Smart Talent by NRG today announced the launch of its recruitment and training service to support a nationwide demand for installation engineers following the government’s legislation to support smart meter roll-out in the UK.
Smart Talent provides the energy market with a service which recruits, trains and secures NSAP and Gas Safe accredited dual fuel smart meter installers.
The innovative solution is the result of a business partnership between NRG, G4S Utility & Outsourcing Services and Gateshead College, aligning their unique expertise, investment and skills.
The venture will introduce hundreds of new smart meter installers to the energy industry all offering a consistent high standard of technical, communication and customer service skills by attracting, recruiting, training and mentoring previously unqualified individuals.
After a successful pilot scheme new engineers are operating in the field; installing smart meters for G4S and their client partners.
Tracy Jenkins, 35, from Wallsend, Tyneside, is among the first group of intakes from the Smart Talent pilot scheme and is currently in her first month of employment.
Tracy comments, “I'm so glad I made the decision to apply for the course. I feel I’m now on track to a rewarding and sustainable career with a salary that I never thought possible.”
Simon Kreft became a Duel Fuel Smart Meter installer in July 2015 after successful completion of the Smart Meter pilot programme in Glasgow. Simon was out of work recovering from extensive elbow surgery when he found details of the Smart Talent course online in February 2015.
“The overall experience has been extremely rewarding. I have never been happier in my working career as the role ticks all the boxes for me personally. I work physically, I get out and about, meet new people, solve problems and for the most part organise my own day. It has been an awesome experience thus far and I look forward to many more years in the role”.
Smart Talent provides opportunities for career changes and up skilling from both employed and unemployed applicants who can have the values, aptitude and capability to work in a technical environment in a customer facing industry. Applicants are recruited across the UK, trained in specific hub regions and once accredited and qualified are employed in that territory.
Simon Best, Managing Director of G4S Utility & Outsourcing Services and key partner of Smart Talent said, “There is a huge deficit in the UK’s smart meter workforce and Smart Talent will provide G4S and our industry colleagues with one of the workforce solutions we need. It’s particularly rewarding to see candidates coming through the pilot programme who were unemployed, and now adding great value to G4S and having a very good future career ahead of them.”
Therese Liddle, Managing Director, NRG comments, “The energy industry is facing a monumental challenge. In order to meet the requirements of the government’s smart meter roll-out they must source, train and secure hundreds of engineers, quickly. We are using our innovative project management and recruitment skills to provide a highly valued solution through Smart Talent.”
Mick Brophy, from training provider, Gateshead College said, “We have a track record in working with employers and partners across the country, responding to changes in the market place and creating training programmes which meet a specific need. Through Smart Talent we can make sure that energy companies have access to a skilled workforce.”
Recruitment for the next phase of the programme has commenced with opportunities in Manchester, the Midlands and Hampshire. More information can be found at www.nrgplc.com/smarttalent.