Universal Skills Group

Electrical and renewables training in Wakefield

Universal Skills Group is a training centre based in Wakefield (UK) that presents itself as a specialist in energy training. Its activity is aimed at self-employed electricians, engineering teams and companies in the sector that need to obtain or update technical qualifications, as well as people looking for a new career in the electrical sector.

The company states it has trained more than 1,400 people, according to the number of reviews shown on its website, and affirms that its mission is to prepare energy professionals to build a greener future in the UK.

Course catalogue: renewables, electrical, gas and water

The training offer is organised into several technical areas. In renewables, the centre teaches courses such as OFTEC OFT21 504A & D on air source heat pumps, LCL Awards 603/7131/6 on battery storage systems (EESS), LCL Awards 600/5775/0 on small-scale solar PV systems and the City & Guilds 2921-34 course on electric vehicle charge point installation.

In the electrical area, the catalogue includes City & Guilds 2346-03, level 3 qualification for experienced workers in electrotechnics (EWA); the City & Guilds 2365-02 (level 2) and 2365-03 (level 3) diplomas; the City & Guilds 2377-77 course on portable appliance testing (PAT Testing); the 2- and 4-day versions of City & Guilds 2382-26 on the Wiring Regulations (18th edition); the City & Guilds 2391-52 on inspection, testing and certification; and the safe isolation of a cut out course (LCL - SIP). It also offers an 18th edition, amendment 4 update.

The gas area covers the CMA1 / CMA3 courses with MET1 for gas meter exchange, both in initial training (ACS certification) and reassessment (ACS renewal); the CENWAT course on central heating and domestic hot water; the unvented hot water systems course; the REGT1 medium pressure certification; central heating controls; and ACS gas reassessment.

In the area of water and health & safety, the centre teaches the WR-01 water regulations certification, as well as EUSR courses on fire safety awareness, SHEA Gas and SHEA Power.

Programmes for new entrants and companies

Universal Skills Group distinguishes between several student profiles. For those starting in the sector, it offers a domestic installer course conceived as an alternative to traditional electrical apprenticeship. For working professionals, it provides upskilling training and collaborates with some of the largest energy companies in the UK to adapt their workforce skills to the new energy landscape.

The company also manages apprenticeship programmes, such as the level 2 dual fuel smart metering apprenticeship, and offers commercial services for recruitment, training and deployment of personnel.

Funding and subsidised courses

The centre reports that employers registered with JIB can access funding through the Skills Development Fund to train with Universal Skills Group, with up to £750 for electric vehicle charging, solar PV, battery storage and the level 3 experienced worker route (2346). It also announces Skills Boot Camp courses with up to 100% funding and, for a limited time, fully subsidised air source heat pump courses.

Facilities and commercial activity

The centre operates from its headquarters in Wakefield and has an in-centre support team to manage bookings, availability and commercial training programmes. Its catalogue also includes online courses, although at the time of scanning it showed no available items in that section.

Location and contact

41-43 Monckton Rd Ind. Est. Denby Dale Rd Wakefield WF2 7AL · Phone: 0333 323 2723 · Email: hello@universalskillsgroup.co.uk