Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition returns for 2026

Entries for this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition are officially open. Returning for its twelfth year, Screwfix, a UK retailer of trade tools, accessories, and hardware products, is searching to uncover the very best in emerging trade talent across the UK and Ireland. The annual competition provides a national platform for trade apprentices to showcase […]

Martindale safety hub supports electrical apprentices

Developing safe working practices from the outset is a priority for electrical apprentices, particularly when working with or around live electrical systems. A clear understanding of electrical safety procedures can help reduce risk and support safer behaviour on site from day one. Access to practical guidance early in a career can play an important role […]

Scottish Government urged to protect apprenticeships in new Bill

Scotland’s construction industries are calling for urgent assurances that new Tertiary Education and Training Bill will safeguard the nation’s skills pipeline at a critical moment for the economy. As it prepares for its Stage 3 Debate this week, industry leaders say the Bill represents one of the most significant reforms to Scotland’s skills landscape in […]

UK Power Networks starts the search for new apprentices

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks is searching for 31 school leavers and career changers to become apprentices in the electricity industry at a time of exciting change in the sector. The countdown has begun in the search for new recruits for UK Power Networks’ popular craft apprenticeship. Applicants have until 31 January to apply […]

JTL named finalist at Apprenticeship and Training Awards

JTL, a training provider for electrical and plumbing apprenticeships across England and Wales, has been announced as a finalist at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2025. The FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship and Training Awards, in association with City & Guilds, celebrate the outstanding achievements of employers and training providers from across the UK. These […]

Winner of SkillELECTRIC gold announced

22-year-old Ellis Stevenson, a recently qualified apprentice from SECTT and UHI Moray, has been named the first-ever female SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in the intensive 2025 UK Final over three days at Bridgend College. Taking second place and the silver medal was Adam Souter, also from SECTT and UHI Moray. Third place and the bronze […]

£6m investment in electricity trade apprenticeships

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks says it is investing £6 million in craft apprenticeships this year, including hiring 55 newcomers to support local communities and advance Britain’s clean energy goals. The 55 appointments are part of a “future-ready workforce” that will keep power flowing to 20 million people and connect the low-carbon future to […]

9,600 apprenticeship shortfall threatens UK electrical sector

Reports are suggesting the talent shortage in UK trade sectors is getting worse. While job demand surges across the electrical sector, the apprenticeship system that should be feeding these trades is failing to deliver, according to new data. The Apprenticeship Gap Report found that the electrical trade faces the most severe deficit across all sectors analysed, […]