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 it is becoming more urgent, warns Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL.
Skills England estimates that demand for electricians will grow by around 32,000 additional roles by 2035 across construction and clean energy sectors. This comes against a workforce that has already contracted significantly, reducing by 25% since 2018. Without intervention, the gap between demand and supply will only widen. For employers, particularly the small and medium-sized firms that make up upwards of 80% of our sector, this poses a direct threat to productivity, growth and long-term sustainability.
At the heart of the solution is a route we know works: high-quality apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships in the electrotechnical sector are the gold standard for a reason. They produce fully competent, safety-critical professionals who meet the rigorous standards our industry demands, while also supporting productivity, retention and workforce stability.
But if the case for apprenticeships is so strong, why aren’t more employers taking them on? The answer is not a lack of willingness, but the reality of the system they are being asked to navigate.
For SMEs in particular, employing an apprentice is a major investment. Over a four-year programme, employers take on wage costs, supervision responsibilities and administrative requirements, often before they see a return. At the same time, the system itself has become increasingly complex, making it harder to access funding, understand obligations and move quickly when ready to recruit.
We hear this every day from the 3,800 employers that JTL works with. They want to train the next generation but need the confidence, support and incentives to do so.
That is why we need a simpler, more accessible apprenticeship system – one that reflects the realities of running a small business. We need stronger, longer-term incentives that recognise the true cost of training in safety-critical trades, and a system that backs employers who invest in skills.
Reform alone is not enough
Encouragingly, there is growing recognition of these challenges at the highest levels of Government. We were pleased to recently welcome the Skills Minister to our Thames Valley training centre, where she heard directly from employers about the barriers in the current system and the need for greater financial support.
At JTL, we are committed to being not just a quality training provider, but a bridge between industry and Government – ensuring policy reflects the realities on the ground. But reform alone is not enough. We also need to think differently about how we bring people into the industry.
One of the clearest opportunities is the introduction of a structured pre-apprenticeship pathway in England, helping address both early withdrawals and employer confidence in work-readiness.
A Level 2 pre-apprenticeship focused on employability, hand skills and essential health and safety training would provide a vital bridge – giving learners meaningful exposure to the trade, including access to site through an ECS card, while giving employers confidence that new starters are prepared and committed.
This is something JTL is well placed to deliver, drawing on decades of experience, industry-recognised training, and a national network of centres and employer partnerships. Done well, it could improve completion rates, reduce risk for employers and strengthen the talent pipeline.
Invest today to meet the challenges of tomorrow
Ultimately, the message to employers is simple: apprenticeships remain the best long-term investment you can make in your business. Yes, the system must improve, and we will continue to push for change. But you are not alone in navigating it.
As the leading provider of electrotechnical apprenticeships, JTL supports employers at every stage – from recruitment and onboarding through to training and completion. We understand the pressures you face and are here to make the process as straightforward and effective as possible.
The future of our industry depends on the decisions we make today. By investing in apprenticeships and strengthening the system that supports them, we can build a workforce ready to meet the challenges ahead.
This article appeared in Electrotechnical News July/August 2026 edition – read it here
