The UK is facing a significant shortage of skilled electricians, which could hinder its efforts to achieve net zero goals, according to industry leaders.
Key figures from the electrical industry, Labour MPs and government ministers gathered for a roundtable at Portcullis House to address the shortage of qualified electricians in the UK.
The event, organised by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), focused on the impact of this skills gap on the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Attendees included Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry, and Labour MPs representing areas facing a severe shortage of electrical apprenticeships and skilled workers.
The discussion centred on the ECA’s Electrical Skills Index, which shows a significant gap between the number of people enrolling in electrical courses and those moving into apprenticeships.
The data reveals that, while over 20,000 individuals enrol in classroom-based training each year, less than 10% transition into apprenticeships.
This shortage of qualified electricians is seen as a major obstacle to the government’s plans, including the construction of 1.5 million new homes and the transition to a clean energy economy.
Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry, commented: “We need to rapidly upskill workers so we have the tools we need to meet our clean power by 2030 mission.
“We can’t get to net zero without electricians that can connect EV chargers or install a heat pump, and skills will be a core focus of our industrial strategy.”
