In 2024 the Welsh Government launched Medr, a new skills body for the devolved nation. It brings together the funding and regulation of Wales's tertiary education and research sector. During the last year ECA has engaged frequently with Medr officials and welcomes its Operational Plan, which outlines its ambitions for a more joined up and inclusive sector.
Last year, ECA Members launched their Recharging Welsh Electrical Skills Charter, which has proved a springboard for strategic conversations about electrical skills as Medr formulated it strategy and plans.
ECA’s Skills Charter calls for increased targets for electrical apprenticeships, in step with training routes designed in collaboration with industry. The aim is to fulfil both the needs of employers and Welsh Government goals.
In April, a group of ECA Members from all part of Wales shared their views and experiences as apprentice employers at a meeting with Medr’s Head of Apprenticeships. Suggesting Medr is making good on its aim to work more closely with stakeholders in the sector.
One of the factors hindering the apprenticeship programme in Wales is patchy data collection. At present data focuses on starts rather than completions. This issue is recognised across political parties, as well at Medr. ECA has called for improved monitoring of starts and progression rates to align with Welsh Government’s strategic aims and funding. Data collection and evidence-based decision-making features as a priority in Medr’s Operational Plan.
ECA continues to meet and talk about the industry and the Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter to Members of the Senedd, Civil Servants, and Ministers. To gain further insight into apprenticeship in the electrical sector, Jack Sargent, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership of Wales recently visited ECA Member firm, Bowen Hopkins Ltd. The firm also features in ECA’s digital series, ‘Electrifying our Future’, showcasing their apprentice programme and college provider.
Building on the positive experience of working with the Welsh Government and Medr, ECA looks forward to further collaboration to improve the pipeline of electrical training and skills in Wales.
Last updated 18 June 25