City and Guilds have launched a series of low carbon qualifications for Solar PV, EESS (battery storage), and EV Charging Point Installations.
These qualifications reflect the aims of the Electrician Plus model set out by the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), to champion the core competence of a qualified electrician as the foundation on which to upskill and train in these areas. They were also reviewed in detail by the ECS technical approval group. The courses outlined below all require appropriate pre-requisites and are aligned to the industry assessment strategy.
The Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2922-34) is an additional short course, supporting the professional development of competent and qualified electricians and is recognised as a CPD route both within the ECS and the
Electrotechnical Assessment Specification. This enhances electricians’ expertise in Solar PV infrastructure, to meet the growing demand for safe and efficient installations in this field.
The Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Small Electrical Energy Storage Systems (2923-34) relates to EESS battery storage and is aimed at qualified and experienced electricians who wish to understand the requirements for design, installation and maintenance of EESS, typically within a domestic or small-commercial setting.
The Level 3 Award EV Charging Installations (2921-34) is a Level 3 EV charging point installations qualification intended for qualified electricians interested in understanding how to design and install the range of electrical vehicle supply equipment and systems available.
City & Guilds, alongside other awarding organisations, worked with the JIB, ECA and others to frame these short courses as upskilling routes for the electricians ECS Gold card or equivalent. This ensures higher standards of technical expertise and safety are met within all relevant electrical systems. These necessary prerequisites are set out in each of the qualifications guides and include holding an ECS Gold card as an Installation, Maintenance or Domestic Electrician.
Discussing the benefits of upskilling, Paloma Passos Tattershall-Dodd, Senior Product Lead at City and Guilds, said:“
Ensuring recognition from ECS for these updated low-carbon qualifications was essential as this is recognition of industry endorsement and sets the standard for electricians' competency. Working with the JIB and ECS at an early stage enabled us to not only reach a wider audience but also align our offerings with the growing demand for sustainable skills. This also helps to drive awareness and adoption of qualifications in these important areas, empowering individuals and businesses to contribute meaningfully to the transition toward a greener economy. Together, we are fostering a skilled workforce ready to lead in a low-carbon future with ECS providing the platform to quickly and easily evidence this.”
On completion of any of these three new qualifications, Electricians will be able to apply to have the qualifications displayed on the reverse side of their ECS card and these qualifications are all eligible for funding through the
JIB Skills Development Fund.