Bglobal, a provider of smart energy solutions, has launched Nutech – a dedicated training academy for smart meter engineers.
According to Bglobal, there is an urgent requirement for an estimated 10,000 skilled workers in this field to meet the government’s plans for a national roll-out of smart meters by 2019. Over the next five years, energy suppliers in the UK will be responsible for replacing over 53 million gas and electricity meters, involving visits to 30 million homes.
The Blackburn-based training facility will offer professional qualifications in smart metering (the Level 2 Diploma in Smart Metering) alongside a range of complementary courses such as the BPEC accredited Gas Foundation course and the BPEC ACS Domestic Gas Safety course. All schemes will be delivered in partnership with Oldham College, which will act as the official qualifying body for the diploma.
Tim Jackson-Smith, CEO at Bglobal, commented, “At present there is a serious shortage of trained smart meter engineers in the local area – this academy has been set up to plug the energy skills gap, providing people with a highly sought after service to help them find work. In addition to school leavers, Nutech provides an ideal opportunity for electricians and plumbers to learn an extra skill and create an additional revenue stream.”
Alun Frances, principal of Oldham College, said, “With employment opportunities on the horizon, it is important that people are equipped with the necessary skills to fill these roles, giving them the best chance of securing a job when the national roll-out begins. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bglobal and look forward to supporting the students along the way.”
Jackson-Smith added, “This is one area where we can be certain there will be employment opportunities within the next eight years and the new course will train a workforce that is qualified to meet that demand. We are now inviting people from the local area to find out how they can maximise their skills and business potential by becoming a smart meter engineer.”
