ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) welcomes Skills England’s assessment published today, which confirms that electricians and electrical engineers are two of the careers expected to see the most growth in the next five years.
The assessment also states that electrotechnical occupations are key to multiple sectors, including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence and digital technologies. This aligns with ECA’s own Blueprint for Electrification report evidencing how vital the electrotechnical industry is to the whole economy.
ECA’s Recharging Electrical Skills Charter puts forward several policy proposals designed to help the UK meet the growing demand for electrical skills – including more funding targeted towards apprenticeships and other industry-agreed training routes.
Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO of ECA, said:
“Skills England’s assessment highlights the urgency of the need to reverse a decline in the skilled electrical workforce over the past five years.
“Electricians and SME electrical contractors are now a vital national resource. Closer dialogue and collaboration between Government and industry are essential if we are to meet the ever increasing demand for electrical skills.”
According to Skills England’s analysis, employment demand in priority occupations is expected to increase by 15 percent by 2030, from 5.9 million in 2025 to 6.7 million in 2030. This is 1.6 times faster than other employment in these sectors, which is expected to increase by 0.8 million, a 9% increase from 8.9 million in 2025.
Read the full Assessment of priority skills to 2030 here.
Last updated 12 August 25