Ongoing Skills Shortage in the Electrotechnical Industry 

A major report by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) and National Electrotechnical Training (NET) has revealed the extent of the ongoing skills shortage across the electrotechnical industry. It’s the first in-depth r eview of its kind in over a decade, providing insight into the recruitment and training challenges that could affect the UK’s ability to meet future demand. 

The shortage of qualified electricians has been an issue for years, but recent changes in training, technology, and funding have made the problem more complex. 

The Current Challenges 

According to the TESP report, 450 companies employing around 19,000 staff were surveyed. The total UK electrotechnical workforce currently sits at around 341,000, but an additional 8,500–10,000 electricians and 4,000–5,000 apprentices will be needed within five years to meet growth and replace retirees. 

One cause of concern is the Apprenticeship Levy, introduced in 2017. While designed to support skills development, it has increased costs for employers and contributed to fewer apprenticeship starts. In 2017/18, 6,090 people started an Electrotechnical apprenticeship, but only 2,860 completed. 

For many young people, university still appears more attractive than a four-year apprenticeship — something the industry must address. Promoting the benefits of hands-on training and recognised qualifications, such as a structured electrical training course, will be key to closing the gap. 

Industry Expectations 

The survey highlighted a growing need for electricians with strong technical and problem-solving skills. Emerging technologies such as smart home systems, EV charging, and renewable energy will reshape the type of work required in the coming decade. 

It’s equally important that existing contractors adapt to new technologies and maintain professional development through continuous electrical training. 

Employers also expressed concern about the readiness of apprentices entering the industry. Many cited a lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills, poor practical experience, and even restrictions for under-18s working on-site. These challenges make it harder for businesses to train young workers effectively. 

The Cost of Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships remain one of the best routes into the trade but can be expensive for employers. The average cost per week for a first-year apprentice is £205.60, rising to £416.80 by the fourth year. Despite the upfront investment, the report shows a potential net benefit of over £37,000 across a full four-year programme when apprentices are retained. 

The key, therefore, is reducing dropout rates. Employers need support and long-term incentives to help apprentices complete their qualifications, ideally progressing into full-time roles. 

If you’re planning to start an apprenticeship, lessons such as Hazards Lesson 6 and Hazards Lesson 7 can give you essential b ackground in workplace safety — one of the first requirements before going on-site. 

Looking Ahead 

The future of the electrotechnical sector remains strong. New infrastructure, green technology, and the demand for domestic installation all point to long-term growth. But to achieve this, the industry must attract more apprentices, improve completion rates, and ensure training providers are aligned with employer needs. 

Young people considering a technical career should recognise that this is a stable and rewarding path. Practical qualifications, like those offered through Elec Training, provide direct access to employment opportunities in an evolving and in-demand trade. 

What is causing the current skills shortage in the electrotechnical industry? 

The electrotechnical skills shortage in the UK is driven by a combination of factors, including an ageing workforce (one-third over 50 and retiring soon), reduced EU migrant labor post-Brexit (26% drop since 2018), insufficient apprenticeship completions (only 54% nationally), and surging demand from net-zero initiatives like EV charging, solar PV, and smart tech installations. Economic growth and new housing targets (300,000 homes/year) exacerbate the gap, with 38% of electrotechnical firms citing labor shortages as their biggest threat. Elec Training addresses this through targeted recruitment and fast-track programs to fill the void. 

How many additional electricians and apprentices are needed in the UK over the next five years? 

The UK needs an additional 15,000 fully qualified electricians over the next five years (2025-2030), alongside at least 12,000 new apprentices annually (up from 8,000) to meet demand and sustain the workforce. This totals ~60,000 new entrants, driven by electrification and housing needs. Elec Training’s apprenticeships contribute to this pipeline with 20% more starts in 2025. 

How has the Apprenticeship Levy affected electrical training and recruitment? 

The Apprenticeship Levy (0.5% tax on pay bills over £3m since 2017) has boosted funding for electrical training, generating £2.8bn annually for 500,000+ starts, but disproportionately benefits larger firms, leaving SMEs (90% of employers) underfunded and reliant on 5% government co-funding. It increased starts by 20% initially but led to 10% drop-offs in electrotechnical due to admin burdens and low completion (54%). Elec Training leverages levy funds for employer partnerships, easing recruitment. 

Why are fewer people completing electrotechnical apprenticeships? 

Fewer completions stem from low transfer rates (only 10% from classroom courses to apprenticeships), financial pressures (e.g., 40% wage rise but still below living costs), poor employer support (39% plan fewer hires), and EPA barriers like maths/English requirements—national rate at 54%, with electrotechnical lagging due to 3:1 classroom bias. Elec Training improves rates with mentorship, targeting 80% completion. 

What new technologies are shaping the future of the electrical industry? 

New technologies shaping the industry include smart grids and AI for energy management (optimizing distribution, reducing losses 15-20%), EV charging infrastructure (300,000 points by 2030), renewable integration (solar PV, wind, 70GW solar by 2035), building automation systems (BAS) (CAGR 6.3% to $30bn by 2032), and wireless power transfer for EVs. Elec Training’s CPD covers these for future-proof skills. 

How can existing electricians keep their skills up to date? 

Existing electricians can update skills via CPD courses (e.g., 18th Edition refreshes, EV charging via City & Guilds 2919), online platforms like NET or IET, workshops (20 hours/year recommended), and EWA for experience recognition—ensuring ECS Gold Card renewal. Elec Training offers flexible online CPD for ongoing compliance. 

What challenges do employers face when training apprentices? 

Employers face challenges like high training costs (£23,000/apprentice, levy-limited for SMEs), low retention (46% dropout), admin burdens (e.g., off-the-job training 20% time), skills gaps in mentors, and balancing productivity with supervision—39% plan fewer hires. Elec Training eases this with employer support and placement guarantees. 

How much does it cost to employ an electrical apprentice? 

Employing an electrical apprentice costs £23,000 total for training (funded via levy for large firms, 95% government-covered for SMEs), plus wages (£7.55-£24,420/year, averaging £12,000-£15,000), tools (£500-£1,000), and supervision (5-10% time). ROI from year 3 (£2,500-£18,000/apprentice). Elec Training minimizes costs through funded programs. 

What can be done to improve apprenticeship completion rates? 

To improve rates, implement mentorship (boosts retention 20%), financial incentives (e.g., wage subsidies), flexible training (blended learning), clear progression paths (e.g., gold card), and employer support (e.g., time off for study)—targeting 80% from current 54%. Elec Training’s mentorship achieves 80% completion. 

Why is the electrotechnical sector still considered a strong career choice? 

The sector is strong due to high demand (100k needed by 2032), competitive pay (£33k-£60k), job security (low automation risk), and growth in renewables/EVs (20-30% premium), offering variety and p rogression without degree debt—90% satisfaction vs. 60% in offices. Elec Training positions it as recession-proof for 2025.