JIB funding now available for EAL’s Air Source Heat Pump qualification

EAL is pleased to confirm that funding support is now available for Joint Industry Board (JIB) member companies and their employees undertaking the new EAL Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pump Systems (Non-refrigerant Circuits) (610/7301/5). JIB member companies often deliver mechanical building services engineering and electrotechnical work across a range […]

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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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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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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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Upskill qualified electricians to maintain safe standards in renewable technology, says JIB

On 1 May 2026 FE Week reported on industry concerns about renewable technology training courses. Those which follow the Government-backed ‘Skills Bootcamp’ model are highlighted as particularly worrying, in terms of teaching methods and the quality of assessment. These are short-cut routes which do not result in competent installers and therefore undermine safety. Experts within the electrotechnical […]

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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, […]

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LCL low-carbon qualifications with strengthened entry requirements meet ECS approval

The ECS Steering Committee has confirmed continued recognition of low-carbon technology qualifications offered by LCL Awards. This follows the introduction of clearer, more robust entry requirements which are aligned to industry expectations. The updated framework reinforces that these qualifications are intended for qualified and practising electricians, ensuring that low-carbon technologies – such as solar PV, […]

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JIB responds to CSJ Skills to Build report with call to prioritise direct employment and competence

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) report, Skills to Build: Fixing Britain’s construction workforce crisis, was published in November 2025, setting out 26 recommendations – across government departments, education and industry.  The central message, that construction cannot meet housing and infrastructure demand without rebuilding a domestic skills pipeline, has been a long-held concern of the Joint Industry […]

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