15 high quality electrical switchgear training places in North West with Vertiv

The Department for the Economy has announced a new Assured Skills Academy with Vertiv.

Electrical installation

Funded by the Department for the Economy, the Vertiv Electrical Switchgear Assured Skills Academy, delivered in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC), will see 15 successful applicants undergo a seven-week training course providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the electrical installation sector.

Training will include five weeks' intensive training at NWRC and two weeks' work-based training at the Vertiv site in Derry-Londonderry, blending college learning with experience in a working environment.

Highlighting the opportunity, Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills at the Department for the Economy, said: “The Department is committed to building the local skills base as a key part of our economic recovery and Assured Skills Academies have a proven track record of success in this area. This Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv and NWRC will see people train in the important area of electrical installation and receive industry-recognised qualifications that position them strongly for a career in this sector.

“Successful applicants to the Academy will receive £175 per week training allowance, along with travel expenses and childcare assistance if eligible, and will be well placed to compete for a job upon completion. I urge anyone who is eligible and interested to apply for this exciting opportunity and wish all the participants the very best as they start their learning in this exciting industry.”

Philip O’ Doherty, Managing Director at Vertiv, said: “This Assured Skills Academy, supported by the Department for the Economy, offers a vital contribution to the North West region by providing industry standard pre-employment training in Electrical Switchgear. As a local employer, we are delighted to offer this opportunity for participants to work towards much sought-after qualifications in electrical installation. But this is just the beginning – Vertiv has plans for further recruitment and plans to bring over 180 jobs to the North West region which will have a significant impact on the lives of local people and the overall economy.”

Sinead Hawkins, Business Skills Manager at NWRC, said: “North West Regional College is delighted to be able to support Vertiv with their growth in the North West. Assured Skills Academies will assist in filling 84 of the roles by providing skills training in electrical and mechanical installation. The Academy guarantees at least a job interview for people who complete the training which provides a direct lead into employment. We look forward to delivering this training to participants and equipping them with the skills they need to excel in their future career.”

Successful participants in the Electrical Switchgear Academy will work towards a Level 2 entry level qualification in Electrical Installation (EAL) for work in the electrical switchgear sector and are guaranteed a job interview for a permanent operative with Vertiv. Offers of employment will be solely at the discretion of the company following the interview and any further employment checks the company may make.

No previous experience is needed but applicants must:

• be at least 18 years old by the first day of training.
• have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK and not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required.

Applications for the Vertiv Electrical Switchgear Assured Skills Academy are open until midnight on Thursday 25 January 2024.

More information and details of how to apply are available on nidirect. 

Notes to editors: 

1. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by the Department for the Economy. More information is available on the Department's Assured Skills programme page. 

2. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy you can follow us on the following social media channels:

Twitter – @Economy_NI
Facebook – @DeptEconomyNI
Instagram – economy_ni
LinkedIn – Department for the Economy NI 

3. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk .

4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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