Following demand from training providers, we have embarked on the development of an Apprentice Unit in Solar PV installation and maintenance. Funding has recently been confirmed at £950 per learner for a 35-hour training course, and we are working with experienced technical experts to ensure that the skills test is fit for purpose to enable employers to upskill existing qualified electricians to carry out residential and commercial solar PV installations.
Apprenticeship Units are the latest Government initiative to enable apprenticeship funding to be used to meet other skills demands – in this case, short-course upskilling units focused on critical skill shortage areas.
One new feature of apprenticeship units is that they must include a skills test delivered by the training provider. Apprenticeship units include the option, where there is employer demand, to have an independent external assessment. In this case, training providers have expressed a strong preference for working with Energy & Environment Awards to provide quality assurance and confidence with an externally designed and certificated skills test.
Another new feature of apprenticeship units is that they have a built-in requirement for employer validation of outcomes to confirm the learner has been successful.
This unit is based on technical knowledge and skills related to the apprenticeship standard for Installation and Maintenance Electrician, and possession of the relevant electrician qualifications will be a prerequisite for this course.
Due to be available this summer, the Solar PV Installation and Maintenance apprentice unit from Energy & Environment Awards is an example of a skills solution designed to meet employers’ immediate upskilling needs with minimum disruption to their workforce.
To find out more about this development, please contact James Wingerath.
