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 […]

Energy Minister visits refurbished Daikin Manchester facility to witness green upskilling boom

Daikin UK has welcomed Martin McCluskey, Minister for Energy Consumers, to its new Manchester training facility to see first-hand how the Government’s Heat Training Grant is helping to accelerate workforce development across the low-carbon heating sector.  The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to meet installers currently undertaking heat pump training, hear directly from […]

Research reveals strong satisfaction among heat pump trainees

Hundreds of heat pump engineers are satisfied with their training in the clean energy jobs of the future thanks to a Government-backed scheme, as shown in new research published today (Thursday 4 June).  Results from the mid-scheme review of the Government’s multi-million-pound Heat Training Grant show 94% of those surveyed said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the training […]

Skills Minister opens JTL’s £1m Thames Valley Training Centre to boost electrical and low-carbon skills

On Thursday 28 May 2026, Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, visited JTL Thames Valley in Wheatley, Oxfordshire to meet with electrical apprentices, local employers and industry partners, and to see first-hand how JTL is supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople. She officially declared the centre open with the push of a button – […]

Landmark report sets out action to address key skills gaps

Skills England published its Annual Skills Report on 1 June, marking its first anniversary with a comprehensive assessment of current and future skills needs. The Alan Milburn interim report into young people and work, published last week, found that nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), underlining the need […]

Government offers 300,000 new work experience and training placements

Young people across the country will be helped onto the career ladder thanks to the creation of 300,000 new work experience and training placements in sectors including construction, health and social care and hospitality. The new placements, part of a £2.5 billion youth employment support package, will see young people gain hands-on experience, build real […]

ECA urges Skills England to back low-carbon skills with training that protects safety and competence

ECA has welcomed Skills England’s ambition to strengthen the UK’s workforce for the low-carbon transition, including in areas such as EV charge points and solar PV. However, it is warning that fast-tracked apprenticeship units must not come at the expense of electrical safety, competence and industry-recognised standards. Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at ECA, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Apprenticeships pay back: ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce

Industry contributors say high quality apprenticeships deliver measurable business returns – boosting productivity, retention and capacity for SMEs across the supply chain. Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and independent training provider JTL are urging employers across construction, engineering and building services to treat apprenticeships as a strategic investment, not a cost, […]

EAL update on apprenticeship assessment and standards development

As the apprenticeship landscape continues to evolve, EAL is updating its customers – including training providers, employers and partners – on the latest developments relating to apprenticeship assessment and standards. Standards revisions: what’s happening now Almost all of the apprenticeship standards EAL currently offers are now in revision. This reflects the wider reform programme aimed at ensuring apprenticeships remain high‑quality, relevant, and […]

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 […]

TESP statement on EV and solar apprenticeship units

The Government has announced that new apprenticeship units in ‘Electric vehicle charging point installation and maintenance’ and ‘Solar PV installation and maintenance’ will be introduced in England from April. TESP welcomes the focus on these technologies and the recognition that this work should be carried out by qualified electricians. However, the units themselves do not […]

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 […]

Government outlines reforms of Industry Training Boards to boost construction and engineering skills

Industry voices and stakeholders are being asked to shape the future of skills training as a new consultation proposes the merger of construction and engineering training boards. This consultation is the latest step in the Government’s drive to future-proof the skills of the workforce and unlock the economic growth the country needs. The plans will […]

Major employment drive to help unlock 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeships for next generation

A major youth employment drive backed by £1 billion will help create 200,000 jobs for young people, alongside the biggest transformation of apprenticeships in a decade. It comes as apprenticeship starts amongst young people are down 40% in the last decade and almost one million young people are not earning or learning – a rise […]

EBSSA publishes first ever Sector Skills Plan

The Engineering and Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) has published its strategic Sector Skills Plan, as part of the work undertaken by the Construction Mission Skills Board. This is the first industry-led comprehensive skills plan for one of the most economically significant parts of the built environment sector; an industry that accounts for 40%-60% of […]

SELECT says rising apprentice costs are crippling employers and undermining the electrical workforce of the future