New plumbing apprenticeship standards open for consultation

Two new plumbing apprenticeship standards have been published for consultation by Skills England, marking an important step towards their development and approval. Open until 13 September 2026, the following standards are available for comment: Employers, plumbing and heating professionals, training providers and other industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft standards as […]

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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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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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CIPHE statement: plumbing & heating new apprenticeship standards

CIPHE, in partnership with awarding organisations, has released an update on the proposed Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship standards, including important changes and potential delays. The newly proposed Level 2 and Level 3-CIPHE led apprenticeship standards have been challenged by other industry stakeholders. In response, Skills England through the Apprenticeship Reforms, has established an […]

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Britain’s growth sectors to get major skills boost from new ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process. As industries evolve, so must the training that prepares people to work in them. Whether it’s new safety standards on building sites or the skills needed to construct and operate the […]

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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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