Transmission & Distribution. Identifying the skills needed to re-wire Britain, ensuring secure and sustainable energy supplies for consumers

Transcription

1 Transmission & Distribution Identifying the skills needed to re-wire Britain, ensuring secure and sustainable energy supplies for consumers 2015

2 About the Transmission & Distribution Network The aim of the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network is to work together to develop a shared understanding of the skills challenges facing this part of the power industry and support the development of innovative solutions and common standards of competency across the sector. The skills strategy for T&D has been fairly well defined for a number of years. However, the latest review by the T&D network has resulted in a slight change of priority, to enable a balance between development and delivery of craft and higher level skills. Advancements in technology to deliver the demands of a low carbon economy, the introduction of the new price control frameworks, RIIO (Revenue=Incentives+ Innovation+Outputs) and the extensive delivery requirements of the smart metering programme have impacted on the workforce planning assumptions. Consequently, a refresh of T&D data is now a priority activity. Through employer collaboration, over 80 new competence standards have been developed to meet the wide range of technical activities carried out across overhead lines, cable jointing and substation fitting. The new standards have formed the foundation for the Governments new Trailblazer Apprenticeship initiative and are changing the way the industry establishes the technical competence of its employees along with initiatives such as the Technical Staff Training Scheme. In addition, the Competency Accord scheme portfolio continues to be broadened, providing clarity and confidence for employers moving forward. Photography courtesy of: National Grid

3 Introduction Martin Murphy, Chair 2014 was another great year. We are seeing continued growth in membership as the network goes from strength to strength. The collaborative approach now adopted by all employers and stakeholders has enabled the development of a number of key projects. Initiatives such as Competency Accord continue to grow and there are more to come. I personally want to extend my thanks to all involved for your support. Following the hard work by a number of colleagues from both the Skills Academy and other member organisations, the development of the supervisor qualification is now moving to the delivery of the pilot programme. Significant development has gone into this qualification which I personally believe will add value to our front line employees. The end of 2014 also saw the successful development of the Technical Staff Training Scheme in southern England, through collaboration between TalentBank, UK Power Networks, Morrison Utility Services, Reach Active and HVMS. This has transitioned into another popular scheme. Meanwhile, the northern Technical Staff Training Scheme, which has been established for over a year is also progressing well. Our new industry and employer driven qualification is another example of a significant achievement brought about by the network. This bespoke solution has been designed to enable all employers from SMEs to large contractors and asset owners to enrol their own staff. The first 92 Apprentices have now enrolled on Trailblazer. The new Level 3 Power Network Craftsperson qualification will not only be used by Apprenticeships but by asset owners and service providers for trade tests. This is a vital move that aligns with the Competency Accord strategy across overhead lines, jointing and plant maintenance. It has also been great to see the success of employer collaborations at the Skills Show and Big Bang Fair. Thank you to Alstom, E.ON, National Grid, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy and UK Power Networks for your hard work on delivering at these events. Good quality, meaningful youth engagements such as these are vital to us raising awareness about the wealth of career opportunities in the industry and securing the future workforce. Finally, as we make our way into RIIO ED1, ideas and discussions are being tabled and debated by the network for the next eight years worth of business plans. The support and contribution of all member employers and providers will be crucial at this time. The power industry is looking forward to an exciting, challenging few years. There is no doubt that Skills Academy members will be at the forefront of tackling the key skills issues. I look forward to another year of collaboration and the making of many more fantastic success stories. Martin Murphy, Asset Condition Assessment Manager, Northern Powergrid.

4 Key Achievements 2014/15 Level 3 Power Network Craftsperson Trailblazer Apprenticeships live since September 2014 Technical Staff Trainee Scheme developed through TalentBank in collaboration with UK Power Networks in the south of England - launched January 2015 North of England Scottish Power 76 Cohort now successfully completed with an 80% retention rate 55 TalentBank Power Engineering Apprentices completed year one of programme in north of England with Northern Powergrid Majority of uptake from employers for the Energy and Efficiency Industrial Partnership (the Partnership) has come through the power industry Cable Jointing Mates Traineeship for north of England in partnership with Northern Powergrid Competency Accord work ongoing to establish agreed new modular clusters for cable jointing, overhead lines and fitting, setting an industry agreed standard for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), contractors and Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) recruitment Photography courtesy of: National Grid

5 Competency Accord There are increasing challenges faced by the industry to achieve a competent, safe and flexible workforce. In 2011 the Competency Accord was created by industry employers and stakeholders with the vision of working toward a common approach to the recognition of competency across the industry. This collaborative approach is geared towards agreeing industry training and assessment standards. The collective aim is to reduce the large amount of duplicated training and assessments currently being experienced by the industry workforce, without compromising the existing high standards of safety. Competency Accord continues to gain momentum, with more employees gaining registrations for existing schemes. There are ongoing developments to create new training programmes, assessments and methods which support industry needs. The existing range of schemes available are: BESC Access Movement & Egress (Overhead Lines; Substations; Underground Cables) BESC Access Movement & Egress Refresher (E-assessment Substations) Remove, Test & Insert LV Distribution Network Cut-Out Fuses Safety Health and Environmental Awareness (SHEA) Power The added value of Competency Accord in an ever changing, more competitive network allows asset owners and ICPs a common competency framework agreed across the industry. employer-led collaborative Photography courtesy of: National Grid

6 New Power Industry Competency Standards Working with industry, over 80 new competency standards have been developed to meet the wide range of technical activities carried out by skilled employees working on overhead lines, cable jointing and substation fitting activities. The new standards have formed the foundation for the Governments new Trailblazer Apprenticeship initiative and are changing the way the industry establishes the technical competence of its employees. The frameworks produced in the power industry have been used to support the development of Apprenticeships in other utilities industries and have gained interest from overseas through the British Council. Energy and Utility Skills (EU Skills) will continue to work on the development and implementation of the new standards across the industry which provide nationally recognised levels of competence, improved safety standards and a reduction in duplicated training costs. Level 3 Power Networks Craftsperson Apprenticeships Launched Launched In September 2014, the Level 3 Power Networks Craftsperson Trailblazer Apprenticeship has 92* candidates developing new skills to support the industry. This has been a fantastic achievement. Its successful development and implementation has inspired other utilities industries including Gas, Waste Management and Water, to follow suit using the same process and structure to create their own employer led Apprenticeship frameworks. New Competency Accord Scheme - Sulphur Hexafluoride SF 6 The latest addition to the suite of new standards will be the introduction late this year of a new EUSR scheme for operatives involved in the use of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas, which is used widely across the industry s in its high voltage switchgear. Following consultation with major stakeholders, suppliers and training providers, three levels of competence have been developed allowing operatives to receive national EUSR registration for safe use and handling of Sulphur Hexafluoride gas. The new levels of registration are yet another step forward in standardising recognised levels of competence across the industry. The new scheme will be open for registration in Q *Data correct as at May 2015

7 TalentBank Schemes TalentBank is a recruitment and workforce development service offering unbeatable quality and competitive pricing on the overall cost of attracting, recruiting, employing and supporting new employees, particularly Apprentices and Graduates. TalentBank offers solutions to employers operating with increasingly leaner resources; enabling them to maintain quality, reduce costs and free up time to focus on other activities. For information, please visit Technical Staff Training Scheme Following the success of the Technical Staff Training Scheme in the north of England last year, The Skills Academy are delighted to have run back to back Technical Staff Training Schemes with UK Power Networks (UKPN) and their supply chain companies. The first of the two schemes started in October This was the first power employer cluster for the south of England and it included the following companies: Amey BTS Carillion Freedom HVMS McNicholas Morrison Skanska Spie/ENS UKPN TalentBank Power Apprenticeships A new TalentBank Power Apprenticeship started in Northern Ireland in March 2015 with 10 Overhead Lines Power Apprentices. The Apprentices are employed by SPIE/ENS. The scheme is being funded by The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in Northern Ireland in partnership with SPIE/ENS. The Skills Academy are also currently working with DEL in Northern Ireland and 3 SME companies - AVEX Power Services, NEXUS and JM Electrics, to develop and deliver another TalentBank Power Apprenticeship for Cable Jointers, starting September TalentBank Traineeships The Skills Academy are working with Northern Powergrid (NPG), ENW and supply chain companies to develop a new TalentBank Traineeship. This unique collaboration is looking to start 25 Traineeships in overhead lines and electrical fitting starting July This Traineeship is 26 weeks in duration and will lead to a full Level 3 Power Trailblazer Apprenticeship. Thank you to UKPN for their support in hosting this employer cluster.

8 Welcome New Members We are delighted to welcome members that have joined within the past 12 months: AVEX Power Systems Murphy Reach Active membership What Next? Level 3 Apprenticeships for overhead lines, cable jointing and substation fitting job roles available to all companies Further development and adoption of Competency Accord schemes across the sector to support the development of new entrants and existing employees Development of First Line Supervisor Programme nearing completion after excellent employer engagement Working with industry to develop identifiable levels of competence across the role of Design Engineer, aligning with existing National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) standards New Industry SF 6 Gas registration scheme available by Q New Level 2 competence standards being developed across overhead lines, cable jointing and substation fitting to support the industry skills requirements

9 Network Quotes Balfour Beatty recognises the need to offer relevant and practical training to our business and the industry to give the skills, knowledge and techniques to be fully equipped to safely contribute to the infrastructure of the UK. By engaging with the Skills Academy and participating with other employers we contribute to setting the standards for training, assessment and Apprenticeships to ensure that the industry has a consistent benchmark and approach now and for the future growth of the industry. Matt Doyle, Training Sales Consultant, Balfour Beatty This is a very exciting time for SP Energy Networks and those seeking a rewarding career in the power industry. There is a high number of forecasted retirements and we have a wealth of opportunities from pre-apprenticeship programmes, Modern Apprenticeships, Higher Skills Apprenticeships, Graduate programmes and adult training programmes to meet the demands of the sector over the next 10 years. We are working hard with schools, colleges, universities and industry groups such as EU Skills & the Skills Academy to attract the skills required to maintain and build the power networks of the future. Stephen Kelly, Workforce Renewals, SP Energy Networks This year has seen important Government introduced initiatives with Apprenticeships and the restructuring of funding. National Grids work with the other members of the Skills Academy has been significant in our combined efforts to shape the UK Apprenticeship landscape. This has not only allowed us to influence these changes, but ensure we have the assurances on shared content and assessment of our individual Apprenticeship schemes, providing greater flexibility for our people in the years ahead. Coupled with our emerging development of the Energy & Efficiency Independent Assessment Service (EEIAS) we will begin to realise the aims of Competency Accord, providing a competent and truly flexible workforce to face our future employment challenges. Bryan Ashford, Lead Development Specialist, National Grid Academy With the new RIIO price control framework now in place, electricity network companies are investing in the infrastructure needed to meet the demands of customers and the transition to a low carbon economy. The skills gap has the potential to be the biggest barrier to the innovation and smart grid development needed to achieve this over the coming years. Networks are therefore committed to working with the Skills Academy to promote Apprenticeships and develop common standards of training, alongside the significant investment in their own programmes, to provide the people and the skills needed to deliver the UK s energy future. Mike Leppard, SHE Adviser, Energy Networks Association (ENA)

10 Facts There are three transmission companies who own and operate the transmission assets National Grid, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy The transmission network makes up the main arteries of how 380,000 GWh of electricity are supplied around the UK. Electricity is transported at 400,000 and 275,000 volts The power industry (including asset owners and contractors) will recruit approximately 500 new Apprentices during 2015/16 The distribution network moves electricity around from 132,000 volts down to 230 volts in the home Photography courtesy of: National Grid To maintain current workforce levels, 12,630 new workers will be needed by the end of ED1. This is equivalent to 62% of current workforce levels There are 25,000km of cables and pylon overhead lines in the transmission network There are six distribution companies in the UK collectively split into 14 license areas across the UK Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid, Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Power, UK Power Networks and Western Power Distribution

11 The Last Word The power industry has been and is going through a challenging and ever changing period. This is evidenced by the recent ED1 outcomes and the ongoing reorganisation required to address workforce planning needs. The industry has always been proud of a highly skilled workforce needed to generate, transmit and distribute power to homes and industries across the UK. We have always embraced the skills challenge. This has been evidenced again by the development of a new Trailblazer Level 3 qualification, designed and developed by and for the industry. This new qualification will ensure fit for purpose standards exist for the coming years, coupled with a new assessment strategy and end test. As Skills Academy membership continues to grow, we can be assured that our craftspeople have the required competence and knowledge now and in the future. Ronnie Moore, Client Manager, National Skills Academy for Power Photography courtesy of: National Grid

12 National Skills Academy for Power Friars Gate 1011 Stratford Road Shirley Solihull B90 4BN Tel: Web: MR0040 June 2015 EU Skills Group