This A-level results week, leading electrotechnical and engineering services association ECA is highlighting the importance of electrical apprenticeships in the move to low carbon technologies and net zero.

ECA is putting the need for more electrical apprentices firmly at the centre of the new government’s agenda. This week, the body launched the Electrical Skills Index – a dataset analysing how many people in England are starting classroom-based courses compared to apprenticeships – to highlight the areas of the country facing a shocking shortage of electrical skills.

The Electrical Skills Index shows constituency by constituency how newly elected MPs in England can champion electrical apprenticeships in their area.

A career in electrical engineering, design or installation can open a whole world of opportunities, and it all starts with an apprenticeship.

ECA’s own Technical Director, and former President, Mike Smith began his electrotechnical career aged 15.

“Undertaking an electrical apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to learn about electrical theory and the practical elements of how to install various cabling methods, containment, switchgear and electronics.”

“Far from restricting career choices, undertaking an apprenticeship has opened so many doors for me and allowed me to develop as I wanted, at a pace that suited me.”

ECA Edmundson apprentice of the Year 2023 Adam Allen also decided to take the leap and launch his career with an apprenticeship.

He said, “The electrical industry is always advancing quickly – especially in the low carbon technology sector – so there are so many paths you can choose once you become qualified. I have always maintained that choosing a career in the electrical industry was the best decision I could have made.

“Because the industry is so expansive, there will certainly be a rewarding career path for you too – you just have to reach for it.”

The Electrical Careers website, is the industry approved portal for finding routes into electrical apprenticeships.