New Alliance Will Tackle Skills Shortage in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is launching a pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.

The regional Alliance, the first of its kind in the UK, comprises electrical businesses, education providers, the Electrical Contractor’s Association (ECA), Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and GM Colleges. The aim of the Alliance is to take meaningful action to strengthen local electrotechnical skills development and careers provision within the region.

Andrew Eldred, Chief Operating Officer at ECA, which has led on the initiative for local employers, said: “We and our members are delighted to be working in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, education providers of all kinds, and other electrical industry organisations. Together we can deliver for the region, for local people, and for business.”

Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber, added: “ECA did a lot of research and work with the Local Skills Improvement Plan which is helping us identify the key areas that need addressing, especially where there is no provision currently in place.

“An Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance has not been tried before; Greater Manchester is leading the way. We hope the Alliance will become a model of how organisations can work together to tackle skills gaps in this sector.”

The Chamber of Commerce has led the development of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Greater Manchester. The Department for Education introduced LSIPs with the aim of giving employers a stronger voice in shaping local skills provision.

The launch of the Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance was held on 27th November in Elliot House, Manchester, the headquarters of the Chamber. The event, which was chaired by Chris Fletcher and Andrew Eldred, discussed the practicalities of the Alliance.

For more information about the event, email [email protected]