Universal Skills’ innovative and accessible approach to training impressed our judges
05 Dec 2024
On our shortlist for 2024’s Electrical Centre was Universal Skills with a smart presentation detailing its facilities for electrical training. The centre stood out - delivering top-tier electrical courses through a blend of innovative teaching methods and strategic industry partnerships.
One of our judges, Hattie Hasan, founder of Stopcock’s women plumbers, was impressed by the company’s bid – particularly ‘Electric Avenue’, a purpose-built street environment, where learners can put their skills into practice as they progress through training in a simulated real-life setting.
Universal Skills, based in Wakefield, offers a comprehensive range of courses covering Smart Metering, Gas, Electric, Solar, and EV technologies. It aims to give its students a holistic education that not only meets current industry demands, but prepares them for the future - encouraging them to look at the economic and environmental considerations of the work they undertake.
The company focuses on a practical approach, where hands-on learning is designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Students have access to several workshops, as well as Electric Avenue, allowing them to gain experience and develop essential skills. Lessons are interactive and there are simulations to help cement topics covered in the classroom – to make complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable.
Aware that many of its learners are comfortable with social media, Universal Skills has developed course content that can be delivered on various platforms to help reinforce parts of the curriculum.
Commercial Training Manager, Louise Young, explains how accessible channels help get the knowledge across:
“In addition to in-centre delivery through our expert trainers, we have created online content with useful information accessible through our Knowledge Hub YouTube channel. This provides learners with bitesize pieces of information on topics that we’ve found to be sticking points - giving candidates the chance to re-visit areas they find difficult. The Knowledge Hub also includes sessions that can be used across different course offerings on subjects such as Ohm's Law and Earthing Arrangements. This way we can show students how topics can be taken into further study and other courses.
“We’ve developed online content that learners can access prior to their course. This means that before they even come to the centre, they get a feel for the tutors and the atmosphere they will find here. They can see the passion and enthusiasm of our team, and they can refresh their knowledge before they come and train with us.
"We work hard to make our training here relevant. Committed to staying ahead of industry trends and advancements, our curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest technological innovations and regulatory changes, ensuring our students pass their qualifications with relevant and up-to-date skills.
“With a wide range of courses spanning Gas, Electric, Solar, and EV technologies, we cater to the diverse needs and interests of our students. Whether they are pursuing a career in installation, maintenance, or design, we provide specialised training tailored to fit their goals.
“Our emphasis is on sustainable engineering practices and the development of environmentally friendly technologies within the centre. Training our candidates to design systems that maximize energy efficiency and minimise waste, prepares them to contribute to a sustainable future. We try to lead by example: over 60% of our staff have switched to electric vehicles in order to promote the renewables courses we teach. We’re committed to training up the electrical engineers the UK needs now and in the future.”
To find out more about Universal Skills, please click here
On our shortlist for 2024’s Electrical Centre was Universal Skills with a smart presentation detailing its facilities for electrical training. The centre stood out - delivering top-tier electrical courses through a blend of innovative teaching methods and strategic industry partnerships.
One of our judges, Hattie Hasan, founder of Stopcock’s women plumbers, was impressed by the company’s bid – particularly ‘Electric Avenue’, a purpose-built street environment, where learners can put their skills into practice as they progress through training in a simulated real-life setting.
Universal Skills, based in Wakefield, offers a comprehensive range of courses covering Smart Metering, Gas, Electric, Solar, and EV technologies. It aims to give its students a holistic education that not only meets current industry demands, but prepares them for the future - encouraging them to look at the economic and environmental considerations of the work they undertake.
The company focuses on a practical approach, where hands-on learning is designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge. Students have access to several workshops, as well as Electric Avenue, allowing them to gain experience and develop essential skills. Lessons are interactive and there are simulations to help cement topics covered in the classroom – to make complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable.
Aware that many of its learners are comfortable with social media, Universal Skills has developed course content that can be delivered on various platforms to help reinforce parts of the curriculum.
Commercial Training Manager, Louise Young, explains how accessible channels help get the knowledge across:
“In addition to in-centre delivery through our expert trainers, we have created online content with useful information accessible through our Knowledge Hub YouTube channel. This provides learners with bitesize pieces of information on topics that we’ve found to be sticking points - giving candidates the chance to re-visit areas they find difficult. The Knowledge Hub also includes sessions that can be used across different course offerings on subjects such as Ohm's Law and Earthing Arrangements. This way we can show students how topics can be taken into further study and other courses.
“We’ve developed online content that learners can access prior to their course. This means that before they even come to the centre, they get a feel for the tutors and the atmosphere they will find here. They can see the passion and enthusiasm of our team, and they can refresh their knowledge before they come and train with us.
"We work hard to make our training here relevant. Committed to staying ahead of industry trends and advancements, our curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest technological innovations and regulatory changes, ensuring our students pass their qualifications with relevant and up-to-date skills.
“With a wide range of courses spanning Gas, Electric, Solar, and EV technologies, we cater to the diverse needs and interests of our students. Whether they are pursuing a career in installation, maintenance, or design, we provide specialised training tailored to fit their goals.
“Our emphasis is on sustainable engineering practices and the development of environmentally friendly technologies within the centre. Training our candidates to design systems that maximize energy efficiency and minimise waste, prepares them to contribute to a sustainable future. We try to lead by example: over 60% of our staff have switched to electric vehicles in order to promote the renewables courses we teach. We’re committed to training up the electrical engineers the UK needs now and in the future.”
To find out more about Universal Skills, please click here