DfE – Electrical & Plumbing Skills

All DfE Articles

DfE

14th September 2026

Government action needed to get more young women on engineering and tech pathways

A new blueprint from the Gender Pathways collective calls on Government to take sustained action so more girls and young women can access engineering and technology education pathways. Girls and young women remain significantly underrepresented on education pathways into engineering and technology. In England, by age 18, only 26% of those on engineering and technology […]

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DfE

31st July 2026

Nine EAL qualifications added to Free Courses for Jobs from August 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced an expansion of the Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) programme, with 72 engineering and manufacturing qualifications approved for inclusion from 1 August 2026. The expansion will help increase access to fully funded training in priority skills areas, supporting employers to address workforce shortages across the sector. EAL is pleased to […]

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DfE

28th July 2026

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 […]

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DfE

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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DfE

21st May 2026

Regional funding to train next generation of construction workers

Tens of thousands of placements will be created for aspiring construction workers in a £96 million boost to train new talent and build more homes. Funding is set to be allocated across the country on Friday 22 May to provide hands-on learning and boost employability for learners who start their construction courses from this September. The construction industry is facing significant shortages, with the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing that […]

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DfE

13th May 2026

PM vows to tear up ‘status quo’ that failed young people on apprenticeships and skills

The Prime Minister met with apprentices yesterday (Tuesday 12 May) to underline the Government’s drive to overhaul the apprenticeship system, break down barriers to opportunity for young people and ensure the economy works for people in every part of the country. Apprenticeships are being placed at the heart of a new approach to skills, giving […]

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DfE

14th April 2026

Next generation empowered through Technical Excellence Colleges

Around 65,000 learners will now have access to training for high-demand jobs in Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as the Government rolls out the next wave of Technical Excellence Colleges as part of the Industrial Strategy. Backed by £175 million of government funding, 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges across the country will deliver high-quality training in the […]

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DfE

2nd April 2026

Major upgrades to restore pride in England’s run-down colleges

Young people across England will see major upgrades to their colleges, as the Government invests £307 million to turn the page on years of neglect. From repairing leaky roofs and fixing broken windows to updating worn-out heating systems, all 175 colleges will benefit. Each one will receive individual allocations in the summer, ranging from £6,000 for […]

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DfE

11th February 2026

Government plans to train next generation of construction workers

Thousands more young people will be given the opportunity to train as plumbers, engineers and bricklayers as the Government creates 13,000 apprenticeship and T Level placement opportunities as part of its plan to transform school buildings. As part of the upcoming education estates strategy, construction firms working on school building projects will have to show […]

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DfE

22nd December 2025

ECA welcomes DESNZ clean workforce report

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has warmly welcomed the report from the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, Workforce planning to deliver clean secure energy. The report clearly reflects the case ECA has been making on the need for a stronger, more coherent approach to clean energy skills – the Government cannot achieve a safe energy […]

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DfE

22nd December 2025

Apprenticeships up 5% but access for young people remains a challenge

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new data on apprenticeships in England. Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK, who has been analysing the data, commented: “We are pleased to see that engineering and technology apprenticeship starts have increased by 5%. This comes at a time when we urgently need more people entering careers in the sector. […]

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News

Gas Safety Week 2026: Take No Chances

New episode of Grant UK’s Net Zero Heating Show now available

Local leaders have say on reforms to prepare youngsters for work

Younger homeowners more likely to trust a tradesperson based on looks

Electrical

Local leaders have say on reforms to prepare youngsters for work

SELECT and SJIB warn against rise of rogue training providers and short courses

Supporting the next generation: Martindale launches Electrical Learning Hub

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Plumbing & Heating

Gas Safety Week 2026: Take No Chances

New episode of Grant UK’s Net Zero Heating Show now available

Local leaders have say on reforms to prepare youngsters for work

Younger homeowners more likely to trust a tradesperson based on looks

Features

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

Safe isolation: work safe, go home safe

Earthing and bonding: what’s the difference?

Safe isolation: what you need to know

Understanding the Building Regulations

All DfE Articles

Government action needed to get more young women on engineering and tech pathways

Nine EAL qualifications added to Free Courses for Jobs from August 2026

New focus on technical education has potential to spark a new generation of electricians, says ECA

Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home

Regional funding to train next generation of construction workers

PM vows to tear up ‘status quo’ that failed young people on apprenticeships and skills

Next generation empowered through Technical Excellence Colleges

Major upgrades to restore pride in England’s run-down colleges

Government plans to train next generation of construction workers

ECA welcomes DESNZ clean workforce report

Apprenticeships up 5% but access for young people remains a challenge

All DfE Articles

Government action needed to get more young women on engineering and tech pathways

Nine EAL qualifications added to Free Courses for Jobs from August 2026

New focus on technical education has potential to spark a new generation of electricians, says ECA

Government invests in young people with more opportunities close to home

Regional funding to train next generation of construction workers

PM vows to tear up ‘status quo’ that failed young people on apprenticeships and skills

Next generation empowered through Technical Excellence Colleges

Major upgrades to restore pride in England’s run-down colleges

Government plans to train next generation of construction workers

ECA welcomes DESNZ clean workforce report

Apprenticeships up 5% but access for young people remains a challenge

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