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Welcome to our News page, the essential resource for everything happening at Hampshire Training and Assessments and across the trades industry. Here, you'll find a curated collection of our latest blog posts, industry updates, and practical tips and hints to help you succeed. Whether you're a new learner considering a career change or an existing professional looking to stay ahead, our articles offer valuable insights, advice on our courses, and the latest news from the world of gas, plumbing, electrical, and construction. Dive in and explore, your next piece of knowledge is just a click away!

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Electrical Updates to industry
Trainees carrying out electrical installation tasks during a practical training session.
The 2026 EICR Regulations “Renewal Cliff”: How Electricians Can Prepare for the Surge

Five years ago, the industry saw an unprecedented surge in demand as EICRs became mandatory across the private rented sector. Now, the clock has nearly run out. April 2026 marks the first major ‘renewal cliff,’ where thousands of certificates issued in 2021 hit their expiry date simultaneously.

Combined with new, strict safety mandates for social housing and a 28-day window for remedial works, the next 12 months represent both a logistical nightmare and a massive commercial opportunity for electrical firms. Is your business prepared to handle the bottleneck, or will you be left chasing the surge? Here is how to audit your database, streamline your reporting, and secure your schedule before the rush begins.

Electrical Updates to industry
An Electrical Apprenticeship in the UK or professional in a hands-on course inspecting notes and a circuit board, learning to work with a consumer unit at Hampshire Training and Assessments.
The 2026 EICR Deadline: Why Your “Experience” Is No Longer Enough

The “experience-only” route for EICR inspections officially ends on October 1st, 2026. With the introduction of mandatory individual Level 3 qualifications and the upcoming BS 7671 Amendment 4, the bar for electrical safety has been raised. Is your business ready for the shift, or are you at risk of being sidelined? Read our breakdown of the key compliance dates and how to secure your Level 3 certification before the deadline.

Career Electrical Funding Renewables
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Important Changes to OZEV Home and Workplace Charge Point Grants: What You Need to Know for 2026/27

The UK government is updating OZEV home and workplace charge point grants for 2026/27, extending key schemes with increased funding while closing others by March 2026. These changes simplify access, introduce a new digital platform, and adjust grant rates to support the transition to electric vehicles. Stay informed on what this means for homeowners, businesses, and education institutions.

Electrical Safety Updates to industry
An instructor demonstrates an electrical panel to a group of students in a hands-on training classroom, giving essential resource across the trade industry at Hampshire Training and Assessments.
18th Edition Amendment 4: The 2026 Survival Guide for Electricians

The electrical industry is shifting. With Amendment 4 of BS 7671 officially landing in 2026, compliance is no longer just about knowing the “Big Blue Book”, it’s about mastering the technologies of tomorrow. From the first dedicated regulations for stationary battery storage to the new mandatory individual competence requirements for inspection and testing, the goalposts have moved.

Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a large team in Hampshire, staying ahead of these changes is vital for your accreditation. Read our latest deep dive to discover the key deadlines and technical updates you need to know.

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Your Next Mission: Transitioning to a Civilian Career with ELCAS

As an approved training center for the MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme, we are proud to support members of the Armed Forces in their pursuit of lifelong learning. The ELC Scheme is a valuable initiative designed to help service leavers and personnel gain nationally recognised qualifications, easing their transition into a civilian career. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, industry-relevant training that honors your service by helping you validate your existing skills and acquire new ones, opening up a world of opportunities in the trades.

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Have questions about your training journey? Lily, our friendly office administrator, is on hand to answer all of your enquiries. From course details to enrollment, she's here to guide you and make the process of gaining your new qualifications as simple as possible.

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