Features

All Features Articles

Feature articles and insights from across the electrical, plumbing, and heating sectors…

Features

2nd September 2026

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

With workforce shortages continuing to challenge the electrical sector, developing the next generation of electricians through high-quality, industry-aligned training has never been more important, says Kevin Sparrow, Senior Industry Manager (BSE) at EAL. EAL is the exclusive Awarding Organisation for Building Services Engineering (including electrical) apprenticeships in Wales and supports thousands of apprentices each year across England […]

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Features

2nd September 2026

Why apprenticeships must work for employers

The electrotechnical sector stands at a defining moment. Demand for skilled electricians is rising rapidly, driven by net zero ambitions, housing targets and the modernisation of our infrastructure. Yet at the point when we need to accelerate workforce growth, our pipeline of new entrants is not keeping pace. This is not a new challenge, but […]

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Features

19th August 2026

Is a plumbing and heating career AI proof?

For years, people have assumed that the safest careers lie behind desks and degrees, but in the age of artificial intelligence, that assumption is being challenged, says APHC. In recent months, experts have been pointing to skilled trades, especially plumbing, as some of the most secure jobs for the future and among the last to […]

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Features

17th August 2026

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

Electricians have been voicing concerns over changes to training and qualifications. CEF examines what this could mean for individuals, and for the industry. In the last 10 years, the UK’s electrical skills gap has moved from a distant threat to a day-to-day reality. Demand for electrical work is rising faster than ever, driven by our […]

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Features

18th June 2026

Want to be a heat pump installer? Start with plumbing!

Heat pumps are at the centre of the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating, creating exciting opportunities for both new entrants and experienced tradespeople. Harry Budd, Marketing Manager at Logic4training, explains why a strong foundation in plumbing remains the most important first step towards a successful career as a multi-skilled heat pump installer. Heating homes is […]

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Features

19th May 2026

The possible bottleneck in the electrotechnical qualifications sector

Are new EAS requirements and tighter ECS criteria set to squeeze the workforce at a time when electrical expertise is more critical than ever? The UK electrotechnical sector is approaching a critical pressure point. Following the introduction of the updated Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and wider electrical scheme changes coming into force this October, registered […]

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Features

14th April 2026

What the future plumbing & heating education landscape means for providers

City & Guilds news and insights The plumbing and heating industry across England is facing widening skills gaps and rapid technological advancement, creating challenges for providers and employers. However, upcoming education reform with the sector presents a critical moment for the future of plumbing and heating skills – and the opportunity for meaningful improvement has […]

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Features

8th March 2026

Celebrating the UK’s first female-run electrical training centre on International Women’s Day

At the end of last year, Redditch-based Renew Elec training centre opened its doors, offering a range of LCL Awards and City & Guilds electrical courses. Renew Elec stands out for several reasons. Firstly, its founders and primary trainers, Alex Tranter and Sam Lawler, are both women. Secondly, the centre was born out of TikTok. When […]

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Features

22nd January 2026

Creating a safety net: how an apprentice recovered from financial fallout

Financial stress can rear its head at any time and quickly become overwhelming – especially for those just starting out in their careers. This was the case for Amy, a first-year apprentice living in a remote area of Scotland, who was made redundant shortly after purchasing her first home. With a new mortgage to pay […]

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Features

20th January 2026

What low-carbon installers can expect in 2026 – and how to get trained

As the low-carbon electrical industry continues to grow, Mark Krull from Logic4training gives an overview of what installers need to know and how to make sure they are qualified and ready to take on new challenges in the year ahead. With the new year upon us, many electrical engineers will be planning for new opportunities […]

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Features

18th January 2026

What is the AM2 or AM2S?

At the end of your electrical apprenticeship you’ll need to take the AM2 or AM2S test before you can become fully qualified. The AM2 and AM2S are an in-depth assessment where you have to carry out specific tasks to show what you have learned during your apprenticeship. The whole test is around 16 hours long, […]

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Features

18th January 2026

AM2 preparation: key links and checklist

To prepare for your AM2, the NET website has lots of resources and advice to help: The NET Readiness for Assessment Checklists explain what you’ll have to do during your assessment, to give you time to prepare and ensure you have all the knowledge and practical experience. The AM2 Journey explains the steps from the ‘gateway check’ when […]

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Features

18th January 2026

What is the AM2?

At the end of your apprenticeship you’ll need to take the AM2 assessment test before you can become fully qualified. Think of the AM2 as similar to a driving test – you spend weeks or months learning how to drive, then the test is where you put everything into practice and you are marked against […]

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News

Enginuity Skills Awards 2027: nominations now open

New podcast with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith

Teenagers back vocational reforms and defy outdated stigma

New HPA UK guidance for installers: insulating external pipework for air-water heat pumps

Electrical

New podcast with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith

Teenagers back vocational reforms and defy outdated stigma

Apprentice-turned-President Sam Hubbard to lead the Institution of Engineering and Technology

Sussex skills alliance launched to grow next generation of electrical talent

Plumbing & Heating

New podcast with Skills Minister Jacqui Smith

Teenagers back vocational reforms and defy outdated stigma

New HPA UK guidance for installers: insulating external pipework for air-water heat pumps

Grant UK supports Jersey Green Skills Academy

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Why apprenticeships must work for employers

Is a plumbing and heating career AI proof?

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

Learning Zone

Knowledge check: gas

Knowledge check: plumbing

Knowledge check: electrical

Safe isolation: work safe, go home safe

All Features Articles

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Why apprenticeships must work for employers

Is a plumbing and heating career AI proof?

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

Want to be a heat pump installer? Start with plumbing!

The possible bottleneck in the electrotechnical qualifications sector

What the future plumbing & heating education landscape means for providers

Celebrating the UK’s first female-run electrical training centre on International Women’s Day

Creating a safety net: how an apprentice recovered from financial fallout

What low-carbon installers can expect in 2026 – and how to get trained

What is the AM2 or AM2S?

AM2 preparation: key links and checklist

What is the AM2?

All Features Articles

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Why apprenticeships must work for employers

Is a plumbing and heating career AI proof?

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

Want to be a heat pump installer? Start with plumbing!

The possible bottleneck in the electrotechnical qualifications sector

What the future plumbing & heating education landscape means for providers

Celebrating the UK’s first female-run electrical training centre on International Women’s Day

Creating a safety net: how an apprentice recovered from financial fallout

What low-carbon installers can expect in 2026 – and how to get trained

What is the AM2 or AM2S?

AM2 preparation: key links and checklist

What is the AM2?

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