NEWS
The Challenges Facing EV Charger Technical Staff Contracts
Despite this growth in demand, sourcing the right technical talent for EV chargers isn’t always a walk in the park. There are a few key challenges facing companies when it comes to contracting the right staff in the EV sector:
Skills Shortage in the Industry
The biggest hurdle is the lack of skilled technicians with the right qualifications to install, maintain, and repair EV chargers. EV chargers are complex pieces of equipment that require electrical expertise, understanding of high-voltage systems, and sometimes a deeper knowledge of smart charging technology.
Why it’s a challenge: While electrical engineers and electricians are in high supply, not all of them are trained in the specific needs of EV chargers. Training and certification take time, meaning there’s a lag between rising demand and the availability of the right technical workforce.
How this impacts contracts: Many businesses are left in a position where they need to hire contractors who are qualified but still might be in short supply. This means contractors can often demand higher rates, which increases costs for businesses looking to rapidly scale their charging infrastructure.
The Need for Local Expertise
Installing EV chargers requires a strong understanding of local regulations, electrical standards, and grid requirements, which can vary region by region. That means, in some cases, businesses need contractors who not only know how to install the chargers but also understand the specific regional codes and requirements.
Why it’s a challenge: Some areas of the UK may not have many contractors with that specific knowledge. Plus, given that the EV market is growing quickly, contractors might need to travel further to take on projects, leading to potential delays and logistical challenges.
How this impacts contracts: For projects that are region-specific, companies need to either wait for skilled contractors from outside the area (which could mean delays and additional costs) or work with contractors who are not yet familiar with local regulations.
Fast Paced Demand vs. Slow Supply
The UK is facing a mismatch between the pace at which demand for EV chargers is growing and the speed at which technicians can be trained and deployed. The government’s targets for EV infrastructure mean that charging stations must be installed at a breakneck pace, but the technical workforce isn’t always keeping up.
Why it’s a challenge: The fast-growing demand for EV chargers means contractors need to be mobilised quickly. However, the training process and logistics of ensuring that technicians are up to speed with the latest technology can slow things down.
How this impacts contracts: Many businesses are now finding that the lack of trained workers means that they’re either scrambling to find available contractors or are left with unfilled job slots that delay project timelines.
Project Complexity
The installation of EV chargers is rarely a simple job. Often, it involves working in challenging environments, coordinating with other contractors, and ensuring that installations meet safety regulations and electrical grid standards.
Why it’s a challenge: Not all contractors may have the experience required to handle these complex projects, and with the urgency to scale quickly, businesses are often under pressure to find contractors who can deliver a quality job without delays or cutting corners.
How this impacts contracts: Companies need to ensure they are bringing in contractors who aren’t just available but have a proven track record in managing complex installation projects. This may mean more vetting or the need to invest in premium contractors, which can raise project costs.
What Can Be Done to Address These Challenges?
While the challenges facing the EV charger technical staff market are significant, there are ways to address them:
Investing in Training: More investment in training programs and apprenticeships will help build up the technical workforce. This is crucial in meeting the long-term demand for skilled workers and ensuring that businesses have access to trained professionals.
Expanding the Pool of Contractors: Businesses can start by looking for contractors with transferable skills, such as those with experience in electrical engineering, who can then upskill into the specific demands of EV charging.
Partnerships with Specialists: Working with specialist recruitment firms, like E-Haus, can help businesses tap into a network of experienced contractors. By focusing on quality over quantity, businesses can fill vacancies faster with people who know what they’re doing.
Building a Flexible Workforce: Using contract-to-permanent hires can allow businesses to trial contractors before offering permanent roles, making it easier to scale as the market demands grow.
The Future…
The demand for EV chargers isn’t going anywhere. In fact, with growing consumer adoption, government support, and an increasing number of businesses switching to electric, there’s a lot more work to be done. And as this demand increases, so does the need for skilled technicians.
At E-Haus, we’re excited to be part of this transformation, helping businesses find the right EV charger technical staff to meet the demands of the market. If you’re looking for qualified contractors or need assistance scaling your technical team, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us—we’re here to help power your projects to success.
