The vital spark

Electric vehicle charging is fast becoming part of everyday life – so in response to rising demand, SELECT has just completed its first series of two-day training courses, keeping Members up to speed with installation and more

SELECT has successfully road-tested its first training courses in Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.

Designed to keep Members at the cutting edge of next-generation technology, the new City & Guilds course was delivered in partnership with West College Scotland.

A total of 28 delegates attended four separate courses at the college in Paisley, East Renfrewshire, in August and September, each made up of two training days.

By the end of day two, the eager learners were able to understand and apply selection, installation and commissioning of electric vehicle charging equipment in domestic, commercial and industrial locations.

Dave Forrester, SELECT’s Head of Technical Services, said: “We looked into providing this training as a response to the rising demand for charging points.

“It covered the safe installation of electric vehicle charging points at residential and business premises and also advised on routes to public funding available for installations.”

He added: “The actual installation work is covered within the scope of BS 7671 The Wiring Regulations and as a result, is well within the abilities of any qualified electrician.

“However, the training focused on the maintenance of charging points, identifying how to access funding and how to get the best value for money for customers.”

The two-day courses aimed to provide expert guidance to learners wishing to gain better knowledge of charging equipment installation.

Aimed at practising electricians interested in how to install a range of equipment and systems, it covered the specialist requirements of electric vehicle charging equipment in public, private and commercial locations, including guidance on electrical requirements.

During their studies, participants covered a range of knowledge and skills across areas including inspection and testing and handing over of electrical vehicle charging equipment.

By the end of the course, they were able to understand:

The key requirements relating to electric vehicle charging equipment
The advantages and disadvantages of different types of electric vehicle charging arrangements and equipment
The planning and preparation for design and installation of electric vehicle charging equipment
The requirements for inspection, testing, commissioning and handover of electric vehicle charging equipment.

They were also able to install electric vehicle equipment for domestic, commercial and industrial locations, and carry out inspection, testing, commissioning and handover of electric vehicle charging equipment.

Candidates were then assessed by a multiple choice test and a practical assessment.

Jenny Cryans, SELECT Training Coordinator, said: “The courses were all a great success and we’ve now scheduled additional dates onto the calendar as course demand has been so high.

“Electric vehicle charging is here to stay, so it’s important that our Members are kept up to date with the latest developments.”