New pay deal secured for electrical apprentices

Thousands of electrical apprentices across the UK will receive a pay uplift, following negotiations between trade union Unite, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), and the Scottish electrical contractors’ association Select.

The deal will see wages for first and second year electrical apprentices increase by more than £1,000 a year above the minimum wage.

The new rates of pay will come into effect from 6 January 2025. 

The pay increase aims to ensure fairness and stability for apprentices and will help to address the impact of recent national minimum wage changes. 

Commenting on the announcement, Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “This deal shows the power of sectoral bargaining in action. Thousands of electrical apprentices will see real material uplifts to their pay from next month. 

“Unite is unrelenting in defending and improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”

The electrical industry is facing a pressing need for skilled workers to support the low carbon transition. According to ECA, an estimated 15,000 newly qualified electricians will be required over the next five years. 

To meet this demand, the recruitment of at least 12,000 electrical apprentices annually is crucial, significantly higher than the current average of 8,000 per year. 

ECA added: “Ensuring fair pay is a critical element in attracting and retaining this talent pipeline.”