The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is calling on the next government to prioritise investment in the electrical skills necessary to achieve the UK’s net zero goals.

As we ramp up the installation of renewable technologies in our transition to net zero, such as solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicle infrastructure, the demand for a skilled electrical workforce to install and maintain these technologies is becoming increasingly urgent.

However, the ECA, a UK trade association representing electrical, electrotechnical and other engineering contractors, warns that the industry faces a significant shortfall in skilled electricians.

According to ECA, despite over 20,000 aspiring electricians enrolling in classroom-based electrical courses annually, fewer than 10% advance to apprenticeships.

This huge gap leaves the majority without a clear path to industry entry, which could impact the workforce’s expansion just at the time when the future economy will be heavily reliant on...