sustainable vehicles. As the number of battery-electric cars continues to increase, the need to rapidly expand the EV charging infrastructure is becoming more urgent. With approximately 800 charge points across Hertfordshire and 35,500 nationally, the network needs to expand to 500,000 charge points by 2030. Education institutions across the country will need to equip learners with the relevant skills to successfully meet these requirements.
Currently, there’s a shortage of electricians trained in EV charging point installation. Considering the rise in electric vehicle adoption and the need for this type of service – the EV skills gap is becoming more pronounced.
After discussions between North Hertfordshire College, ElectrAssure, and other local employers about the current and projected skills gaps within the industry, ideas were developed of how to meet these gaps through new training provisions.
ElectrAssure worked closely with North Hertfordshire College to develop the curriculum of this new Training Academy, applying their nine years of experience in delivering bespoke EV charging solutions. Together, they have designed a practical learning opportunity which ensures learners build a broad understanding of EV charging technology, contributing to the closure of the EV skills gap.
The Academy will support the delivery of North Hertfordshire College’s new programme, the Level 3 Award in the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations. The course is a combination of classroom-based theory sessions and workshop sessions that explore the key practical skills.
Topics include environmental technology systems, principles of electrical science; electrical installations fault diagnosis and rectification; inspecting, testing, commissioning electrical systems designs; and more. ElectrAssure has also sponsored the installation of charge points at the NHC Engineering and Construction Campus to enable this training delivery.
The course is designed for electricians and apprentices to upskill in the EV area. They will learn the fundamentals of EV charging point installation and maintenance – expanding their job role and boosting employability.
Kit Davies, Principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College, said:
“This is a great example of how the College is working closely with employers and industry specialists to identify and meet the skills gaps locally and prepare students at the College with the skills required both now and in the future.”
Alun Davies, Operations Director of ElectrAssure, said:
“We are really pleased to be working with the College on this training academy to provide skills delivery identified and required within the industry. The creation of the ElectrAssure Training Academy enables electricians to access this training locally and supports the development of sustainable technologies and skills required to deliver and support the growing requirement for electrical vehicle charge points locally, regionally, and nationally.”
https://www.nhc.ac.uk/study/adult-learner/electrassure-training-academy/
Developing partnerships with sector specialists, such as ElectrAssure, plays an important role in the development of learning at North Hertfordshire College. Ensuring that learners are developing relevant and sector-specific skills that allow them to get a head start in the industry on completion of their course is paramount to the success of each individual learner.
The new Academy demonstrates the steps North Hertfordshire College have taken to close the EV skills gap and fully prepare their learners to progress into this modern industry. If you are an electrician interested in upskilling yourself or your staff to meet the modern demands of the sector, explore North Hertfordshire College’s ElectrAssure Training Academy today.
Read other features on EV Charging
