Wholesaler Guide
Five challenges shaping the electrical trade in 2026
CEF explores the biggest challenges facing electricians today, according to attendees at its recent TechTalks.
E
lectricians are facing growing pressure from multiple directions. Regulations are moving fast and training obligations are increasing, especially around emerging technologies like EV charging and solar PV. Economic uncertainty is changing the way customers scrutinise costs, impacting everything from project specification to time taken on site. Skills shortages are increasing pressure on electricians, while making it more difficult to onboard skilled staff and train apprentices. As a result, training and development is more important than ever – yet finding the time and budget to prioritise these is becoming harder. It’s against this backdrop that CEF launched TechTalks, a series of CPD-accredited training and development events that take place across the UK. By making training local, affordable and convenient to fit in around day-to-day work, TechTalks are helping electricians to access the development they need, both to meet regulations and to keep pursuing commercial opportunities. Yet TechTalks aren’t just about telling electricians what they need to know; they’re also an opportunity for distributors to hear what challenges are affecting electricians the most,
and how they provide practical support to help their customers overcome them. CEF celebrated its 75th anniversary on 16 July, and the company is reflecting on more than seven decades of providing practical support to electricians, as well as supporting local communities. To mark this milestone, CEF branches across the country have become donation points for a nationwide community food drive, supporting over 400 local foodbanks. It’s in this same spirit of local support and connection that CEF asked electricians at its recent TechTalks about the biggest challenges they’re facing, and how local events are helping them keep pace with a rapidly changing industry. Here are five recurring themes and what electricians at the Glasgow TechTalk had to say about them.
When it comes to regulatory change, “you don’t always know what you’re looking for.” Changes to standards are part of the job, but that doesn’t mean they are always easy to balance with everyday demands. One of the biggest challenges is knowing what aspects of the regulations are going to have the biggest impact on the next project. For a lot of TechTalks attendees, having the key points explained in
context can make the difference between reading through a regulation in theory, and understanding how it applies to an inspection, installation or customer conversation. As one electrician explained: “Coming to a TechTalk is easier than sitting down with the book. You don’t always know what you’re looking for, so it’s good to have someone explain the most important parts in detail. For us, understanding AFDDs was a big one. We’re doing an HMO build just now, and we realised we’re going to have to install AFDDs, so it’s been helpful to have a TechTalk we can go to.”
Renewables, EV and battery storage “are coming very soon.”
EV charging, renewables and battery storage are becoming a bigger part of everyday electrical work. Those that aren’t already delivering these projects know that they will likely become unavoidable in the near future. Yet lack of accessible training opportunities and unfamiliarity with the products are seen as obstacles to taking up the opportunity. As one electrician said: “Renewables is probably the only thing we don’t cover at the moment, but we know it’s coming very soon. We’re trying to get up to speed with what we need to do, and it’s something we’re looking to offer in the future. The biggest change is the extra certification needed.”
“The industry needs new people” to deal with the skills shortage The skills gap remains a major concern. Electrical businesses need more apprentices and new entrants into the trade, but taking on and supporting new people, or upskilling existing employees, can be difficult when time, cost and workload are already under pressure. Additionally, the demands facing experienced electricians could also be about to worsen the skills crisis. As qualification requirements continue to become more rigorous, those approaching retirement may question whether further
26 | electrical wholesaler September 2026
ewnews.co.uk
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