In 2023, ECA undertook a consultation with Members, through Regional Executive Committees (RECs), governance bodies, and specialist groups. Our goal was simple, to understand our Members’ top public affairs priorities.
Members told us they wanted action in three key areas; Skills for the Future, a Safe Transition to Net Zero, and Business Resilience. These priorities shape ECA’s strategic agenda until 2027.
It’s no secret our industry is facing a serious and growing skills shortage. Members speak passionately about the need for more support to recruit and keep apprentices and to fix the broken skills pipeline. In response, we’ve championed a range of initiatives — from the Skills Charters for England and Wales, the Electrical Skills Index, and the establishment of three Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliances (ETCAs), with more in development. Progress has been made, for example sector representation on the Construction Skills Mission Board (responsible for £600 million in government investment for construction skills).
Key concerns remain, however. For example, in Wales with its progressive approach to skills and learners, progress was delayed due to a political decision to cut the apprenticeship budget. While this has largely been restored for our industry, a lack of apprenticeship opportunities is rife.
With fewer than 10% of electrical starts in England completing the equivalent of the Level 3 apprenticeship, the issue of short-term, classroom-based courses endures. While we’ve made some headway, there is still a lack of sufficient industry input into course development. Nevertheless, your voice is now heard through regular and structured engagement with civil servants, parliamentarians, and educationalists.
ECA Members are at the forefront of electrification, as cited in A Blueprint for Electrification. Until recently, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has focused on energy generation. The publication of the Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies, the Clean Power 2030 Plan and Clean Energy Jobs Plan, include references to electricians, as the emphasis shifts to implementation. In a Parliamentary Roundtable this week with Blueprint contributors, politicians, and civil servants, ECA will raise industry concerns right at the heart of Government.
Encouragingly, The Future Homes Standard mandates all new homes are "zero-carbon ready" — progress we welcome.
We’ve also been successful in our call for simpler regulation, another concern raised by Members. It remains to be seen whether the Building Safety Act regulations will be applied consistently to all low carbon installations.
In a volatile market, resilience is critical. That means fairer contract terms, timely payments, and access to opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
Late payment and unfair retention practices continue to hit small firms hardest. ECA has taken a strong position, influencing the content of the government’s recent Late Payment Consultation, and backing proposed legislation that could finally bring reform to retentions.
We’ve also advocated for smarter use of public procurement to support SMEs, drive sustainability, and share risk more fairly across supply chains. Encouragingly, discussions about procurement are beginning to reflect these principles - we’re continuing to urge government to turn promising words into practice.
A long standing ask to review and rebalance the levies on electricity, is starting to bear fruit. From 2027, the price of industrial electricity is being reduced for foundational industries.
What this means for ECA firms
The external environment is challenging, but there is cause for cautious optimism.
- The Industrial Strategy now includes Construction as a foundational industry — called for by ECA.
- Electrification is recognised by Government as the fastest path to net zero, opening new opportunities for our Members.
- Reforms to grid connection processes and infrastructure investment should unlock pipeline projects more quickly.
- ETCAs give Members a chance to directly influence regional skills planning.
- Retentions Your voice will influence meaningful change to legislation.
ECA are shaping national conversations on apprenticeships, upskilling and regulatory reform. This progress is only possible because of your contributions — whether you're mentoring an apprentice, installing new technology, or navigating complex contracts. ECA exists to represent you, and together, we are helping build a stronger, smarter, and fairer electrotechnical industry.