Call for support in green electrical apprentice shortfall
Contents |
[edit] More support necessary for Greater London to fill green electrical apprentice shortfall
New labour market research shows that the Greater London Region has “a mountain to climb” if it is to meet current net zero ambitions and resolve the current green electrical skills gap.
The electrical sector is vital to the safe and timely rollout of low-carbon installations and infrastructure, such as electric vehicle chargers and solar panels, that will help decarbonise the grid and enable greater use of renewable energy.
The findings indicated that Greater London’s electrical contractors have lower levels of green skills capability on average than contractors in the rest of the UK, including in EV chargers, heat pumps, smart buildings and solar PV.
The research, sponsored by ECA and the Joint Industry Board (JIB), on behalf of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), shows that the Greater London Region already has one of the smallest number of electricians per head of population in the UK.
More ominously for future sustainability, Greater London also has one of the worst electrical apprentice recruitment rates in England, and the lowest percentage of young people (18-24) in the electrical workforce. By contrast, enrolments onto college electrical courses in London are booming.
[edit] Comment on the London perspective from ECA
Andrew Eldred, ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs, said:
“Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent review of green policies, the UK remains committed and legally bound to its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Electricians and the contractors who employ them are essential for the transition to net zero, but our research confirms vast differences in the size and sustainability of the electrical workforce from one region to the next. At present, Greater London languishes at or near the bottom of almost every measure.”
“College learners on electrical courses in Greater London outnumber local apprentice starts by an astonishing 800%. Typically, fewer than 10% of these learners manage to progress into an apprenticeship after college, however. This is a terrible waste, and we urgently need London local authorities, education providers and employers to work together much more effectively to support far more learners into rewarding and worthwhile green electrical careers.”
[edit] ECA roadshow
ECA is currently running a series of in-person Roadshow events around the country, demonstrating the value of green skills and the business opportunities available to contractors who embrace the shift to net zero. Learn more about ECA Member-businesses using green skills to deliver Net Zero at leadingthecharge.eca.co.uk.
This article was issued via Press Release as "More support necessary for Greater London to fill green electrical apprentice shortfall" dated October 11,2023.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Apprenticeships levy.
- Achieving net zero in social housing.
- Actuate UK issues climate warning and urges action.
- Aligning net zero with the levelling-up agenda.
- A zero-carbon UK by 2050?
- Boardroom to building site skills gap survey.
- Carbon neutral.
- Climate Change Act.
- Construction skills crisis threatens UK net zero goals.
- CO2nstruct Zero programme grows to over 70 businesses.
- Construction skills crisis threatens UK net zero goals.
- England, Wales, electrical skills, training and net zero in 2023.
- Half of public sector bodies not planning for net zero carbon.
- Home thoughts from abroad: skills development.
- Making Mission Possible: report on achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2030.
- Net Zero All Party Parliamentary Group NZ APPG.
- Net zero building higher education and the skills of the future.
- Net zero by 2050.
- Net Zero not possible without right skills.
- Net zero (whole life) carbon.
- Net zero strategy: build back greener.
- National Infrastructure Plan for Skills.
- National vocational qualification.
- Order books fill but skills shortages worry contractors.
- Payments for recruiting new apprentices.
- Recruiting and retaining talent in the construction industry.
- Skilled workforce unable to meet net zero ambitions.
- Skills.
- Skills shortage.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).