RelyOn Launches Electrical Training Facility to Bolster Skills Needed for Energy Transition

RelyOn UK (RelyOn), leaders in specialist training, competence and related services for safety critical industries, has launched its electrical training capability in NE England, offering a suite of high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) courses, aimed at producing an electrically skilled workforce to support the UK’s transition to clean energy, electrification and digitisation.

The new electrical facility, located within Redcar and Cleveland College and officially supported by Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, is part of the RelyOn Group’s wider growth strategy which includes building a robust global electrical training and consulting service, with an emphasis on HV and LV electrical systems. The opening of the Redcar facility follows the announcement earlier this month of RelyOn’s acquisition of electrical and technical training specialist, Develop Training. Together, these initiatives strengthen RelyOn’s ability to deliver high-quality training, ensuring the UK’s electrical workforce is ready for the demands of the future.

Within the new facility, RelyOn will commence with its specialist programme of electrical skills and safety training. Developed by a team of electrical subject matter experts, RelyOn’s courses will cater for every level of the workforce, from new start through to seasoned professionals, and will be delivered via RelyOn’s unique Blended Adaptive Learning approach, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance the learning experience.

This training has been developed in response to predicted shortfalls in skills and competencies as the industry diversifies as a result of the energy transition. Building the infrastructure and generating, transmitting, distributing and using electricity are associated with substantial safety risks. RelyOn’s new global electrical training service will go some way to meeting this growing demand for electrically skilled workers.

RelyOn’s Managing Director, Colin Leyden, said: “The launch of our training initiative lays the groundwork for cultivating a robust workforce poised to meet the surging demand for electricity. Without the establishment of increased training provisions for our electrical industry, we risk not only falling behind on our net zero targets, but also not reaping the fullest economic benefits and growth opportunities that come with them.

“This new facility and the courses we’ll be delivering through it, are the result of significant investment by the RelyOn group as we aim for transformational growth by expanding our portfolio and strengthening our presence in key industries”.

The centre has been designed and constructed according to a baseline configuration that enables learners to learn and demonstrate tasks in a controlled environment using a range of HV/LV apparatus. It is located at Redcar and Cleveland College, complementing its Clean Energy Education Hub which was launched in 2023 to support the green revolution in Tees Valley.

Jason Faulkner, Deputy CEO of The Education Training Collective which incorporates Redcar and Cleveland College added: “The North East of England is playing a key role in diversifying our energy systems, and is home to major renewables projects including Dogger Bank, but also hydrogen and CCUS projects. More and more businesses are setting up shop in this part of the country and we’re delighted to partner with RelyOn UK. Electrical safety training will play a vital role in skilling the workforce and ensuring that we have the talent and expertise required to bring these critical projects online.”

The official opening was attended by key individuals from industry and local government, and was endorsed by Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen. Speaking about the facility, Mayor Houchen said: “The opening of this facility is the start of something incredible. With all the investment that’s coming to our region, we are seeing thousands of jobs being created.  But we need to make sure that local people have the right skills to secure one of these good quality, well paid jobs that not only help to transform communities, but also put money in people’s pockets allowing them to help themselves and their families. This RelyOn training centre will arm local people with the skills needed to secure these jobs.”

The first courses, HV Senior Authorised Person and HV Awareness are now available to view and book online. High Voltage Operator Training and a suite of Low Voltage courses will be added throughout the early part of 2025.