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 and Northern Ireland. Working closely with industry partners such as TESP, ECA, the IET, training providers including JTL, and employers, we help ensure our qualifications remain aligned with the real needs of the sector and reflect current industry practice.
In England, the principal apprenticeship routes are the Installation and Maintenance Electrician standard and the Domestic Electrician standard, both of which incorporate EAL qualifications and lead to the AM2S or AM2D assessments. In Wales, apprentices typically follow the EAL Level 3 Building Services Engineering – Electrotechnical Installation qualification, which culminates in the AM2S assessment. While apprenticeship policy differs across the UK, the core technical competencies remain aligned, grounded in BS 7671 and established industry standards. That consistency matters to employers, particularly those working across borders and seeking confidence in the competence of the future workforce.
Meeting demand for skilled electricians
For electrical contractors, the value of apprenticeships is becoming even clearer amid ongoing skills pressure. Industry evidence shows the electrical skills gap remains significant. JTL’s 2025 report, Powering the Future: Securing a Skilled Electrical Workforce to Deliver Growth, reported that England’s electrical workforce had fallen by 26.2% since 2018, from 214,200 to 158,000 electricians in 2024, and estimated that more than 10,500 new apprenticeship starts are needed annually to stabilise workforce numbers. ECA’s latest Building Engineering Business Survey also found that 37% of respondents cited a significant shortage of qualified electricians as a barrier to growth.
For businesses, apprentices remain one of the most effective ways to build capacity while shaping skills aligned with the work they actually deliver. They offer a practical route to developing future talent, improving productivity and supporting succession planning. Apprentices can bring fresh thinking, adapt quickly to new technologies and working practices, and grow into long-term employees who understand the standards, culture and customer expectations of the business. In a market where recruitment can be challenging, investing in apprentices is both a workforce development strategy and a commercial decision.
If you are considering taking on an apprentice, your local college or apprenticeship training provider, such as JTL, is a good place to start.
Why early engagement matters
There is also value in engaging earlier with the talent pipeline. Colleges delivering the Building Services Engineering for Construction T Level in electrotechnical engineering can provide access to high-calibre students looking for industry placements, giving employers an opportunity to assess potential future apprentices before recruitment.
Employing an apprentice can also support a business’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives by creating local employment opportunities, improving social mobility and demonstrating a clear commitment to developing the next generation of skilled workers. For electrical businesses, this can strengthen reputation with customers, communities and supply chain partners, while also supporting tender and social value expectations in some contracts. Alongside these CSR benefits, apprentices can help build a reliable talent pipeline, reduce longer-term recruitment pressure, and develop skills directly aligned with the business’s needs.
While some contractors understandably have concerns about cost, commitment or the time required to support training, the long-term return can be substantial. A strong apprenticeship culture helps businesses build resilience, develop a more sustainable workforce and position themselves for future growth in an increasingly electrified economy.
This article appeared in Electrotechnical News July/August 2026 edition – read it here
