apprentice – Electrical & Plumbing Skills

All apprentice Articles

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14th September 2026

Local leaders have say on reforms to prepare youngsters for work

Local leaders had their say on how to drive excellence across the education system and better prepare young people for work during a summit hosted by the Education Secretary. Regional mayors, business leaders, headteachers and college principals convened on 10 September at No10 North in Manchester to shape plans to make England a technical education […]

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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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apprentice

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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17th August 2026

High wages and ‘pitiful’ employer funding are main reasons for not taking on an electrical apprentice

High wages and lack of employer funding are the biggest obstacles to Scotland’s electrical businesses recruiting apprentices, a new survey by Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT, has revealed. Some 52% of respondents to the poll said that the financial double-whammy was the main reason for them not taking on an apprentice or adult trainee. A massive 87% claimed that […]

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apprentice

6th August 2026

UK falling thousands short of electricians from workforce as numbers ‘stand still’

JTL’s research shows England remains below the training levels needed to meet demand for housing, clean energy and infrastructure. New research has shown that England faces a significant lack of people training to be electricians, meaning key projects across energy and housing are at risk. Projection modelling produced by apprenticeship provider JTL, alongside key industry […]

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5th August 2026

ECS and NET digital integration streamlines apprentice applications for first gold card

A new digital integration between National Electrotechnical Training (NET) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is set to make it quicker and easier for apprentices to obtain their first ECS gold card. Previously, an apprentice would have to wait for a certificate to arrive from the Department for Education to demonstrate they had successfully completed […]

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4th August 2026

Scotland’s electrotechnical bodies encourage school-leavers to join the industry and lead the net zero revolution

As students across Scotland prepare to receive their exam results, the country’s major electrotechnical bodies have once again urged them to consider a ‘green, AI-proof and truly rewarding’ career in the electrical industry. The tension is building for nearly 150,000 learners who will discover their grades on 4 August – and SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish […]

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4th August 2026

ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year finalists announced

Three exceptional apprentices have been named as finalists for the prestigious ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, as ECA marks its landmark 125th anniversary year. Established in 1975, the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award is one of the electrotechnical and engineering services industry’s most respected training accolades, celebrating outstanding apprentices who combine exceptional […]

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apprentice

28th July 2026

Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home

Thousands more young people will be able to gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need for future careers, as the Government today rolls out a major package to break down barriers stopping access to technical education, training and apprenticeships. Through new financial support, more college places and greater access to apprenticeships, the package will […]

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apprentice

28th July 2026

JIB announces additional course funding and support to onboard apprentices

In July 2026, the JIB Skills Development Fund trustees approved additional financial support for career development and apprentice training. Heat pump qualification Up to 75% of the course fees (to a limit of £750) is now available for eligible applicants undertaking the EAL Level 3 Award in Design, Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat […]

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apprentice

20th July 2026

Youth Guarantee and apprenticeship support welcomed

JIB and ECS have welcomed Government initiatives to support training for young people. The Government will be fully funding apprenticeship training for eligible 16-24-year-olds at non-levy paying employers from the next academic year, expanding foundation apprenticeships and introducing short courses to help businesses develop the skills they need in England. This builds on increased flexibility […]

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apprentice

9th July 2026

The countdown to Vocational Celebration Day 2026 is on

With just weeks to go until the UK’s first Vocational Celebration Day on Thursday 6 August, the official countdown clock is now live. The countdown marks the build-up to a new annual celebration created by Enginuity and EAL to recognise vocational learners, apprentices, employers, educators and everyone championing technical skills across the UK. As excitement […]

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apprentice

8th July 2026

New style AM2 assessment bay being rolled out

To ensure the AM2 reflects the industry apprenticeship, modern technologies and current ways of working, revisions to the AM2 bay are being introduced. The phase-in of the new bay is currently underway, with some AM2 centres already running the new style of bay. By the end of August, the new bay will be operational in […]

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6th July 2026

JTL officially opens new Teesside Training Centre

JTL has officially opened its new Teesside Training Centre in Thornaby-on-Tees, marking a significant investment in the future of electrical apprenticeship training and the region’s growing low-carbon economy. The centre was formally opened by Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, alongside JTL […]

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apprentice

6th July 2026

New JTL centre in Medway to boost electrical skills

JTL has officially opened its brand-new training centre in Medway, following a £2 million investment to expand high-quality electrical training across Kent. The centre, located at Sun Pier in Chatham, was formally opened at a launch event attended by employers, industry stakeholders and local skills representatives, with Mayor of Medway, Cllr Douglas Hamandishe, alongside Sir John Low, Chair […]

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apprentice

26th June 2026

New deal for young people to end ‘degree by default’ culture and boost youth apprenticeships

Ministers will unveil plans to crack down on poor‑quality university courses and shift investment further towards youth apprenticeships, as part of a ‘new deal for young people’. The deal delivers a renewed social contract with better opportunities to give young people real choices and real chances to get on, whether through university or high‑quality apprenticeships […]

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apprentice

19th June 2026

Celebrating success at the JTL National Awards 2026

Following a fantastic day at the JTL National Awards 2026 on Wednesday 10 June at Plaisterers’ Hall, London, JTL is delighted to share the achievements of those recognised on the national stage. The JTL National Awards bring together apprentices, employers, colleagues and industry partners from across the country to celebrate excellence in apprenticeship training and […]

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apprentice

12th June 2026

JTL hosts parliamentary reception on the future of the plumbing workforce

This week JTL welcomed MPs and peers, senior civil servants, plumbing industry stakeholders and employers to a parliamentary reception focused on the future of the plumbing workforce and the role of apprenticeships in strengthening the skills pipeline. The event provided a timely opportunity to explore the significant challenges facing the sector, including workforce shortages, falling […]

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All apprentice Articles

Local leaders have say on reforms to prepare youngsters for work

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Why apprenticeships must work for employers

High wages and ‘pitiful’ employer funding are main reasons for not taking on an electrical apprentice

UK falling thousands short of electricians from workforce as numbers ‘stand still’

ECS and NET digital integration streamlines apprentice applications for first gold card

Scotland’s electrotechnical bodies encourage school-leavers to join the industry and lead the net zero revolution

ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year finalists announced

Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home

JIB announces additional course funding and support to onboard apprentices

Youth Guarantee and apprenticeship support welcomed

The countdown to Vocational Celebration Day 2026 is on

New style AM2 assessment bay being rolled out

JTL officially opens new Teesside Training Centre

New JTL centre in Medway to boost electrical skills

New deal for young people to end ‘degree by default’ culture and boost youth apprenticeships

Celebrating success at the JTL National Awards 2026

JTL hosts parliamentary reception on the future of the plumbing workforce

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