skills shortage – Electrical & Plumbing Skills

All skills shortage Articles

skills shortage

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 shortage

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 shortage

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 shortage

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 shortage

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 shortage

15th February 2026

Electrical training alliance launches in South Yorkshire

Key educational institutions and electrotechnical businesses came together on 12 February for the inaugural meeting of a new alliance formed to tackle the growing electrical skills shortage in South Yorkshire. The group represents the second Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA) launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 and the seventh established since the initiative began […]

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skills shortage

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 shortage

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 shortage

8th February 2026

London’s Build Academy welcomes Minister for Industry

The initiative, funded by CITB in partnership with FMB and London’s Shooters Hill Sixth Form College, gives the next generation the practical skills and experience they need for a career in construction. This week, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Shooters Hill Sixth Form College in London welcomed […]

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skills shortage

6th February 2026

Prism Power tackles engineering skills shortage and workforce crunch

As the power sector grapples with an aging workforce, with experienced electricians and engineers retiring at pace, Prism Power Group, a UK-based specialist in smart switchgear and critical power systems, has long been focusing on training the next generation. This talent and skills shortage is putting grid reliability at risk, but Prism Power – with […]

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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 shortage 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

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

Electrical training alliance launches in South Yorkshire

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

Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand

London’s Build Academy welcomes Minister for Industry

Prism Power tackles engineering skills shortage and workforce crunch

All skills shortage 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

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

Electrical training alliance launches in South Yorkshire

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

Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand

London’s Build Academy welcomes Minister for Industry

Prism Power tackles engineering skills shortage and workforce crunch

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