The training and development of operatives within the electrical industry is always high on my agenda, as well as a key priority for the ECA, so my delight at the ECA’s £10 m training fund will come as no surprise.

Earnings from the fund will be used to support members in carrying out additional training to ensure they have the skilled resources they need for their business.

With large sections of the industry’s previous training infrastructure gone, and fewer large firms directly employing staff, much of the onus for training and development now lies with SMEs, many of which struggle with the costs involved.

The fund is specifically designed to encourage commitment from firms that want to qualify and develop their staff, but are restricted by financial constraints.

During its first year, the fund will be focused on adult trainees and management development training, where financial support is limited.

I strongly believe adult training should automatically qualify for government funding but, in its absence, the ECA fund will perhaps act as a demonstration that the industry wants the government to take the skills issue seriously.

The fund’s aim is to help ease the burden by incentivising member firms already actively training to continue, as well as encouraging those unable to do so to start.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor