Welsh Government recognises wide ranging scope of electrical work

The Welsh Government has recognised ECA’s call to avoid ‘an overly silo based approach to net zero skills” in future planning for the country. Previously, the cross-sector nature of electrical work has muted its calls for skills reform across sectors. This has left electrotechnical firms without the qualified workers they need.

In their Summary of Responses to the Net Zero Skills Sector consultation, the Welsh Government quote directly from ECA’s submission.  The Government recognises the new Sector Skills Roadmap must include “an appreciation of challenges and solutions which may cut across sectoral boundaries”.

The Welsh Government acknowledged that electrical work cuts across many areas. They noted that electricians are heavily involved in at least five sectors within the scope of the consultation. These are electricity and heat generation, residential buildings, industry, and business. 

The consultation responses will shape new Sector Skills Roadmaps to support the net zero transition in Wales. The importance of the new Roadmaps cannot be underestimated, as they will inform investment, legislation, and policy prioritisation. They will outline actions for skills and competency development to stimulate a workforce for the future. 

The Welsh Government will make a further statement on Sector Skills Roadmaps in the coming weeks. 

ECA works across governments in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland to impress on policy makers the importance of electrical skills to the transition to net zero.