For the e-mobility transition to succeed, capability building is needed within the public sector to ensure the country has the skills and knowledge to deliver successfully against the UK EVI Strategy: Taking Charge.

With the LEVI Fund positioning local authorities to coordinate the delivery, the need for well-planned and effective electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) has never been more critical. To support this, Cenex, as part of the LEVI Support Body, has launched a comprehensive EVI Training Course. Designed to upskill local authority officers, and equip them with the tools and knowledge to make good decisions, applied to their locality, this course helps them lead the charge in rolling out public EVI.

With two intakes complete and more on the horizon, the course has already made significant strides, and we’re excited to share the early successes and impacts we are already seeing. The EVI Training Course has already empowered 71% of participants to confidently deliver EVI in their areas – a significant jump from just 29% before the course.

 

Why This Course Matters

The electric vehicle industry is still in its infancy, and many local authorities are navigating uncharted territory, with minimal expertise. The EVI Training Course was created to fill the knowledge gap, ensuring officers are well-equipped to handle the challenges of EVI deployment. With LEVI Capability funding, this course is specifically tailored to local authority officers. Whether they are transitioning from another sector or an existing officer, the course offers a comprehensive overview of what it takes to successfully plan, procure, and deploy EVI.

Given that 38% of participants were completely new to EVI, the course is bridging a critical knowledge gap and helping officers transition smoothly into the sector. Even for those with prior knowledge, 53% needed more depth before joining and found the course valuable in enhancing their understanding.

The EVI Training Course is off to a fantastic start. Since its inception, we’ve delivered three intakes, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. To date:

• 99 local authority officers have undertaken the course.
• 77 officers have registered for upcoming intakes.

We currently plan to train approximately 240 officers.

The course is designed to be both comprehensive and practical, covering everything from EVs and chargepoint technology to stakeholder engagement, strategy development, and operations management.

The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of them have seen a significant boost in their confidence and ability to deliver EVI in their areas:

•  71% now feel equipped, able, and confident to deliver EVI, up from just 29% before the course.
• 40% of participants consider themselves experts or have expert knowledge, a sharp increase from 9% before the course.

These statistics clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the course in not just imparting knowledge but also in building confidence and expertise. By empowering officers with the right tools and capabilities, the EVI Training Course is helping to ensure a successful and consistent rollout of EV infrastructure across local authorities.

 

Real Voices, Real Impact

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our participants had to say:

“The EVI Training course has been invaluable in improving my knowledge and confidence in EVI deployment. The course structure takes the learner through the whole process, from understanding the reasons why it’s needed, to planning, development, and installation. The content has been engaging and interactive, and I’m already using what I have learned on the course in my role.”

“This feedback echoes the sentiment of many others who have taken the course. This experience is shared by 71% of participants who now feel able and confident to deliver EVI, up from 29% before the course.”

Looking Ahead: Future Benefits

The benefits of the EVI Training Course extend far beyond the participants. By upskilling local authority officers, we’re laying the foundation for a more effective and equitable transition to electric vehicles, especially for residents without access to off-street parking. This training fosters better communication and collaboration between local authorities and industry stakeholders, ensuring everyone is talking the same language and is able to be considerate of each other’s perspectives, needs and aims.

Without this course, EVI deployment could become fragmented, leading to inconsistency across the country and a poorer customer experience. Ultimately causing frustration and hindering the transition to EVs. Instead, we’re setting a national standard, raising the bar for how EVI should be planned and executed. This not only benefits local authorities but also the industry as a whole, as they’ll be working with informed and capable partners who understand the complexities of EVI. Ultimately, supporting a smoother, more reliable experience for EV users, fostering greater confidence in the transition to electric vehicles.

While the course is an important first step, the true impact will be seen as officers apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Equipped with the right skills and insights, they are now positioned to make informed decisions, critically assess challenges, and prioritise the needs of users. The future of EVI deployment looks promising, and we’re excited to see how the training will continue to shape and improve the rollout across the country.

What’s Next?

We’re just getting started. The next intake of the EVI Training Course begins on 25th September, closely followed by another intake on the 8^th October, and spaces are filling up fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey. If you can’t make our autumn intakes, don’t worry – our next intake is scheduled for January 2025, with more to come.

The EVI Training Course is more than just a learning opportunity – it’s a way to build connections with colleagues nationwide who are also committed to delivering EVI, fostering collaboration, and sharing insights. To learn more and secure your spot, click here.