September 9, 2021

Train Your Contractors in EVs and Emerging Technologies for More Electrification Jobs

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4 Min. Read

While most electrical contractors are on board with the renewable energy transition, they often don’t know where to start with their workforce. How do you help your employees deliver new services and tap into emerging technologies for the growing market of electrification jobs? This becomes even more challenging when expectations seem to change on a yearly basis.

Learn about common challenges and apply this information to your own workforce transition.

5 common electrical contractor workforce challenges

Today’s workforce has many hurdles. Electrical contractors are no exception. Shaking off the woes of the global pandemic, other residual obstacles and hurdles have emerged.

The new economy is changing and people’s attitudes about work have evolved. So, there is greater pressure on electrical contracting companies to solve and deal with the new set of dynamics.

1. Supervision difficulties

Meeting project deadlines is critical. Indeed, staying on schedule is key to keeping customers happy and ensuring that you keep your profit margins in check. However, some employees aren’t concerned about schedule, since they get paid for the actual time they put into a project. So, motivating your team to stay on task can be tricky and requires tact and persistence. Thus, having the right balance between motivation, persuasion and toughness will help guide and keep your crew on track.

2. Aging specialists

Experts estimate that the average electrician is 50 years old and has 26 years of experience. Today’s youth often pursue computer-related or other fields that are deemed more progressive and lucrative. So, the push to drive the younger generation to electrical engineering jobs is not as apparent. In the next 10 years, will there be enough younger specialists to keep up with the market?

3. Shortage of qualified electricians

To make the previous point more pressing, electricians are retiring at a faster pace than new ones entering the field. Every year, 7,000 electricians enter the industry while 10,000 leave it. This is a problem for consumers. The demand for electricians has not waned. So, the gap in qualified electricians is a big issue that will need to be addressed sooner than later.

4. New technologies require new skills

As the market changes and new technologies emerge, this presents a great opportunity for electricians to shift and adapt to the evolving world of electrification. Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent in the marketplace, which presents more opportunities for electricians. However, this sector will require new skills. Indeed, it will not be the typical installation of lighting or electrical panels, but more complicated and nuanced work.

5. Cross-skill needs, merging of trades

With new technologies, the lines between the trades can blur, and there will be overlap. So, this is a good time for electricians to learn some of the new skills that are required in electrification to bolster their overall knowledge base. Your workforce now needs to be computer literate, understand customer support, use mobile apps and interface with various advanced devices coming to the market. This means electrical contractors will require a more multifaceted approach to training.

Why EVs are a great entryway into renewable energy for electricians

As more electric vehicles roll out to the market, this creates a unique opportunity for electrical engineering jobs in the world of renewable energy – which is on the rise across the planet.

EVs have increased in popularity in the last several years. In fact, experts expect them to make up 50% of new car sales by 2030. This means new opportunities for electricians to provide the services and equipment that EV owners and manufacturers require.

At-home charger stations –EV owners want the security and convenience of at-home charging stations. This allows them to charge their EVs at home to ensure a full battery each day. These charging stations are in high demand, which means they need the service of qualified electricians to do the installation and maintenance.

Ultimately, the field is moving fast, and electrical contractors need to find low-risk opportunities to enter it while the barrier for entry is relatively low. This is why an existing market of charger installations with high demand is a perfect opportunity to learn new skills and find partners for growth and success.

Become a Qmerit Certified Solutions Partner for electrification jobs and training

Qmerit is a preeminent leader in the electrification sector. We have established a highly effective network of electrification experts across the United States and Canada. It’s built around a partnership program that helps electrical contractors develop their businesses.

The CSP ( Certified Solutions Partner) program is designed to educate and coach electricians and give them the new skills needed to expand in the electrification field. It delves into the various aspects of electrification and bolsters electricians with the tools needed to take on new types of service.

Receive workforce development help with training and recruiting – Qmerit will help with your workforce development, coaching and recruiting to ensure your company is ready to work with new technologies around electrification. We can guide you to new certifications and programs for your teams that will expand their knowledge base and increase your marketability in your local markets.

Monitor employee performance and receive customer feedback- These newly acquired skills will allow you to manage your team more effectively, guide them through challenges and relay feedback from customers that are vital to growth and learning. Qmerit’s proprietary platform enables you to receive direct feedback after every installation, helping you adjust your practices accordingly.

Take advantage of Qmerit’s national network, grow your company with more electrical engineering jobs and training, and become a local leader. For more detailed information, reach out today.

Author: Lowry Stoops Lowry Stoops President, Qmerit Network