Research from the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) indicates that just 10% of learners enrolled in government-funded, classroom-based courses land an apprenticeship within a year.

Classroom places currently outnumber available apprenticeships by 3-to-1.

Andrew Eldred CEO of the trade body said that creating meaningful employer-backed opportunities for those finishing classroom-based courses was “essential”.

He added that if the government wants to hit is clear air targets, it must tackle the broken electrical skills pipeline “head-on”.

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Third generation painter and decorator, Russell Payne has launched a podcasting studio as he tries to awareness to the mental health crisis in the industry.

Payne who has suffered from anxiety, started The Talking Tradesman podcast to provide a forum for tradies to share their mental health experiences.

Payne told the local newspaper that he wanted his listeners to have hope and know that they’re not alone.  

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And finally, 12 staff members from an electrical services firm are baring all for a charity calendar to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Directors, managers and electricians, from Whitestar appear in the calendar with only props to hide their modesty.

The MD of Whitestar, John English, said the day of the photoshoot was a very unusual day in the office.

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