ECA discusses apprenticeship funding concerns with minister

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) invited Michael Fallon, MP for Sevenoaks, to its South East Regional office to discuss apprentice funding.

The ECA delegation raised concerns over the Government’s proposed changes to apprenticeship funding which would increase bureaucracy. They discussed potential solutions to help small businesses that couldn’t afford such ‘red tape’ to continue to employ and train apprentices.

Mr Fallon, who is also the Secretary of State for Defence, agreed to discuss the matter and the points raised with Nick Boles MP, the Government’s Skills Minister.

ECA head of education and training, Carolyn Mason, said, “We’re grateful to Mr Fallon for taking the time to meet with us and to listen to members’ views.

“We will continue our campaign to seek a solution which allows employer choice for the electrotechnical sector to ensure this industry is able to continue to deliver its gold-standard apprenticeships."

The meeting was attended by Darren Wetherill, regional chairman ECA South East and managing director of DW Electrical Limited, Philip Hamblett, ECA Eastbourne branch chairman and contracts manager of N. Smith Electrical Limited, Kevin Bush, ECA regional manager for the South East and Carolyn Mason.