Key educational institutions and electrotechnical businesses came together today for the inaugural meeting of a new alliance formed to tackle the growing electrical skills shortage in South Yorkshire.
The group represents the second Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA) launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 and the seventh established since the initiative began in December 2024. ETCAs are part of an ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) initiative designed to help regions collaborate on strengthening their electrotechnical skills pipeline.
This launch follows the publication of ECA’s new Electrical Skills Index, which analyses the number of people in England starting classroom-based courses compared with apprenticeships. The dataset shows that the national electrical skills gap continues to widen, underlining the need for coordinated regional responses such as the new South Yorkshire ETCA.
Keith Sanderson, Head of Skills at ECA, said: “ECA’s Electrical Skills Index paints a stark picture of the skills imbalance across the country and South Yorkshire is no exception with consistently low apprentice starts in many constituencies. By bringing together leading businesses and education partners, this new South Yorkshire ETCA will help set out a clear and practical roadmap to boost opportunities and improve the situation across the region.”
William Wright of ECA Member W. Wright Electrical & Mechanical commented: “ECA has long supported our industry in strengthening skills and it’s great to see them expanding this support. We at W. Wright Electrical & Mechanical are pleased to join forces with key organisations in our region to improve the situation and help create a more sustainable, future‑ready sector.”
The following organisations were present at the ETCA:
The Sheffield College
RNN Group UK
DN Colleges Group
Arena Training Centre
JTL
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce
oncaster Chamber of Commerce
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Carmel Group UK
Lilleker Bros
W. Wright Electrical & Mechanical
Find out more about ETCAs and how to get involved here.
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