This process starts with the rollout of a new suite of member-only resources built by expert ECA staff.

These resources offer comprehensive guidance on every stage of recruiting, funding, employing, and training an apprentice.

Over the next year, the website and MyECA app will be enhanced to familiarise members with alternative training routes, including T levels and other education-related topics, such as engaging with schools and accessing locally available funding for net zero and other upskilling training.

ECA chief operating officer Andrew Eldred said: “ECA and our members have contributed actively to the success of apprenticeships in our sector over many decades.

"Members have always enjoyed access to our staff’s unrivalled expertise on apprenticeships and other skills topics. By sharing some of this expertise on our website and member app, we hope to make this important element of ECA’s service more visible and assist members in doing even more to develop the next generation.”

Welcoming the growth in ECA skills support for members, ECA president Stuart Smith said: “The electrical industry is expanding rapidly with amazing new technologies. As employers, we must do more to boost the number of new entrants starting and completing apprenticeships.

"With over 20,000 learners starting college electrical courses every year in England alone, and only a fraction of these progressing to apprenticeships, we must make sure all businesses that wish to recruit and those who wish to take up training can easily find each other. This will enable talent from various sources to be recruited into this incredible industry.”