ECA experts speak at Installation Seminar
Key industry figures gathered in London for a major new electrical industry event focused on how to move the sector forwards in both skills and standards as we get ever closer to the UK government’s 2050 net zero carbon target.
Opening the event, Lord Don Foster welcomed ECA's Skills Charter. ECA Head of Technical Standards Gary Parker, and Senior Vice President Ruth Devine, joined a panel discussing the importance of electrical core competencies to safe installations.
The half-day event, run by Electrical Safety First and sponsored by AICO and CEF, covered growing the installer base, and discussed the challenges in finding sufficient numbers of suitable trainers.
Additionally, how funding for the apprenticeships and providing support for apprentices and their employers was explored, particularly for the 80% of small and medium sized organisations, who may lack the capacity to offer the variety of work needed within the apprenticeship.
Quickfire presentations gave the audience food for thought on the potential risks of poorly designed and installed LCT (low-carbon technologies) and further emphasised the work needed to be done in ensuring a safe and just transition to net zero.
The seminar was held at IET London, Savoy Place on 23 April with more than 100 delegates drawn from the electrical industry, manufacturers, wholesalers, education, government bodies, insurers, housing associations, and fire and rescue services.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, noted: “The increasing need for electricity means we have an increasing need for electricians, as does the move towards getting our homes and our electrical installations ready for net zero. Electrical Safety First fully supports the net zero transition, but it must be done safely.”
She closed the event by highlighting the importance of the electrical industry, saying: “This industry is crucial to our future and, working together, we can make that future a safe and successful one.”
ECA works closely with its Members, industry partners and Government to raise the profile of electrical contractor in the transition to Net Zero Carbon. We produce regular guidance notes, technical bulletins, and industry updates to keep Members at the forefront of the Net Zero transition.
This article appears on the ECA news and blog site as 'ECA experts speak at Installation Seminar' dated May 8 2024.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 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?
- Carbon neutral.
- Climate Change Act.
- Construction skills crisis threatens UK net zero goals.
- ECA research cited in Welsh Government consultation on Net Zero Sector Skills
- England, Wales, electrical skills, training and net zero in 2023.
- Making Mission Possible: report on achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2030.
- Net zero building higher education and the skills of the future.
- Net zero by 2050.
- Net Zero not possible without right skills.
- Net zero strategy: build back greener.
- Skilled workforce unable to meet net zero ambitions.
- Skills shortage.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.