• • • NEWS ANALYSIS • • •


Attention Electricians: Ready for Tomorrow’s Homes?


The landscape of electricians’ roles is in perpetual flux. With the influx of smart home technologies, sustainable renovations, shifting regulations, the rise of ‘energy prosumers,’ and other shifts, the task of operating and innovating a thriving business is becoming increasingly complex, says David Williams, vice president of transactional business at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland


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his whirlwind of change underlines the urgency of re-skilling, up-skilling, nurturing fresh talent, and achieving net zero by 2050.


Addressing the Skills Gap


and Shaping Tomorrow According to the recent UK Trade Skills Index, a ‘startling’ skills shortage looms over the construction sector, demanding over 100,000 new electricians by 2032.


As diverse work avenues grow, the demand for electricians’ surges. Government initiatives like heat pump and solar panel grants are sparking a substantial surge, catering to cost-savvy, eco- conscious consumers and businesses.


Pioneering the Energy Transformation


Electricians are at the vanguard of the emerging energy paradigm. Staying at the forefront mandates a constant stream of information and training to cultivate expertise. To step into the shoes of the ‘electrician of tomorrow’, several key aspects must be embraced for success in this rapidly evolving industry: education, regulatory navigation, net-zero goals, EV/PV technologies, and adept management of energy surges via innovative panels. A proactive approach in seeking new projects and knowledge is pivotal in seizing this tide of fresh prospects.


Educating Electricians for


Tomorrow’s Residences Education and an insatiable thirst for knowledge are the cornerstones of a successful career. As technology and regulations metamorphose, staying abreast of the latest trends and breakthroughs is paramount. To safeguard their skillset’s relevance, modern electricians must proactively seek avenues for continuous learning and up-skilling to remain competitive.


Strategic Paths to Excellence The pursuit of professional accreditations and certifications not only enhances credibility but also signals an unwavering commitment to excellence. Electricians now have access to training programs, workshops, and webinars hosted by industry luminaries and organisations, enriching their


16 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2023 electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


insights and knowledge in an evolving sphere. As net-zero benchmarks and compliance infiltrate ordinary homes, electricians can seize opportunities by actively pursuing accreditations for low-carbon solutions such as solar panels (PV), heat pumps, and EV charging stations. By doing so, electricians can meet the burgeoning demand for sustainable alternatives, securing more projects and broadening their clientele. This move also differentiates them from peers, offering them enhanced capacity to tackle the energy hurdles faced by end-users, homeowners, and home builders.


Apprenticeships: A Path to Empowerment


Business proprietors should reinvest in their workforce by offering apprenticeships that introduce a fresh influx of talent while also affording invaluable training opportunities to keep existing staff ahead of the curve.


In a competitive field, standing out demands enhanced training. Staying abreast of innovations and industry benchmarks bolsters electricians’ reputation and attracts a more expansive customer base.


Engaging Industry Visionaries Close collaboration with industry leaders in training extends a unique edge to electricians. Nurturing robust ties with these leaders yields invaluable insights into the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.


This partnership not only assures compliance with the latest standards but also furnishes a comprehensive grasp of which companies are pioneering these regulations.


The Vanguard of the EV/PV Revolution


The surge of electric vehicles (EVs) and photovoltaic (PV) systems has fundamentally


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