skills gap – Electrical & Plumbing Skills

All skills gap Articles

skills gap

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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skills gap

17th August 2026

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

Electricians have been voicing concerns over changes to training and qualifications. CEF examines what this could mean for individuals, and for the industry. In the last 10 years, the UK’s electrical skills gap has moved from a distant threat to a day-to-day reality. Demand for electrical work is rising faster than ever, driven by our […]

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skills gap

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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skills gap

28th July 2026

Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance launched in Hampshire and Solent to strengthen regional skills

Electrotechnical businesses, education providers and local authorities have joined forces to launch the latest Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA), which will work collaboratively to address electrical skills challenges across Hampshire and Solent. ETCAs, an initiative developed by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), are designed to help bridge the gap locally between employers, education and […]

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skills gap

13th July 2026

London alliance takes action to tackle electrical skills gap

A new alliance has been launched in London to help address the area’s electrical skills gap by bringing together local Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) Member businesses, training providers and the local authority. The Local London Electrotechnical Careers and Training Alliance (ETCA) covers East London and surrounding areas. It will support closer collaboration between employers, education […]

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skills gap

3rd June 2026

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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skills gap

23rd March 2026

Welsh Government retrofit report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA

With a Senedd election approaching, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is urging all parties to back a long-term plan to train the electricians needed to deliver home retrofit, and wider electrification, safely and at pace. The newly released Welsh Government-commissioned report Assessing workforce requirements for home retrofitting in Wales warns that Wales does not currently have the […]

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skills gap

9th February 2026

North East alliance seeks to drive positive change in regional electrical skills

An alliance of electrical businesses, training providers and the local authority within the North East of England met for the first time this week to address electrical skills challenges facing the region. This collaboration marks the launch of an Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA), which is an initiative led by ECA. An ETCA aims to bring […]

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skills gap

8th February 2026

Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand

The UK’s electrical skills gap is widening across the country, at the very moment demand for skilled electricians is accelerating, according to new analysis published by the ECA, putting Government ambitions and targets at risk. ECA’s 2026 Electrical Skills Index – which compares the number of people starting Government-funded classroom-based electrical courses with those entering apprenticeships – […]

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skills gap

22nd December 2025

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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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 skills gap Articles

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

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

Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance launched in Hampshire and Solent to strengthen regional skills

London alliance takes action to tackle electrical skills gap

Landmark report sets out action to address key skills gaps

Welsh Government retrofit report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA

North East alliance seeks to drive positive change in regional electrical skills

Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand

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

All skills gap Articles

Closing the skills gap: the value of apprenticeships

Could new training obligations widen the electrical skills gap?

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

Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance launched in Hampshire and Solent to strengthen regional skills

London alliance takes action to tackle electrical skills gap

Landmark report sets out action to address key skills gaps

Welsh Government retrofit report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA

North East alliance seeks to drive positive change in regional electrical skills

Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand

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

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