Fife College has expanded its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging training provision, thanks to support from Shell UK, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled electricians to support the transition to low-carbon transport.
Starting in mid-2025, Shell UK began supporting training providers across the UK to increase the number of electricians trained to safely design, install and maintain domestic and small commercial EV charging installations. As part of this national initiative, Shell UK supported Fife College to offer 25 co-funded places on City & Guilds-accredited EV Charging courses to learners from across Fife and beyond.
The programme has already delivered strong results, with Fife College successfully training 25 electricians. Interest in the course has continued to grow, with further enquiries from individuals and companies, and a waiting list is now in place ahead of additional EV Charging course delivery later this year.
One of the participants of the latest course was Lewis McFadden, a worker recently impacted by the closure of the ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) at Mossmorran.
Lewis said:
“Fife College got in touch with me to explain that there was a spot available on this course and asked if I'd be interested in taking it.
“The course was engaging and really well taught. I feel like I’ve learned enough to be confident going out and saying I can do this. It’s another skill I didn’t have before, which is a big help as I move back into the workforce.”
Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal: Enterprise & Partnerships at Fife College, said:
“This collaboration with Shell UK has been instrumental in strengthening our EV Charging training offer. It has allowed us to respond directly to industry demand, support electricians to upskill safely and effectively, and reinforce Fife College’s role in delivering high-quality, industry-relevant training that supports the energy transition.
“I am also pleased to confirm that Fife College has secured further funding as part of this partnership, for a further 16 co-funded places to be supported.”
The launch of the EV Charging course has also paved the way for further opportunities through the Energy Transition Skills Hub project.
In partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), Fife College has offered 10 fully funded places to former Fife College electrical apprentices.
SECTT oversees the industry-approved electrical apprenticeship programme in Scotland and subcontracts part of its Modern Apprenticeship delivery to Fife College.
In partnership with Shell UK, Fife College has established the Energy Transition Skills Hub at the Dunfermline City Campus, designed to support Scotland’s transition to Net Zero. Funded by Shell UK, the Skills Hub offers innovative training and resources to equip students and local communities with the skills needed for the rapidly growing green energy sector.
More information about the EV charging training course at Fife College can be found here.