Surge in Demand for Electrical Training in the UK: How the Industry Is Responding 

Over the past few years, demand for electrical training has s urged to levels not seen in decades. From new entrants seeking a career change to experienced electricians looking to upskill, the need for structured training pathways has never been greater. 

At Elec Training, we have seen a marked increase in enquiries and bookings across our programmes. This aligns with national commentary: the Prime Minister has spoken about shortages of skilled construction workers, while the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee is funding technical courses for adults at Level 3 (equivalent to A-level) to meet these skills gaps. 

For learners considering their first step, or existing electricians a iming to stay competitive, now is the time to act. Let’s explore what’s driving this surge, how training providers are adapting, and what routes are available for those entering or progressing within the trade. 

Why Demand Is Rising 

Several factors explain the sharp rise in demand for electrical training. 

• Government skills policy: The Lifetime Skills Guarantee, announced in 2021, has made funding available for adults to retrain or upskill in shortage areas. Electrical installation is one of the top priority sectors. 

• Green transition: Net zero targets, growth in EV charging, and renewable energy systems are creating entirely new specialisms within the trade. Courses such as the EV car charging qualification have grown rapidly in popularity. 

• Retirement and labour shortages: Many electricians are retiring, while Brexit and the pandemic reduced the inflow of EU construction workers. This has created a “skills vacuum” across the UK. 

• Self-employment opportunities: The trades remain one of the most viable routes into self-employment. Many learners are motivated by the ability to run their own business or secure higher wages. 

With these pressures combined, training centres are facing record demand. 

How Providers Are Responding 

To meet this surge, centres like Elec Training have invested heavily in both people and facilities: 

• New customer support teams: Dedicated staff are now in place to guide learners through booking, coursework, and qualification completion. This reduces drop-off rates and keeps learners on track. 

• Workshop upgrades: Facilities have been expanded and improved to provide more spacious and modern training environments. 

• Recruitment of tutors: More electrical tutors have been hired, alongside sales staff to manage enquiries and bookings. 

• Blended learning: A wider range of online and hybrid options has been introduced, particularly for theory-heavy courses such as the 18th Edition and Part P. 

• Curriculum development: Dedicated learning development teams continually update courses to align with new regulations, employer expectations, and government standards. 

This combination ensures students not only complete their qualifications but also feel supported through the process. 

Pathways for New Entrants 

One of the biggest drivers of demand has been career changers — adults retraining for a secure, practical profession. 

The structured 4 Steps Programme remains the most reliable way to transition into the industry. It mirrors an apprenticeship but is designed with adult learners in mind, giving flexibility around time and finances. 

• Step 1: Foundation domestic installer training 

• Step 2: Level 2 Diploma (C&G 2365-02) 

• Step 3: Level 3 Diploma (C&G 2365-03) 

• Step 4: NVQ Level 3 portfolio and AM2 assessment 

If you’re just beginning, this route will set you up for long-term recognition and access to opportunities across the trade. For example, learners in the Midlands can start with courses such as Electrician Courses Derby and progress through to advanced stages locally. 

Building Your NVQ Portfolio 

For many learners, the NVQ portfolio is the most challenging stage. It requires e vidence of real-world work and the ability to demonstrate competence across a range of installation and testing tasks. 

We’ve produced a full guide to help learners understand what’s required: What is involved in an Electrical NVQ?. 

Completing this stage unlocks the AM2/AM2E final assessment, and successful candidates can then apply for their ECS Gold Card — the benchmark of a fully qualified electrician in the UK. 

Upskilling Opportunities 

It’s not only new entrants driving demand. Existing electricians are also seeking additional qualifications to remain competitive. Two areas are particularly strong: 

• EV charging: The rapid rollout of charging infrastructure has made the C&G 2921-31 EV course one of the most popular upskilling routes. Our detailed article on EV qualification changes explains how requirements have shifted and what electricians need to do. 

• PAT testing: The new 2377-77 qualification has replaced older PAT testing certificates, and electricians are increasingly adding this to their CVs. For a full breakdown, see our piece on PAT testing courses. 

These qualifications not only broaden an electrician’s skill set but also give them access to more varied and higher-value work. 

The Role of Solar and Battery Storage 

The UK’s energy system is changing rapidly. As electricity demand rises and renewable capacity grows, more homeowners and businesses are exploring solar panels and energy storage systems. 

Elec Training has developed dedicated courses and resources in this space: 

• Solar PV training explains why learning these skills now can prepare you for the next wave of installations. 

• Battery storage systems explores how electricians can diversify their work by offering integrated storage solutions. 

These areas are not just niche add-ons; they’re quickly becoming mainstream services. 

Funding and Support 

The Lifetime Skills Guarantee has made many technical qualifications more accessible, particularly at Level 3. While not all courses are funded, electricians can often access support through local councils, combined authorities, or apprenticeship frameworks. 

For adults without existing Level 3 qualifications, the guarantee can cover the cost of training in high-demand sectors. Always check with training providers or local skills agencies to see what options are open to you. 

Why Train Now? 

The UK is facing the largest skills shortage in construction since the late 1990s. Wages for electricians are consistently higher than most trades, and new areas such as EV, solar, and battery storage are pushing salaries further. 

Our analysis on UK electrician pay shows that qualified electricians can expect average day rates of £200–£250 and higher for specialist work. In many regions, hourly rates are £40 or above. 

With this backdrop, there has rarely been a better time to enter or progress in the trade. 

How to Get Started 

Booking onto an electrical training course has never been easier. Learners can choose from multiple start dates across the year, with both in-centre and online learning options. 

• For new entrants, the 4 Steps Programme provides the clearest route to qualification. 

• For experienced electricians, standalone courses like the 18th Edition, inspection & testing, or EV charging can be booked directly. 

• Regional centres, such as those offering Electrician Courses Derby, make training accessible wherever you are based. 

At Elec Training, we also provide dedicated advisers to guide you through course selection, funding eligibility, and the registration process. 

The surge in demand for electrical training reflects a broader shift in the UK economy. With government incentives, rising demand for green technologies, and a shortage of skilled labour, the electrical trade is one of the most secure and rewarding career choices today. 

Whether you’re starting from scratch, building your NVQ portfolio, or adding new skills like EV charging or PAT testing, there are structured pathways to help you succeed. 

At Elec Training, we are committed to supporting learners at every stage — from beginner courses to advanced specialisms. Explore our full range of programmes today and take your first step toward a future-proof career in the electrical industry. 

FAQs on the Surge in Electrical Training Demand and Opportunities in the UK (September 2025) 

1 – Why has demand for electrical training increased so sharply in recent years?

Demand for electrical training has surged due to a critical skills shortage, with over 100,000 new electricians needed by 2032 to meet infrastructure and net-zero demands. An ageing workforce (30% over 50) and only 7,500 annual apprentices exacerbate the gap, while renewables growth (19GW solar capacity) and EV infrastructure (300,000 chargers by 2030) drive 315% increase in green skills needs. 2025 reforms unlock 120,000 training spots and £3 billion funding, boosting enrolments by 20–30% YoY. 

2 – What role does the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee play in supporting new learners?

The Lifetime Skills Guarantee provides free Level 3 qualifications (e.g., C&G 2365 Diploma) for adults aged 19+ without a Level 3, covering sectors like electrical installation to address shortages. It supports new learners through apprenticeships and bootcamps, with 2025 updates expanding to 13 new diplomas and £3 billion funding for 120,000 spots, enabling career changers to qualify in 1–2 years without costs. 

3 – How is the push for Net Zero and renewable energy creating new opportunities for electricians?

Net Zero by 2050 creates 160,000+ jobs for electricians in EV charging (300,000 points by 2030), heat pumps (1.5 million installs), and solar PV/battery (19GW capacity), with a 400,000-worker need by 2050. Opportunities include MCS/OZEV-approved installs (£5,000–£15,000 projects), boosting salaries to £40,000–£60,000. 

4 – What impact have retirement and labour shortages had on the trade?

Retirements (30% workforce over 50, 66,800 construction workers retiring by 2050) and labour shortages (104,000 electricians needed by 2032, Brexit loss of 300,000+ workers) have caused 66% project cancellations and 5–7% vacancy rates. This delays net-zero projects and raises wages 14% (JIB 2025–2028). 

5 – How are training providers like Elec Training adapting to meet record demand?

Elec Training is adapting with new courses like Domestic & Commercial EV Charging (C&G 2921-34), remote NVQ Level 3 uploads (reducing site visits), part-time options for mature learners (30s–40s+), and guaranteed placements for 100+ learners annually. They offer flexible, blended formats to handle 20–30% enrolment growth in 2025. 

6 – What is the 4 Steps Programme, and how does it help career changers enter the trade?

The 4 Steps Programme by Trade Skills 4U is a 1–2 year fast-track for career changers, mirroring apprenticeships: Step 1 (18th Edition), Step 2 (C&G 2365 Level 2/3), Step 3 (NVQ Level 3 placements), Step 4 (AM2). It helps by offering flexible/part-time learning (£3,000–£7,000), guaranteed placements, and ECS Gold Card, enabling entry without 3–4 year commitments. 

7 – Why is building an NVQ Level 3 portfolio such an important milestone for learners?

Building an NVQ Level 3 portfolio is crucial as it demonstrates real-world competency through evidence of installations, testing, and fault-finding, proving skills for AM2/ECS Gold Card. It’s the benchmark for CPS registration, enabling independent work and £33,000–£38,000 salaries. 

8 – What are the most popular upskilling courses for existing electricians right now?

Popular upskilling courses in 2025 include: 18th Edition (BS 7671, 3–5 days); Test & Inspect (C&G 2391-52, 5–7 days); EV Charging (C&G 2921-34, 2–3 days); Solar PV (C&G 2399, 3–5 days); and Experienced Worker Level 3 (EAL 5982, 6–12 months). These address net-zero demand, boosting earnings 20–30%. 

9 – How are solar PV and battery storage shaping the future of electrical training?

Solar PV and battery storage are integrating into training with combined 5-day courses (e.g., C&G 2399 + EESS), focusing on MCS-compliant installs, grid integration, and IET Code of Practice. By 2025, these shape curricula for net-zero, with 19GW solar capacity driving 20% training growth. 

10 – What funding options are available for learners who want to start or progress their electrical training?

Funding options include: Skills Bootcamps (free, 4–16 weeks for green skills); apprenticeships (95–100% employer-funded, paid £12,000–£25,000); Lifetime Skills Guarantee (free Level 3 for adults 19+); Advanced Learner Loans (£3,000–£7,000 for diplomas); and Skills for Life Bootcamps (free upskilling). Apply via GOV.UK; 2025 funding totals £3 billion for 120,000 spots.