Economy Minister Dr has announced the fourth
Electrical Switchgear Academy in the North West with Vertiv.
Funded by the Department for the Economy, this Academy will see
16 participants undertake eight weeks of pre-employment training
working towards a Level 2 entry level qualification in Electrical
Installation (EAL) for work in the electrical switchgear sector.
The Academy will include five weeks' intensive training at North
West Regional College (NWRC) and three weeks' on-site training at
Vertiv in Derry~Londonderry, blending college learning with
experience in a working environment.
Welcoming the Academy the Minister said: “With no
experience required, this Academy is a great opportunity for
those who wish to reskill and return to the workforce as well as
those who may be just starting out on their career
journey.
“This fourth Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv is
evidence of this company's ongoing commitment to the North West
and will see individuals train for a good job in the important
area of electrical switchgear installation with a global
provider.”
Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive North West Regional
College, said: “North West Regional College is delighted to be
supporting Vertiv with their continued growth in the North West.
Our Assured Skills Academy will provide skills training in
electrical installation and guarantees at least a job interview
for people who complete the training which provides a direct lead
into employment.
“We look forward to delivering this training to participants and
equipping them with the skills they need to excel in their future
career.”
Peter Smyth, Vertiv's Campsie Plant Manager said: “This is an
opportunity to earn as you learn while gaining a recognised
qualification and gaining valuable experience in the sector. The
fourth Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv is further
evidence of our ongoing commitment to the North West. It will
equip individuals with the skills required for high-quality jobs
in electrical switchgear installation with a global provider.”
Successful applicants will receive £180 per week training
allowance, plus travel and childcare expenses (if eligible) for
the duration of the Academy.
Applicants must be over 18 and be eligible to work in the UK at
the point of application.
Participants who complete the academy will be guaranteed a job
interview for a Junior Panel Wirer position with Vertiv. These
permanent jobs will be based at the Vertiv site in
Derry~Londonderry.
The Electrical Switchgear Academy runs from 6 October to 28
November. Applications are now open and close at midnight on
Sunday 31 August 2025.
More information and how to apply can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/electrical-switchgear-academy
Notes to editors:
Assured Skills Academies are pre-employment training courses run
by the Department for the Economy. More information is available
on the DfE website at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies
