New focus on technical education has potential to spark a new generation of electricians, says ECA
The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has welcomed Andy Burnham’s announcement that technical education will sit at the heart of the curriculum from age 14, saying it is keen to see the detail and work with Government to help more people become competent, qualified electricians with rewarding careers.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out reforms that would allow pupils in England to combine core academic subjects such as English and maths with technical education linked to jobs in their local area. The new pathways, expected to begin rolling out from September 2028, are intended to pair skills training with work experience and stronger links to local employers.
Writing about the reforms, Burnham said:
“In the age of AI, practical and technical skills haven’t become less valuable – they’ve become more valuable than ever. Britain will need brilliant engineers, electricians and cybersecurity experts more than ever before.
“For the first time, technical education will be at the heart of our curriculum, not bolted onto the sides.”
ECA said the announcement reflects what its 14 regional Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances are already proving on the ground: when employers, colleges, local authorities, Chambers of Commerce and other partners work together, they can build stronger local electrical skills pipelines and help more learners move towards apprenticeships, competence and long-term careers.
Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at ECA, said:
“ECA welcomes Andy Burnham’s recognition that practical and technical skills are becoming more important, not less, in the age of AI. We are eager to see the detail and to work with Government, education providers and employers so these reforms deliver competent, qualified electricians with good, sustainable careers.
“The clean energy transition depends on skilled people in every community. Electricians, engineers, technicians and digital specialists will be central to upgrading homes, buildings, infrastructure and critical systems, so young people need clear, respected and properly funded routes into those careers.
“That is exactly why ECA created its regional Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances. The ETCAs are an innovative model for aligning local training with real employer demand, strengthening industry input into skills delivery, and helping learners progress into apprenticeships and meaningful employment.
“They are already showing how national ambition can be turned into practical local action. By connecting colleges, training providers, employers and civic leaders, ETCAs are helping communities identify skills gaps, shape provision and create better pathways into electrical careers.
“Putting technical education at the heart of the curriculum could be a major step forward, but Government must avoid shortcuts in safety-critical occupations. The priority must be recognised routes to competence, stronger support for SMEs to recruit and train apprentices, and regional partnerships that connect learners to real jobs powering Britain’s AI, clean energy and infrastructure future.”
