• • • NEWS • • •
GREATER MANCHESTER ALLIANCE LAUNCHES MAJOR DRIVE TO POWER UP THE REGION’S ELECTRICAL WORKFORCE A
bold new campaign to accelerate skills growth in Greater Manchester’s electrical sector has been launched by an alliance led by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). Designed to supercharge upskilling across the
region, the initiative opens new pathways for both businesses and workers looking to advance in a rapidly evolving industry.
The Greater Manchester Electrotechnical
Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA), formed less than 18 months ago, has unveiled its first major programme: the Existing Workers Campaign. This landmark initiative spotlights three national and industry-recognised routes for experienced individuals to become fully qualified electricians:
• Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) • Adult NVQ
• Adult Apprenticeship
The benefits for both the individual and the employer range from boosting employability and higher earnings, to broadening skills range withing the company and, therefore, creating more business opportunities, while securing a talent pipeline that will be competitive in a challenging commercial market. Stephanie Broadley, Training and Competency Manager at Bilfinger UK, said: “We are proud to be
a part of the Existing Workers Campaign as it will be hugely beneficial in training up those already working in the electrical sector, to become fully qualified electricians. They will then have the potential to upskill into other areas. “In turn, the region will be able to embrace electrification and help support the UK meet its Net Zero targets.”
Keith Sanderson, Head of Skills Delivery at ECA, stressed the significance of the campaign at a critical moment for the sector: “This initiative will be vital to addressing the electrical skills gap in Greater Manchester. There is a national shortage which is growing, this is putting pressure on the existing electrical workforce to meet the UK’s carbon neutral targets. “The more people take up these upskilling qualifications, the more robust the workforce will
become, ensuring a gold standard in competence and quality in the industry.” Chris Fletcher, Executive Director Skills Policy, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “This initiative comes at a critical time for the sector in the UK with demand increasing dramatically for skilled electrical workers. The chamber’s work on the Local Skills Improvement Plan has confirmed the need to take action now to upskill the workforce and attract new entrants to ensure the country has sufficient workers to meet demand. “We are pleased to support this campaign which is a great example of businesses coming together with key organisations, led by ECA, to maximise existing resources to form a collaborative solution that answers needs.” ETCAs aim to unite local ECA Member businesses, training providers and local authorities to tackle skills pressures head on. With eight alliances already active nationwide and more launching this year, the momentum behind regional collaboration is stronger than ever. Workers and employers can now explore the full range of opportunities, support packages and funding options available through the Greater Manchester Existing Workers Campaign.
https://www.eca.co.uk
igiKey, the global distribution leader of electronic components and automation products, announces the launch of its new video series, Engineering Unlocked.
DIGIKEY LAUNCHES ENGINEERING UNLOCKED VIDEO SERIES D
The three-episode series explores how modern tools, open communities and STEM education are reshaping the future of electronics design. From rapid prototyping platforms to real-world maker ecosystems, this series highlights how engineers turn ideas into working hardware faster than ever. Engineering Unlocked, sponsored by Microchip and Molex, brings together industry experts, educators and innovators to examine the technologies, workflows and communities powering today’s design cycles and helping to prepare the next generation of engineers. “Engineering Unlocked celebrates the incredible momentum we’re seeing across the engineering community,” said David Sandys, Senior Director of technical enablement & engagement for DigiKey. “From makers and students to professional designers, the pace of innovation has never been faster, and we’re proud to help equip and empower those turning bold ideas into real-world solutions.” This is the first season of Engineering Unlocked, adding to a deep bench of video and written content available from DigiKey. This season’s episodes feature insights and interviews from experts around the industry:
electricalengieneeringmagazine.co.uk
• Episode 1: A community of innovators: Lessons from Supercon – This episode captures the creativity, collaboration and rapid prototyping culture on display at Supercon 2025, highlighting how community-driven innovation accelerates experimentation and learning.
• Episode 2: Tools of the trade: The modern hardware toolkit – In this episode, industry experts discuss the hardware platforms, development boards, components and workflows engineers use to prototype, test and iterate designs efficiently.
• Episode 3: The path forward: STEM and the future of engineering – The final episode focuses on STEM programs, makerspaces and academic initiatives shaping tomorrow’s engineers.
To watch all three episodes, visit
DigiKey.com
www.digiKey.com ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING •MARCH 2026
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