programmes at Fife College. This new EV course is part of our growing portfolio with the college; only last year we opened the Energy Transition Hub at the Rosyth campus, providing learners with qualifications in renewable systems.”
“ The demand for energy transition skills continues to grow and this partnership is playing a vital role in our aim to support 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition, by 2035.”
The need for skilled electricians capable of installing and maintaining electric vehicle( EV) charge points is rapidly increasing.
By the end of December 2024, there were over 1.3 million fully electric cars on UK roads, with EV sales representing 19.6 % of all new cars registered. This shift in the automotive industry has created an urgent need for a skilled workforce to support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure.
Electricians trained in EV charge point installation will play a critical role in meeting that need, ensuring the UK’ s infrastructure keeps pace with the rise in EV ownership as the nation works towards the Government target of 300,000 public EV charge points by 2030.
Already, the UK boasts over 75,000 public charge points in 38,000 locations, alongside 850,000 private charge points installed at homes and workplaces. Shell UK’ s public EV charging network is one of the largest in the country, providing access to over 35,000 public charge points, including Shell Recharge branded chargers on forecourts, at destinations, and more than 8,000 on-street charge points.
The course is being delivered at Fife College’ s Glenrothes Campus, with the first course dates confirmed for 3 and 4 June 2025. It is designed in partnership with industry and provides the practical skills and understanding required to safely design and install EV charging systems in domestic and small commercial settings.
Through Fife College’ s relationship with Shell UK, this specialist training is being made even more accessible to electricians through Shell’ s cofunding of the course cost for a number of individuals.
WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO TRAIN IN EV CHARGE POINT INSTALLATION
With over 1.3 million fully electric cars now on UK roads and EVs representing 19.6 % of all new cars registered in 2024, the move towards electric transport is no longer on the horizon – it’ s here.
Supporting that growth is a major infrastructure challenge, and the UK Government’ s target of 300,000 public EV charge points by 2030 demonstrates the demand for skilled electricians in this space will only increase.
For employers and individuals in the sector, this presents a great opportunity to take on the skills for a changing industry. However, cost and time away from work can be barriers to taking up new training. That’ s why Fife College, with the support of Shell UK— who are co-funding the cost of the course for a number of individuals— is supporting qualified electricians in upskilling through the City & Guilds 2921- 34 Level 3 Award in Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle
Charging Installations for just £ 135.
This investment is part of Shell UK’ s ambition to support 15,000 people into jobs, with a focus on the energy transition, by 2035.
Jim Kinnell, Business Development Manager at Fife College, said of the opportunities being created by this funding:“ When training costs are subsidised, it helps offset not just the course fee, but also the cost to businesses of releasing staff to attend. Without funding like this, it’ s likely that only larger companies would be in a position to take part— leaving sole traders and smaller firms without the same opportunity.”
It’ s not just about meeting compliance. It’ s about staying competitive, positioning yourself or your workforce for the future, and being part of a growing industry that’ s central to the UK’ s net zero ambitions.
For more information.
Get in touch: Call 0344 248 0128 | Email sales @ fife. ac. uk | BUSINESS Connect | Spring 2025 3