Over the last few years, the popularity and demand in environmentally friendly living solutions have grown dramatically, none more so than electric cars and vehicles. With the biggest and best names in the automotive industry releasing flagship electric iterations of their most beloved models, as well as introducing entirely new ones, more and more homeowners are taking notice and investing in electric vehicles (EVs). But why the big fuss? Well, there are several reasons.

Benefits of electric vehicles

• Better for the environment – The main and most obvious reason behind the rise in popularity of electric cars and vehicles is the positive impact they have on the environment. By choosing to drive an EV, you are helping to decrease the harmful air pollution caused by exhaust emissions. Most EVs are also manufactured using eco-friendly production through recycled and bio-based materials.

• Health & safety improvements – As a result of reduced carbon emissions, air quality will improve and so will overall health. Due to electric vehicles being far less noisy than petrol and diesel vehicles, there will also be decreased levels of noise pollution. According to recent findings, several EV features can improve safety also. Due to a lower centre of gravity, they feel less likely to roll over as well as carrying less risk of major fires and explosions.

• More cost-effective – One of the biggest reasons why people are choosing to go electric for their cars and vehicles is down to the huge long-term savings they will make. Firstly, electric vehicles offer much lower running costs with the electricity needed to charge an EV working out at around a third as much per kilometre as buying petrol for the same vehicle. Secondly, EVs are cheaper to maintain as a result of fewer moving parts than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. There is relatively little servicing and no expensive parts that need to be replaced often.

So, why is all of this important? As more and more people begin to turn to a greener way of driving, the need for electric chargers to be installed in convenient locations such as homes is going to rise – great news for professionals that are able to provide this service. Access Training Academies have taken notice of this demand and as a result, now offer a choice of two brand-new electrical courses that allows both novices and professionals in the electrical industry to become competent and qualified in installing EV chargers.

Our courses for electric car charging at home

The first of our two courses is the Eco Electrical Course, perfect for anyone looking to pursue a career within the electrical industry. Candidates who enrol onto this course will learn the following:

• The fundamentals of domestic electrical work
• Testing electrical installations at an industry level
• How to install electric vehicle charging points

This course aims to provide an all-encompassing introduction into the electrical trade with the addition of green electrical training. You can learn more and enquire about this course below.

Eco Electrical Course >

The second of our two courses is our Electric Vehicle Charging Installation Course. Ideal for experienced electricians that have worked in the industry for many years, looking to add electric vehicle charger installation to their repertoire of skills. Candidates who enrol onto this two-day course will learn the following:

• How to install vehicle charging points
• EV charging point commissioning
• How to inspect and test your installations

On completion of this course, candidates will be able to register on the Rolec approved installers scheme, which can result in job referrals and grants of up to £500 per installation. You can learn more and enquire about this course below.

Electric Vehicle Charging Installation Course >

For more information on our range of courses that allow you to install electric car chargers at home, be sure to get in touch with a member of the Access Training Academies team today. Also, don’t forget to browse our full range of electric courses suited to individuals with a mix of experience and abilities.

In recent years, there has been a huge push towards more eco-friendly power sources, vehicles, shopping habits... (the list goes on). As political pressure grows, many of us are starting to re-evaluate our lives to make sure we're not having a detrimental impact on the planet. People have swapped from disposable coffee cups to reusable, from plastic toothbrushes to bamboo and from fuel-powered cars to electric. 

According to Statisa.com, "In the third quarter of 2018, the number of grant eligible plug-in cars registered in the UK surpassed 15 thousand"  that's almost 15 times more than there were at the beginning of the same year, and electric car sales are only going to rise as we move into the new decade.

So, as the general public focus their attentions on their own eco-friendly efforts, we urge you to consider training for an eco-friendly career in 2020. Skills such as; being able to fit solar panels, install a car charger, and set up a self-sufficient water collection system are only going to increase in demand. With that in mind, there's no better time to start filling a relatively large skills gap and pursue an eco-friendly career!

How can Access Training Help Me?

As it stands, we offer two brand new eco-friendly training courses here at Access Training, both of which will provide you with the skills, qualifications and experience you need to begin your career in the eco-friendly sector. Let's take a look at each course to give you an idea of what's on offer. 

Eco-Electrical Course

As the name suggests, this is an eco-friendly electrical course that's designed to equip beginners with the electrical and eco-electrical knowledge they need to start their eco-friendly career. The main things you will learn on this course include:

• The fundamentals of electrical work in the home
• How to safely test electrical installations
• How to install charging points for electrical vehicles

Learn more >

Electric Vehicle Charging Installation Course

If you've already got electrical qualifications and experience behind you, this 2-day course will help you take your career down an environmentally friendly path. With your electrical knowledge as a basis, we're sure you'll pick up the following skills in no time:

• How to safely install car charging points
• EV charging point commissioning
• How to check our installations are safe

Learn more >

If you're ready to take the first steps towards a greener career, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We'll help you get started and arrange a start date for your eco-friendly training that suits you. 

Electrical jobs have long been labelled “future-proof” in the UK, providing an irreplaceable home maintenance service that is vital for day-to-day living. The rise in popularity of electric cars and eco-friendly fuels has only strengthened this theory and the job of an electrician remains one of the most stable and secure occupations in the UK.

But how does this compare to electricians operating in the USA? Is the salary for an electrician in the USA as good as it here in Britain? Well, it appears that electricians in the USA make quite a lot of money for their services too. Electricians throughout the United States demand big bucks and respectable salaries for their services.

Stateside Salaries

According to a recent article published by Forbes, the national average annual wage of an electrician in America is just over $59k. This equates to a highly respectable £46k/annum here in the UK.

To put that into perspective, the Office of National Statistics reports that the average salary for a UK doctor is £41,494, meaning the average American electrician earns 10% more than a British doctor.

Even more impressively, this figure is merely the average salary across the country. Drilling down further into state-specific averages reveals some even more electrifying statistics.

Electric Empire

Using occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forbes notes that the average salary for electricians varies notably from state to state.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, New York boasts the highest average salary for US electricians with an average electrical salary of $77,810/annum.

In UK money, that translates to an average salary of approximately £60.5k for those working in “The Empire State”, representing a monetary increase of over 10% in the last five years.

Crossing Borders

Outside of New York, Alaska, Illinois, Hawaii, New Jersey and Minnesota also offer electricians a healthy chunk of change, all with an average salary of over $70k/year.

Meanwhile, Oregon, California, Washington and Massachusetts round out the top 10 US states for electrical wages, all boasting average electrician salaries of over $68k/year.

Even the lowest-earning states earn over $43k/annum on average which translates to well over £33k a year, which is nothing to sneer at either.

Become an Electrician

These facts and figures coming out of “The Land of Opportunity” reinforce the positive attitudes towards electrical work domestically as a viable trade that’s well worth pursuing as a career. Electricians in the UK & USA earn enough money to live comfortable lives, so an electrical career is an appealing option on both sides of the pond.

Whether you’re a young person looking to enter the working world as part of the electrical trade or an experienced worker considering making the switch from your current job to retrain as an electrician, Access Training UK can help make your electric dreams a reality.

At Access Training UK, we have a variety of electrician courses available that are specifically designed to efficiently and effectively allow you to learn how to become an electrician without any prior experience.

Meanwhile, we also offer additional courses for existing electrical professionals looking to hone their craft and develop their skills to become even better in their field of work. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned veteran, we can help you achieve your goals of becoming a better you.

For more information on electrician courses from Access Training UK, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

Contact Us

Self-employed electricians in the UK have been left buzzing this month as average earnings reached their highest level on record.

According to data analysis by Hudson Contract, October payroll figures confirm that earnings for electricians in England and Wales rose by 5.8%, amounting to a weekly average of £1165.

Record-Breaking Wages

Hudson Contract is a payroll firm responsible for well over 2000 construction companies in the UK.

The firm has been analysing subcontractor earning since March 2008 and in the entire 11+ year span of those records, electrician wages have never been higher.

Welsh electricians saw an incredible spike in earnings growth with a rise of over 25%. Meanwhile, both the south-east and the north-west also saw sizeable peaks, both with a growth of over 8%.

Despite the boosts elsewhere, electrician’s in the east of England remain the highest earnings, topping off at an average of £1363/week which equates to a theoretical £70k/annum.

A Lucrative Career Path

On average, electricians regularly find themselves within the top three earners in the construction industry and this latest statistic proves once again just how lucrative an electrical career can be.

Managing Director of Hudson Contract, Ian Anfield, had this say:

“Despite political uncertainty and a general election, freelance electricians have never earned more. We hope this message reaches young people considering a career in construction.”

Electrical Careers at Access Training UK

As the figures suggest, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in the electrical industry, with the potential to earn respectable annual salaries that rival and surpass most graduates.

Here at Access Training, we can help you get your career on track with our variety of electrician courses. Whether you’re a total novice taking your first steps in the electrical game or a seasoned veteran hoping to sharpen your skills with some additional knowledge, we have the course for you.

New Career Courses

Perfect for those with little to no experience, our beginner courses include the following:

- Essential Electrical Course

- Professional Electrician Course

- Premier Electrical Course

Trade Professional Courses

For the more seasoned professional, we offer the following courses, designed to expand your existing knowledge:

- Part P Domestic Electrical Installer

- 18^th Edition

- Part P & 18^th Edition

- PAT Testing

- Initial Verification

- Periodic Inspection & Testing

- Fundamental Inspection Testing

- Combined Inspection & Testing

- Electrical Design Course

For more information on the wide range electrician courses at Access Training UK, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch online by clicking the link below.

Get in Touch

According to figures recently released by Direct Line, plumbing and electrical issues are the two primary headaches commonly faced by buy to let landlords across the UK.

While the diagnosis is far from surprising, the extent of the problem is certainly shocking, racking up sizeable bills nationwide.

Landlord SOS

According to Direct Line’s statistics, over half of UK landlords have had to enlist the aid of an emergency contractor in the last 12 months.

In fact, on average, landlords in the UK are said to have called out a contractor once every three months, amounting to 4.7 million landlord SOS calls a year.

The most common emergencies relating to these calls were all plumbing related, closely followed by electrical/gas supply issues and water problems.

Plumbing issues, in particular, accounted for 365k rental homes being evacuated, with electrical/gas supply racking up 293k evacuations and water issues relating to 267k.

A Hefty Bill

While buy to let properties have proved to be a savvy investment for many property owners, the subsequent maintenance issues have seen the need for emergency contractors impede those profit margins considerably.

Overall, Direct Line noted that Britain’s landlords have had to shell out a collective £4.5 billion on emergency contractors over the course of the last year. Statistically speaking, that equates to an average sum of £764 per call out and £2141/year per landlord.

Every Cloud...

Naturally, the figures paint a rather devastating picture for landlords and anyone looking to enter the buy to let property market. However, for those in the plumbing and electrical trades, the news is anything but that.

The demand for top-quality plumbers and highly skilled electricians remains strong in the UK, as the national skills shortage in this area continues. The result is healthy profits, a steady stream of work and a reliable income for those in the trade and attractive career prospects for those thinking of making the jump.

Plumbing Courses and Electrician Courses

At Access Training UK, we have a wide variety of courses on offer for potential plumbers and would-be electricians. These range from entry-level courses for complete novices with no prior experience all the way up to NVQ Level 2 Certification and PAT Testing courses.

Whether you’re looking to enter the electrical trade, build on your existing plumbing skills or anything in between, an Access Training course can help you get where you want to be quickly, efficiently and affordably.

Check out the buttons below to find out more right now and begin your skills journey today.

Plumbing Courses                    Electrician Courses

For additional details on the various plumbing and electrician courses available at Access Training UK, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 to speak with one of our expert advisors or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

Get in Touch

The last month has seen school-leavers across the UK celebrate and commiserate over their GCSE and A-Level results.

Nevertheless, regardless of the score, the outcome has largely been met by the same question: “What now?”

For many, higher education is the logical next step; however, there is an alternate route that poses a wide range of benefits.

Picking up a trade fresh out of school can be a wise move that pays off for years to come, particularly when it comes to the electrical trade.

How so? Read on to find out…

“University Is Not For Everyone”

Higher education has long been held up as the pinnacle of education and must for school-leavers looking to better themselves.

However, in recent years, that has often not been the case, with many graduates struggling to find employment post-university.

Senior Group Technical Presenter at NICEIC, Darren Staniforth, had this to say:

“University is not for everyone and the perception that you can only have a successful career if you get a degree is a false one.

“The construction industry is a well-paid sector that offers a vast array of opportunities. Yet, it is still viewed by some as a third-rate industry for people who do not perform well at school.

“A trade is a viable career path which gives students the chance to learn specific skills that can open up many doors and avenues in the future – including working abroad.”

Conducting Research

These sentiments were backed by figures from the Federation of National Builders, who noted that construction apprentices will go on to earn thousands of pounds more every year than many of their university-educated counterparts.

According to their research, the FMB found that the average annual salary of UK electricians was an impressive £47k, while the average university graduate in England earns £32k/year, noting that a shortage in skilled workers makes the construction industry a very lucrative career path.

These sentiments were echoed by the experts at the Pensions Policy Institute, who worked out that even a 22-year-old electrician on an average salary of £18k could have a pension pot worth £111k by the time they retire. Talk about investing in your future!

READ MORE: What is an Electrician's Salary?

Electrical Courses with Access Training

If you’re one of those school-leavers fresh off your GCSE or A-Level results, now is the perfect time to consider an electrical career. Both rewarding and useful, a training to become an electrician is extremely worthwhile on a number of levels.

Best of all, with electrical courses at Access Training, you don’t need any prior experience to get your journey started!

READ MORE: How to Become an Electrician

New Career Courses

Our beginner courses are ideal for those with limited or no experience.

These include:

- Essential Electrical Course

- Professional Electrician Course

- Premier Electrical Course

Trade Professional Courses

For more experienced, we also offer a range of courses designed to build on your existing knowledge.

These include:

- Part P Domestic Electrical Installer

- 18^th Edition

- Part P & 18^th Edition

- PAT Testing

- Initial Verification

- Periodic Inspection & Testing

- Fundamental Inspection Testing

- Combined Inspection & Testing

- Electrical Design Course

For more information on electrical training and electrician courses from Access Training UK, why not get in touch today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch online using the button below.

Get in Touch

The summer of 2019 has seen business heat up for self-employed electricians and plumbers across the UK, according to new figures published by Hudson Contract Services Ltd.

Statistics provided by the construction industry payroll experts show that self-employed plumbers and electricians have both seen a rise in pay over the summer months.

This increase builds on an existing trend that has seen plumbers and electricians solidify their status in the top three best paying jobs of all the construction trades covered by Hudson Contract.

Shock Stats for Electricians

Over the course of June and July 2019, self-employed electricians have seen a 6.4 and 1.1% month-on-month rise in weekly pay.

Managing Director of Hudson Contract, Ian Anfield, had this to say:

“This is an attractive reward for young people who want to learn the trade, be their own boss and enjoy the returns of being a valued supplier. Looking ahead, pent-up demand for new housing and the necessary wiring work will ensure that demand remains strong for skilled electricians.”

Plumbing Wages on the Boil

The month-on-month boost was mirrored in the plumbing profession with a 4.7% increase in June, followed by a further 0.6% increase in July.

The Hudson Contract MD added:

“Plumbers are earning the equivalent of an annual salary of more than £59,000, putting them into the top 6% of households by income. Our analysis shows these skilled freelancers are earning a premium for their valuable services and are a world away from ‘gig economy’ workers.”

Plumbing Courses and Electrician Courses

With such attractive financial potential, both the plumbing trade and electrical trade offer attractive propositions for those looking to start their careers or change the direction of their working lives.

At Access Training UK, we offer a variety of courses in both fields, designed to help learners of all skill-levels and experience to further their journey in their chosen profession. If you are interested in becoming an electrician or learning the plumbing trade, we can help get you on the right track.

To find out more about the exciting worlds of the plumbing and electrical trades, click on the buttons below and start your journey today. 

Plumbing Courses

Electrician Courses

For more information on plumbing and electrician courses with Access Training UK, why not drop us a line and speak with one of our expert advisors? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch online by clicking the link below.

Contact Us

An electrician from Wolverhampton has fought back against criminals by utilising his own electrical knowledge to create a unique anti-break-in system.

Wolverhampton resident, Ray Taylor, has fallen victim to tool theft numerous times over the years, losing out on thousands of pounds worth of equipment in the process.

These frustrations led Mr Taylor to protect his van by putting his electrician skills to good use, providing any would-be thieves with a nasty shock.

Sparking Controversy

By modifying a battery-operated fly-swatter, Taylor was able to channel a mild electric current directly into the door handle.

The anti-theft device also incorporates sirens and high-frequency sound bombs for the ultimate thief deterrent.

While the unusual method of security seems like something straight out of Home Alone, it’s proved to be extremely effective in real-life use.

Taylor has since copyrighted his design and is selling his ingenious invention to fellow tradesmen looking to combat tool thieves.

Knowledge is Power

The story highlights once again that the skills gained for a career in a trade can be invaluable and their use can stretch far beyond that of the trade itself.

Electricians not only have the ability to earn a living independently but they also have the skills to solve a myriad of problems in their own day-to-day life, from issues in the home to – in Mr Taylor’s case – personal security.

Become an Electrician with Access Training UK

At Access Training UK, we have a variety of electrical courses for complete novices and trade professionals alike. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill from scratch of build upon your existing knowledge of the trade, we have a course for you!

New Career Courses

If you are interested in learning the electrical trade, why not check out the following courses. These are available to all skill levels, even those with no prior experience.

Essential Electrical Course

Professional Electrical Course

Premier Electrical Course

Trade Professional Courses

For more advanced professionals looking to build on their existing knowledge, we offer a number of courses designed to help you become a more well-rounded, versatile pro.

Part P Domestic Electrical Installer

18^th Edition

Part P & 18^th Edition

PAT Testing

Initial Verification

Periodic Inspection & Testing

Fundamental Inspection Testing

Combined Inspection & Testing

Electrical Design Course

For more information on any of our courses, why not get in touch today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or drop us line using the link below.

Get in Touch