GTEC in Facilities Management Journal: why FMs need greater technical understanding of commercial solar
Facilities Management Journal has reported on GTEC's Commercial Solar PV training to the client side of commercial projects. The two-day course now carries two assessment routes, a technical route for qualified electricians and installers, and a knowledge route with no prerequisites for facilities managers, energy consultants, developers, insurers and investors.
The article sets the change against the Solar Roadmap's target of 45 to 47GW of installed capacity by 2030, and includes comment from Griff Thomas on why skills across the whole project chain matter as much as installer numbers.
Read the full article on the FMJ website: FMs need greater technical understanding as commercial solar deployment accelerates - FMJ
What Are the Benefits of Professional Electrical Training?
The electrical and heating industries are changing fast. Homeowners and businesses increasingly want tradespeople who can install and maintain systems like EV chargers, solar PV, and battery storage, not just wire a consumer unit.
For electricians and plumbers, this shift brings a real opportunity. However, to take advantage, they must keep their technical knowledge and qualifications current, and that is where electrical training comes in. It provides experienced tradespeople a way to build on the skills they already have and prepare to work confidently in new areas.
Structured training offers several clear benefits. It helps tradespeople develop up-to-date technical knowledge, stay aware of the regulations that govern their work, gain hands-on practical experience, and expand the range of services they can offer customers. In this article, we'll look at what electrical training involves, the key benefits it offers, and how to choose the right course for your next step.
Learn more about What Are the Benefits of Professional Electrical Training?
What are the Benefits of PAT Testing?
What are the benefits of offering PAT testing?
PAT testing can be a practical way to get more from existing customer relationships and to pick up work from new ones.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), also known as Electrical Equipment Testing (EET), is widely used by businesses, landlords and other organisations to check that electrical equipment is safe to use.
For anyone already working in the electrical industry, PAT Testing is a useful extra skill to have, and one that will fit neatly alongside other electrical work.
Why should electricians offer PAT testing?
If you're already carrying out electrical work for customers, you may also find that they need their electrical equipment inspected and tested.
GTEC's wider electrical training courses cover a range of skills that can help electricians broaden the services they offer.
Of course, electrical equipment does not stay in the same condition forever, so inspection and testing may be needed again.
Who needs PAT testing services?
Landlords, schools, and many other workplaces that all have electrical equipment in regular use have a responsibility to make sure that this equipment is safe.
Having electrical equipment PAT tested is the most practical way of meeting these responsibilities on a regular basis.
Electricians looking to develop their inspection and testing skills can explore GTEC's 2391-52 Combined Initial Verification & Periodic Inspection course, providing them with a broader electrical service offering.
Do you need a qualification to offer PAT testing?
PAT testing needs to be carried out by someone who is competent to do the work.
That means having the knowledge and skills needed to inspect equipment, carry out the appropriate tests and understand the results.
Recognised training gives you the chance to build those skills properly and demonstrate your competence to customers.
There are no formal prerequisites, although candidates should already be familiar with electrical systems and all of the associated hazards.
Training covers areas including electrical safety, insulation and earthing, appliance classification, preliminary inspections, test precautions and how to use a portable appliance tester.
Candidates will be trained in cover labelling, reporting, recording results and putting a testing programme in place. All of which are important parts of offering PAT testing professionally.
The course includes both theoretical and practical elements, with a multiple-choice City & Guilds examination and a short practical assessment.
Add PAT testing to your electrical services
PAT testing can also bring in additional income, create opportunities for repeat work and make your offer more useful to commercial customers.
GTEC's two day PAT Testing Training Course provides the skills and knowledge required to undertake PAT and electrical equipment testing in accordance with the Code of Practice for In Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Successful candidates achieve the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Testing (2377), providing a recognised qualification that can help you add PAT testing to your electrical services with confidence.
Find out more about GTEC's PAT Testing Training Course and view the latest available training dates.
What the 2025 Budget means for the UK’s renewable-energy landscape
The budget Rachel Reeves delivered on 26 November 2025 set out measures that support green energy. These goals will be achieved by reducing energy bills and incentivising apprenticeships.
Learn more about What the 2025 Budget means for the UK’s renewable-energy landscape
