The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has joined the Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) in welcoming the Government’s Construction Jobs Plan, recognising it as an important step  towards addressing the sector workforce and skills challenges The Government's Construction Skills Mission Board (CSMB), which includes an ECA Member business representative, has set an ambition to create 100,000 more jobs by the end of this Parliament. 

The Plan, part of the Industrial Strategy, establishes a national framework for collaboration between government, industry, local leaders and delivery partners, and recognises the strategic importance of Engineering and Building Services. It addresses many challenges that ECA has long campaigned for, including the need to increase the number of qualified electricians, strengthen the talent pipeline and support people entering employment. ECA has also consistently highlighted the vital role electricians will play in delivering the UK's energy transition.  

ECA is a founding member of EBBSA. the first built environment body to develop a sector-specific skills plan for the CSMB. It is therefore welcome to see this cited in the Jobs Plan.  

ECA is especially delighted to see Electrotechnical and Training Careers Alliances (ETCAs), referenced in the Plan. ETCAs are an ECA-led initiative that bring together ECA Member businesses, training providers and local authorities in regional networks to improve strategic workforce planning and delivery. Their inclusion recognises ETCAs’ strong alignment with the Plan’s commitment to create connected partnerships between industry, employers, local leaders and delivery organisations, mirroring the Government’s move to devolved decision making 

Keith Sanderson, Head of Education and Skills, ECA said: 

“The Government’s Construction Jobs Plan represents a significant step towards a more joined up approach to built environment skills challenges. The demand for electricians continues to grow and ensuring we have a strong pipeline of qualified professionals is essential. 

“We are particularly pleased to see ETCAs recognised within the plan. Since their introduction in 2024, ETCAs have demonstrated how effective collaboration can deliver positive outcomes for learners, employers and the wider industry at a regional level.  

“By working together, industry and government can address skills shortages and ensure we have an electrotechnical workforce equipped to deliver the UK’s future energy, housing and infrastructure needs.” 

Gautier Jacob, CEO of ECA Member Dalkia UK and engineering and building services representative on the Construction Skills Mission Boad, said: 

“Engineering and building services are fundamental to delivering the Government’s ambitions for new homes, infrastructure and clean energy. We employ 30% of the built-environment workforce, and typically account for 40-60% of construction project value. More than 99% of firms are SMEs. 

“Businesses, EBSSA and other sector bodies stand ready to work with Government and the wider built environment to support the Jobs Plan and turn its ambition into more skilled, competent people working in engineering and building services. This, in turn, depends on more employers – and especially SME employers – having the confidence and resources to recruit and train.” 

ECA will continue to work with government, industry partners and training providers to support the delivery of the Industrial Strategy Construction Jobs Plan, helping to drive long-term growth in the electrotechnical workforce and create clear pathways into skilled employment across the UK.