Powering Progress: Industry Leaders Unite to Advance Safety, Skills and a Sustainable Future!

The ETT Industry Working Group represents the best of our sector – collaborative, forward-thinking, and committed to change.  When we launched the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report in November 2024, the focus was rightly on electrical safety and the need to address the culture of underreporting that has become deeply embedded within the industry. Since then, the conversation has grown.

What began as a response to safety concerns has evolved into a strategic collaboration dedicated to strengthening the sector across three key areas – safety, skills, and sustainability. Each of these critical areas are deeply connected. We cannot achieve safety without skills, nor can we meet the sustainability and net zero ambitions of government without a qualified, competent, and future-ready workforce.

The Industry Group Action Plan, launched at Stay Connected on 26^th November 2025, provides a framework for progress – setting out specific actions, defined responsibilities, and opportunities for collaboration between employers, educators, and policymakers.

The challenges facing our sector – skills shortages, the cost of training, regulatory reform, and the need for green skills – require a coordinated, industry-wide effort. The Working Group has proven that this type of collaboration can deliver meaningful results.

Thank You to Our Working Group Members

The Working Group has grown to more than 60 representatives from across SMEs, large electrical contractors, industry bodies, public sector organisations, and education providers.  Their engagement, insight, and expertise have been critical in translating challenges into practical, actionable initiatives. Following the working group meetings in February 25 and June 25, more than 50 actions across 3 core themes were identified.

The Action Plan reflects a coordinated, industry-wide commitment to:

• Enhancing Safety

Building on the Ending ‘Shock Silence’ recommendations, the plan prioritises risk awareness, accident prevention, and the promotion of a robust safety culture. Initiatives include the rollout of Safe Isolation Kits for apprentices, enhanced training programmes, and the development of industry-wide safety resources.

• Addressing Skills Shortages

The electrical sector faces urgent workforce challenges, including the need for qualified electricians and green skills. The Action Plan sets out targeted measures to strengthen apprenticeship pathways, upskill experienced workers, and foster continuing professional development in emerging technologies.

• Driving Sustainability and Innovation

The electrical industry is central to Northern Ireland’s ambitions for electrification, renewable energy, and net zero infrastructure. The plan focuses on workforce training in clean technologies, adoption of best practices, and advocacy for policies and funding that support a sustainable future.

Looking ahead, this Action Plan provides a clear framework for coordinated action, supporting our efforts to strengthen safety, skills, and sustainability across Northern Ireland’s electrical industry.

What We’ve Achieved So Far

It has been a busy year for the charity and the Industry Working Group.  In recent months, ETT has made measurable progress towards the goals set out in the Action Plan – from being awarded the DfE tender to deliver the Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprenticeship Framework, to our continued partnership with Electrical Safety First (ESF) to provide fully funded Safe Isolation Kits for all 2025 apprentices. These actions reflect our belief that investment in people is investment in progress.

Looking Ahead – Delivering the Action Plan

In 2026, the Working Group will prioritise actions that will strengthen industry standards, workforce capability, and sustainability.  Next steps include:

• Continuing collaboration with employers, educators, and policymakers to align training, regulation, and skills development with industry needs.

• Monitoring and reporting progress against safety, skills, and sustainability objectives.
• Expanding engagement across the construction, engineering, and energy sectors to support innovation and workforce development.

Our Next Meeting

The next Working Group meeting will take place on Friday 20^th February 2026.  As part of this meeting we will review progress, celebrate achievements, and agree on future priorities, including enhanced standards, workforce development, and innovation-driven growth.

📅 Date: Friday 20^th February 2026

🕒 Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm (arrival for 9.00am)

📍 Venue: Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey.  Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served.

If you would like to get involved in the working group, please email info@ett-ni.org