Patrick: This is a worldwide issue. With the unstoppable conversion to an energy world based on the use of renewables and energy storage, the need will only grow. We need to look to the institutions such as community colleges, trade schools, and union apprentice programs to help meet the need for the trained folks who can do this work. The resulting jobs pay a strong middle-class wage and will restore the middle class that has been decimated in many countries. It is also an opportunity to retrain folks in dying professions, like coal mining. Also, an opportunity to get more women involved in the building trades. The other approach that is a bit more radical is to look to immigrants who need jobs. In the US, the agriculture industry that is very dependent on workers in the field has learned that kids out of high school, regardless of race and background have no interest in working in our farm fields. Letting immigrants do the jobs that no one else wants takes jobs away from no one and solves a worldwide issue that will help the future global economy.
Utility Management Group
Senior decision-makers come together to connect around strategies and business trends affecting utilities.
Question
Does your country have enough three-phase qualified electricians for the huge changes coming in the next 2-15 years?
- Aug 27, 2022 1:16 am GMT
Industry bodies estimate that the United Kingdom needs 65,000 electricians trained and willing to work with three-phase supplies. A large part of that requirement will be driven by the need to vastly expand the UK's electric vehicle charging network, which typically requires a three-phase supply.
As of August 2022, it's estimated that the UK has approximately 15,000 qualified personnel, a shortfall of 50,000. I'm not aware of this being raised as a barrier to the large-scale rollout of electric vehicles, despite the current intention to cease production of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
What's the situation elsewhere in the world? Europe, at least, uses 400V three-phase power in much the same way as in the UK. Do other EU countries have a similar shortfall of trained personnel?
Your access to Member Features is limited.
As already mentioned. This is a global problem. The trend creating the workforce shortage in the high and medium voltage domain started years ago—the same in Israel. Our academic and practical engineering institutes report total students' lack of interest in high and medium voltage studies. This trend touches all education levels, from technicians to up to PhDs. To reverse the trend is a long process that hopefully started in some countries or will start shortly.
At the same time as the educational effort, steps must be taken to solve the immediate and medium-term challenges. To offer better value and preferential conditions to those with a basis in the field, such as electronics and low voltage electrical technicians and engineers, and to train them in medium and high voltage areas.
Yes, our country has a good no. of electricians with three phase background. the new electricians are mostly getting trained in the three phase systems.
Tap Into The Experience of the Network
One of the great things about our industry is our willingness to share knowledge and experience.
The Energy Central Q&A platform allows you to easily tap into the experience of thousands of your colleagues in utilities.
When you need advice, have a tough problem or just need other viewpoints, post a question. Your question will go out to our network of industry professionals and experts. If it is sensitive, you can post anonymously.
Your access to Member Features is limited.
Sign in to Participate