A new alliance has been launched in London to help address electrical skills shortages by bringing together contractors, training providers and local authorities.
The Local London Electrotechnical Careers and Training Alliance (ETCA) will cover East London and surrounding areas, supporting collaboration between employers, education providers and policymakers to improve access to training and careers in the electrotechnical sector.
Led by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and its members, in partnership with the Greater London CTEC led by New City College, the alliance aims to strengthen local skills provision and help develop the workforce needed to support housing, infrastructure, clean energy and digital technologies.
The launch event, held at Barnet & Southgate College, highlighted concerns that current skills capacity may not be sufficient to meet future demand, including requirements linked to net zero and clean energy targets.
Discussions also focused on the challenges employers face when taking on apprentices, including commercial pressures, tight margins and the costs associated with early-stage training. Participants called for stronger links between education providers and employers, as well as clearer routes into the industry.
Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at ECA, said: “Electrical skills shortages are a pressing challenge, and they can only be addressed effectively when employers, training providers and local decision makers work together.
“This ETCA is an important step towards creating a stronger local skills pipeline. By bringing together local contractors, education partners and the local authority, we can help ensure skills provision is better aligned with employer demand and the future needs of the electrotechnical sector.”
The alliance includes electrical businesses, colleges, industry bodies and local government organisations from across the region.
