The government has announced that apprenticeship units in EV charging and Solar PV installation will be introduced in England from April.
TESP welcomes the focus on these technologies and the recognition that this work should be carried out by qualified electricians. However, the units themselves do not provide a meaningful route to occupational competence in these areas.
The published content appears to duplicate elements already covered within the core electrical apprenticeship, while omitting the additional knowledge, skills and behaviours contained within the Electrician Plus upskilling qualifications undertaken by occupationally competent, qualified electricians.
Completion of these units alone will therefore not lead to recognition under the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification or eligibility for ECS industry recognition.
For work of this nature, which has direct safety implications, valid regulated assessment is essential. It is the only way to ensure consistency, protect public safety and provide confidence that individuals are competent to carry out the work to the standard expected by industry. Without that, these units cannot and should not be treated as evidence of occupational competence.
The electrotechnical sector has worked hard to strengthen competence frameworks, standards and progression routes in response to the Building Safety Act 2022. That work continues through the Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance skills plan and wider industry engagement. Any new training offer must align with those established industry-led arrangements and support the drive for competence, safety and public confidence.
