Electricians are on the front line of the transition to clean power, installing, advising, and ensuring the safe and efficient deployment of new technologies. However, the Government has been predominantly focused on energy generation, infrastructure, and market reforms, with far less attention on the practical implementation of electrification. Without a skilled and properly resourced electrical workforce, the UK's net zero ambitions will falter.
Skills for the Future is one of ECA’s three public affairs priorities. As such, we regularly advocate on behalf of our Members with policy makers and Civil Servants in Wales and Westminster about the shortage of competent, skilled workers in our industry, a problem which could be solved by working more closely with industry.
Ongoing engagement with policy makers and other stakeholders about apprenticeships, education and training routes, and the vital role of the electrical workforce will play in the government’s growth and net zero ambitions is beginning to bear fruit.
The 3,000 responses to the Industrial Strategy consultation cited skills issues as one of the biggest obstacles to growth, as referenced in ECA’s own submission. New Government consultations on skills have been issued thick and fast in the first quarter of 2025.
Since the beginning of the year, ECA has responded to the following consultations; Wales Apprenticeship Pathways Evidence; the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s Workforce Planning to deliver Clean, Secure Energy; and the Education Committee’s Future Education and Skills Inquiry.
If you would like to read any of ECA’s submissions or provide information to include in future consultations, please contact Jane.Dawson@eca.co.uk To keep abreast of ECA’s policy work on Skills bookmark our timeline.
Last updated 13 March 25