Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress

The ECA South Wales Business Day 2025 delivered everything it promised - and more. From dynamic discussions on the future of the electrotechnical sector to hands-on demos, expert insights, and plenty of opportunities to network, it was a standout day that truly showcased what ECA is all about.

Members and non-Members alike gathered to explore what lies ahead for the sector and how we can shape a smarter, more skilled future.

One of the day’s headline sessions was the Apprenticeships in Wales panel, which brought together industry leaders and voices from within the Welsh Government: Andrew Eldred (Deputy CEO for ECA), Ruth Devine MBE (ECA President), Paul Russell (Managing Director at Camelot Electrical Ltd), Luke Fletcher MS from Plaid Cymru. The talk highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a future-ready workforce, with a clear focus on pathways that support talent, innovation, and long-term industry growth. We were proud to have ITV Journalist Rob Osborne host the panel.

Technical sessions took centre stage too, with a few fantastic CPD presentations:

• RCD Considerations for Renewable Technology – Hager
• Changes to BS5266 Emergency Lighting 2025 and Changes to BS5839 Non-Residential Fire Alarms – CEF
• Surge Protection Devices CP – Schneider Electric

The exhibition floor was buzzing throughout the day, and headline sponsor Edmundson Electrical provided meter calibration.

And then there was the fun. The Giant Scalextric track drew a crowd, providing the perfect warm-up to the relaxed networking drinks reception that rounded off the event.

South Wales REC Chair Andrew Hutchins:

“Wired with ECA was a fantastic day which offered Members and non-Members a chance to meet face-to-face and really showcase what the ECA is all about: powering progress together in the electrotechnical industry.
There was something for everyone with CPDs, a panel discussion, a giant Scalextric track, and – of course – bacon rolls! See you next year.”

Whether attendees came to deepen their knowledge or expand their networks, they certainly left inspired. What’s more, we’ll be back bigger and better next year on 15 October 2026 for the next ECA South Wales Business Day!

Visit the ECA Regional Events page to register for upcoming South Wales events.

This article appears on the ECA news and blog site as "Wired for the Future with ECA: Powering Skills & Progress – A Business Day to Remember" dated 15 January, 2026.

--ECA

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• ECA articles.
• ECA welcomes Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan.
• Energy security.
• Net zero.
• Renewable energy.
• Skills gap.
• Skills.
• Skills England assessment published as ECA Skills Committee appoints new Deputy Chair.
• Skills shortage.
• Skilled workforce unable to meet net zero ambitions.
• Skills shortage.
• Solar energy workforce goals and the ECA Charter to recharge electrical skills
• Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan.
• Wired for growth: How electricians can close the skills gap.
• Workforce planning to deliver clean secure energy: DESNZ report.