West Midlands Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA), led by Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), has secured funding to support electrical training across the region, in collaboration with Dudley College of Technology and West Midlands Combined Authority. 

The initiative addresses a gap in training provision that had previously limited access to key electrical qualifications for many individuals due to a lack of available government funding. 

The need for additional support was identified through discussions held by the West Midlands ETCA. In response, the organisations worked collaboratively to secure funding for a range of electrical qualifications, helping to make training more accessible to eligible learners across the region.

This funding is available exclusively to eligible learners living or working in the West Midlands. Eligible individuals will receive funding that is deducted from the full cost of their chosen training course. Where the course fee exceeds the available funding amount, learners will be required to contribute the remaining balance. 

Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills at ECA said: “This is a welcome injection of funding for the region which will go some way to supporting employers to upskill their workforce and as a result, their business. Well done to West Midlands Combined Authority, Dudley and everyone who participates in our West Midlands ETCA for driving this initiative. We hope to see our Members and the wider sector benefit from this.” 

This funding represents another significant achievement for ETCAs, demonstrating the impact of collaboration between industry, training providers and the local authority. Through collaboration such as this, ETCAs help to remove barriers to training, strengthen the regional skills pipelines and support the future growth of the electrical industry. 

As this success in West Midlands demonstrates, ETCAs continue to turn industry discussions into tangible outcomes, helping to address skills challenges and create opportunities for both employers and learners. 

Learn more about ETCAs and local skills partnerships here.