New skills emerge through efforts to support the low carbon and green skills climate agenda as leading building services and facilities management company, Aston Group, teams up with Waltham Forest College to install their first electric vehicle charger.

It follows Aston Group and Waltham Forest College co-designing and launching an electric vehicle charger installation course to upskill electricians in developing green skills to meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers.

The course, which is currently delivered to Aston Group’s electricians, is set to be rolled out to other current and aspiring electricians to help fill upcoming skills shortages and support the mayor of London’s Green New Deal to tackle the climate emergency.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Installing the EV chargerInstalling the EV charger Aston Group’s electrician, Ian Wiltshire, who joined the team at the installation site, said: “The EV charger course at Waltham Forest College has been an ideal course for advancing my career. In an industry such as the electrical industry, this course proves vital in keeping up to date with innovations and green skills”.

Ian goes on to highlight: “Within two to three years, Aston Group will be going all-electric with its fleet and, as petrol and diesel will be phased out by 2030, other businesses and households will be doing the same. We’ve gained a valuable skillset here today and we will look forward to installing many more chargers.”

Assisting with the installation was Waltham Forest College alumni and Aston Group apprentice, Trenay Graham-Jackson who has been with the company for six months after completing the electrical installation course at Waltham Forest College.

He said: “Coming here today has opened my eyes to more opportunities. I used to think electrical work was just going house to house, but since working at Aston Group and seeing what we’ve done today, I now know there is more to it.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Following the installation, the team test the chargerFollowing the installation, the team test the charger

"We’re moving forward into the future and I feel at my age I’ve got a good start working with electric chargers which in a few years will become the norm.”

The charger used for the installation was a Zappi, developed by British company myenergi Ltd. In a win for British industry and economic recovery, the Zappi is designed and produced entirely in the United Kingdom and has become the UK’s number one EV charger thanks to its simple installation and user-friendly interface.

Waltham Forest College and Aston Group look forward to further leading the way in innovation and supporting the needs of employers and the local economy.

www.waltham.ac.uk