Customer story: how Renew Elec Training is building inclusive electrical training

The training provider is redefining what modern electrical education looks like, combining deep industry expertise with a strong social media presence that is helping to bring new learners into the sector.

What began as a small TikTok channel has grown into a powerful engagement tool, connecting with audiences who may not have previously considered a career in electrical training and building an inclusive community around the trade.

Founded by Alex Tranter and Sam Lawler, the approach at Renew Elec Training has been shaped by their experience across the training landscape and a shared commitment to making learning more accessible.

‘We both wanted to give a lot back to the industry,’ Sam explains. ‘It quickly became apparent that we were very keen on the same values and making learning more accessible for people.’ This is an ethos that continues to underpin their approach today.

Alex’s experience in further education played a key role in shaping that vision. Before launching the business, she was often brought into colleges to ‘fix’ delivery gaps where tutors had been unavailable, giving her first-hand insight into where traditional provision was falling short. ‘The more I did, the more people were asking if we’d do our own training,’ with both learners and employers seeking a more responsive, flexible alternative.

Today, Renew Elec Training delivers primarily continuing professional development (CPD) courses for qualified electricians, while also supporting new entrants into the industry as it continues to expand its offer.

Watch the video below and read on to learn more.

Breaking down the barriers to learning

Delivering electrical training today means overcoming a complex set of challenges. For Renew Elec Training, flexibility is critical. Many learners are in full-time employment, making traditional course models difficult to access.

‘A lot of our learners really struggle to get time off work,’ Sam explains. In response, they have developed a flexible delivery model, including block learning, to better fit around working lives.

Their teaching style also plays a key role in widening access. With a deliberately relaxed approach, they create an environment that feels very different to traditional classroom settings. As Sam explains, many learners are drawn to them because they ‘don’t like the normal classroom environment,’ and instead want the option to ‘come and have a chat’ first. This openness helps break down barriers for those who may have previously felt excluded from education, encouraging more informal engagement and building confidence from the outset.

Aligning training with employer needs

Meeting employer expectations adds another layer. Renew Elec Training takes a bespoke approach, actively speaking to employers through networking and ongoing conversations to ensure they fully understand what is required on site. It’s not based on assumptions or standard curriculum models, but on what employers are looking for in practice. ‘We do talk to a lot of employers, so we actually know what the employers actually want from people,’ Sam explains

This close engagement with industry feeds directly into the training offer. As Alex highlights, ‘The biggest thing [we see] employers looking for at the moment is upskilling existing electricians.’ As technicals and regulations evolve, they focus on supporting businesses to ‘future-proof their company and future-proof their electricians.’

Central to this is ensuring that electricians are not only confident in their work, but fully qualified and compliant. As Alex explains, the aim is to ensure ‘that confidence is there, but also it’s on paper as well,’ combining practical competence with recognised certification that gives reassurance to employers and supports progression for learners.

Why City & Guilds stands out

In a rapidly evolving landscape, choosing the right awarding organisation is essential. For Renew Elec Training, City & Guilds provides the credibility and consistency the sector demands.

Sam’s experience with the organisation spans nearly two decades. ‘I’ve been working with City & Guilds since 2008,’ she says, underlining a long-standing trust in its qualifications. A key factor is recognition. ‘It’s worldwide recognised, I knew my City & Guilds qualification would still be valid where I moved to in the world,’ Sam adds.

This reputation is shared by learners. As Keith Mackintosh explains, ‘I’ve always seen it as a recognised qualification. So, I decided that it was the right way to go.’

For Renew Elec Training, that recognition translates into confidence – for both learners and employers.

"It’s worldwide recognised, I knew my City & Guilds qualification would still be valid where I moved to in the world."

A partnership that goes beyond certification

The relationship with City & Guilds extends far beyond awarding qualifications. It is an active partnership, underpinned by ongoing support from dedicated City & Guilds specialists, that helps Renew Elec Training deliver high-quality programmes while planning for sustainable growth.

‘Having our account manager Laura and technical advisor Simon here [for our official opening was] fantastic… the level of support is fantastic,’ Alex says.

Digital support also plays an important role, particularly through webinars and CPD opportunities helping trainers stay up to date.

This ongoing support ensures the team can continue to develop their offer while maintaining high standards of delivery.

Learner impact

For learners, the benefits are tangible. ‘It’s made me feel more confident, through gaining the knowledge and experience,’ says Keith.

For others, training unlocks new career opportunities. Aaron Stone, currently completing the Initial and Periodic Electrical Inspection and Testing, reflects, ‘It will progress my career, and opens more gateways to different types of jobs.’

Importantly, outcomes match the experience. 'So far in centre we’ve had 100% pass rate,' Alex explains, highlighting the strength of delivery and the level of support learners receive throughout their journey.

The learning environment itself also stands out, particularly for learners returning to education. ‘The trainers have been absolutely brilliant, they make you feel really comfortable,’ Keith adds, highlighting the supportive culture that underpins success.

"So far in centre we’ve had 100% pass rate."

Looking ahead: skills for the future

Renew Elec Training is now focused on its next phase of growth, with plans to expand its provision and deepen its collaboration with City & Guilds. As demand for skilled electricians continues to evolve, the provider is committed to staying ahead of industry change while maintaining the flexibility and quality that defines its offer.

A key priority is the development of future-focused training, particularly in emerging and green technologies. This includes expanding provision in areas such as EV charging, solar PV and energy storage, ensuring learners are equipped with the skills needed for a more sustainable built environment.

Alongside this, Renew Elec Training is continuing to build its digital and blended learning offer, creating more accessible routes into the sector and supporting learners at different stages of their careers.

Collaboration with City & Guilds remains central to these plans. As Alex explains, ‘By working with Simon [our technical advisor] and the other industry experts within City & Guilds, we can put together a provision that is more flexible to meet learner needs and more robust for the employers.’

By working closely with technical advisors and drawing on sector expertise, they aim to deliver training that is both responsive to industry needs and aligned with evolving standards. Together, the partnership is helping to prepare learners not just for today’s roles, but for the future of the electrical industry.

"By working with experts within City & Guilds, we can put together a provision that is more flexible to meet learner needs and more robust for the employers."