An alliance of electrical businesses, training providers and the local authority within the North East of England met for the first time this week to address electrical skills challenges facing the region.
This collaboration marks the launch of an Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA), which is an initiative led by ECA. An ETCA aims to bring stakeholders together from the electrical and education sectors to strengthen and enhance skills delivery.
The inaugural North East ETCA meeting took place at Sunderland College, bringing representatives from more than 15 organisations to agree initial priorities. A series of actions and a roadmap will be developed at future meetings.
Keith Sanderson, Head of Skills at ECA, commented on the launch: “ECA is delighted to extend the already established Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances into the North East region. This represents another significant step forward in our drive to strengthen local skills across key UK regions. The valuable contributions from ECA Members, alongside education and training providers as this alliance develops, will ensure a positive and lasting impact.”
Gary Bellerby, Contracts Manager at North East installations, said: “The launch of the North East Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance is an important step forward for the region, bringing employers, education providers and training organisations together to help ensure people are gaining the skills the industry actually needs. In the long term, this will support a stronger, more sustainable workforce and create clearer routes into the sector for young people and those looking to retrain.”
Gavin Richardson, Managing Director at OPUS Building Services, said: “OPUS Building Services are a strong advocate in endeavouring to overcome the factors that are hindering apprenticeship take-up in the area as we foresee future shortages. Joining the North East ETCA will help in opening up dialogue, bringing all stakeholders closer and I have no doubt it will help streamlining in apprentice and training take-up.”
The following organisations were present at the ETCA:
- New College Durham
- Newcastle College
- Tyne Coast College
- Gateshead College
- Sunderland College
- ECA
- JTL
- NICEIC
- ECS
- JIB
- North East Installations
- CBL Cable Connectors
- M M Contracts LTD
- Opus Building Services
- Regen Academy
- 3D Electrical Ltd
Find out more about ETCAs and how to get involved here.
This ETCA becomes the next alliance from ECA’s initiative. Another will launch in South Yorkshire later this week. In the past 18 months other ETCAs have been established in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Cheshire & Warrington, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and Kent & Medway. More are in the pipeline to be launched later this year.
Last updated 09 February 26
