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Electrical Training (N.1.) Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2025
The trustees present their report and the audited financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Electrical Training (N.1.) Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in Northern Ireland, and was set up on 22nd April 1997. The company registration number is NI032292, and its charity number is NIC101034. Charitable registration was granted by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland on 24th November 2014. The registered office is 62 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 1FL. The charitable company is governed by its memorandum and articles of association supported by a set of standing orders. fn the event of the charitable company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding a £1.
Objectives and Activities
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Charitable objectives
The charity’s principal object as set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association includes the following goals:
(a) To promote and advance for the public benefit the education and training of persons employed or intending to be empioyed in the Northern ireland electrical installation industry.
(b) To promote useful research into any matters relating to the training for employment in the Northern Ireland electrical installation industry and other related industries and to publish and disseminate any useful results of such research for the public benefit.
The organisation's core business activity includes the provision of customised and accredited training, AM2 Skills assessment, and the management of the SparkSafe Electrical Licence to Practise system.
The charity seeks to improve the productivity, safety, and performance of the electrical contracting industry, and to increase the employability of existing and new entrants within the sector. The charity dedicates it time and resources to supporting individuals, employers and professionals working within the industry to improve their knowledge, enhance their skills and prove their competence.
Public Benefit
The trustees confirm that they have had due regard for the guidance produced on public benefit by the Charity Commission for Northern treland. The organisation ensures income received from its charitable activities is used effectively to support the development and quality improvement activities for the industry. Public benefit activities include but are not limited to —
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e Participation in forums and engagement with industry stakeholders to develop resources and partnerships that are of benefit to electrical installation employers and the wider BSE sector.
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e Campaigning for the improvement of quality and standards within the industry, emphasising the role of the qualified electrician.
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e Advocating for improved safety and competency standards to ensure accountability, improve reporting, and prevent unsafe practices.
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e Promoting the LtP system to clients and contractors with the aim of reducing the safety, quality, and value for money risks associated with the use of unqualified, underqualified, and semi-skilled electrical workers on.construction and maintenance projects.
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e Encouraging contractors and workers to remain up to date with national occupational standards to improve productivity, safety, and quality outcomes.
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« Promoting the apprenticeship and training needs of the electrical contacting industry to the school leavers and others within Northern Ireland.
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e Engaging with electrical installation employers regarding their current employment, training, and recruitment needs, incentivising the recruitment of apprentices.
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e Supporting initiatives which positively promote careers within the industry, as well as best practice, and the importance of competency and electrical safety within the industry.
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Efectrical Training (N.I.) Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2025
- e Organising industry awareness events, providing access to new and innovative resources, as well as providing discounts and incentives to improve industry productivity and employability outcomes.
Achievement and Performance
The charity, with the continued support of the Board of Employers, remains committed to improving quality and raising standards within Northern Ireland’s electrical contracting industry. The 2024-2025 year has been marked by development and progress, with an increase in delivery and assessment services, as well as enhanced collaboration and partnership working. ;
Key Achievements
ETT delivered a diverse range of initiatives that directly benefited employers, apprentices, and the wider electrical industry. Key achievements included:
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e Promoting electrical safety and compliance through targeted campaigns and awareness programmes. e Supporting employers in apprentice recruitment and selection through free aptitude testing services. e Delivering accredited training, assessments, and CPD programmes for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
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e Facilitating collaboration to help reduce economic inactivity and strengthen workforce skills and development.
All activities were delivered with clear public benefit—improving electrical safety, standards, employability, and technical competence across Northern Ireland’s electrical industry.
industry Engagement and Safety
Central to ETT’s mission is the promotion of continuous professional development, the sharing of best practice, and the dissemination of latest thinking and innovation within the sector. ETT'’s Stay Connected NI Industry Event continues to play a vital role in achieving these aims. Returning for a third year on 27th November 2024, the event fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing across all levels of the industry—bringing together public sector clients, project managers, business owners, contracts managers, electricians, apprentices, and consultant engineers. it remains Northern treland’s only dedicated electrical industry event and a vital forum for sharing best practice and innovation.
At the event, ETT launched its Ending ‘Shock Silence’ report, highlighting critical safety concerns within the sector. Survey results revealed that 80% of electrical workers had experienced an electric shock at work, with 40% reporting three or more shocks in their career. Alarmingly, 89% sustained injury and 95% required time off work.
In response, ETT established an Electrical Safety Working Group to develop an action plan aimed at improving safety standards. The first two working group meetings in February 2025 and June 2025 brought together over 45 industry leaders and professionals to shape actionable outcomes and promote safer working practices.
Building on the report's findings, the charity was delighted to announce its partnership with Electrical Safety First (ESF) to provide free safe isolation lockout kits to all first-year Level 3 electrical apprentices in Northern Ireland. This initiative, benefiting over 550 apprentices, seeks to embed safe working practices from the outset of an electrician’s career.
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ETT continues to demonstrate its commitment to electrical safety by providing part-funded safe isolation training for those in the electrical industry, making training more affordable and supporting safe working practices.
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Etectrical Training (N.I.) Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2025
Training and Skills Development
ETT continued to expand its training provision, delivering accredited qualifications and CPD workshops designed to address skills shortages and support continuous professional development. With demand for qualified and competent electricians at an all-time high, enrolment in accredited courses continues to grow, Supported by bespoke training programmes for electrical contractors and an expanding schedule of open courses.
In 2024/2025, ETT delivered a series of in demand one-day CPD knowledge only workshops. Electricians from across Northern ireland had the opportunity to deepen their technical knowledge in key areas including Surge Protection, Diverted Neutral Current and Thermography.
During the year, the Charity continued to provide fully funded training in accredited First Aid for Mental. Accredited mental health training plays an important role in promoting well-being both within and outside the workplace. By providing fully funded, accredited Level 2 Mental Health First Aid training, the charity aims to reduce the stigma around mental health in the workplace, promoting open conversations and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.
Plans are underway for course development in other key areas such as contract law, leadership and management, tender and Al workshops.
Demand for AM2 assessments remains high, reflecting strong engagement in Level 3 apprenticeship programmes. ETT continues to support colleges, training providers and apprentices through regular communication and signposting to the excellent resources available from NET.
In August 2025, the charity received notification that it was successful in its tender for the delivery of the DfE AppsNi Level 3 Electrical Installation programme. Plans are underway for commencement of training at ETT’s Skills Training and Assessment Centre in Ballymena. This new apprenticeship programme reinforces ETT’s commitment to employer-led training, workforce upskilling, and industry-aligned development across Northern Ireland. ETT’s delivery model has been carefully designed with employers in mind, with minimal disruption to business operations while supporting high quality learning and development.
Links and Partnerships
ETT has continued to strengthen its connections and partnerships to support skills development, improve safety and increase employability. Participating in local and national forums and collaborating with industry Stakeholders helps to create resources and foster partnerships that benefit electrical installation employers and the broader BSE sector. Through its links with Labour Market Partnerships (LMP’s), ETT continued to collaborate on initiatives addressing unemployment, upskilling, and economic inactivity. The successful delivery of the Cleantech Academy under Mid and East Antrim LMP reinforces ETT’s commitment to innovation and local workforce development.
SparkSafe Licence to Practise
The SparkSafe Licence to Practice (LtP) scheme continues to gain recognition as a key mechanism for promoting electrical competence and compliance. During the year, SparkSafe participated in several key industry events, including the Northern Ireland Safety Group Annual Conference and the Direct Works Seminar and Networking Event in Birmingham, where it was both a speaker and exhibitor. These engagements generated strong interest in the system's benefits, particularly around competency auditing and compliance under the Building Safety Act.
A number of well attended SparkSafe compliance training sessions were successfully delivered during the period, helping to strengthen governance and ensure compliance with industry standards.
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Electrical Training (N.I.) Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2025
Positive engagement included meetings with several NI and UK client organisations, with important discussions on PRS changes, new inspection cycles, and improved system reporting. Looking ahead, SparkSafe plans to enhance the SparkSafe website, adding improved functionality and reporting tools, including the ability to identify fully Qualified Electricians (QEs) with accredited inspection and testing certification.
Strategic Development and Future Focus
As Northern Ireland and the wider UK transition towards a net zero economy, the charity recognises the critical importance of ensuring electricians have the right skills to support low-carbon technologies safely and effectively. The charity continues to advocate for accessible, high-quality training to prevent safety risks associated with unqualified installations.
Through initiatives such as the Electrical Safety Working Group and Stay Connected events, ETT is helping to position the electrical industry as a key enabler of the region’s sustainability and connectivity ambitions. The charity’s ongoing focus on partnership, innovation, and continuous improvement ensures it remains a trusted and proactive leader in skills development across Northern Ireland’s electrical sector.
Financial Review
The income for this financial year has increased to £644,542 from £546,134 in 2024. This increase reflects the organisation’s continued efforts to expand its service provision and strengthen its income-generating activities.
Total expenditure for the year was £703,744, compared with £682,296 in the previous financial year. The resulting deficit reflects a planned use of resources to support the charity’s strategic objectives, including investment in facilities, and essential resources required to sustain future growth and service delivery.
Looking forward, the trustees will continue to prioritise the generation of income through a diverse range of accredited courses, skills programmes, and industry support initiatives. These activities are designed not only to strengthen existing income streams but also to provide access to new and sustainable sources of revenue.
To address the current deficit position, detailed financial plans and projections have been developed with the aim of reducing net expenditure in the short to medium term. These measures are expected to position the charity for a return to net income in the medium to long term, thereby ensuring the ongoing financial stability and sustainability of the charity.
Reserves policy
The Board of Trustees have established a policy whereby the funds held by the charity should not be less than six months of resources expended. The trustees consider the amount in reserves as appropriate.
Plans for Future Periods
The organisation will continue to build a network of associations with other responsible UK and ROI industry stakeholders with the aim of promoting competency, via planned continuous professional development, Level 3 apprenticeship recruitment and structured workforce development plans.
Efforts to build on the SparkSafe LtP achievement by progressively adding further projects features as a recurring objective. Actions to explore opportunities in other parts of the UK and in the ROI continue with a view to extending use of the system.
Objectives
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e Promote accredited Level 3 courses in EV, EESS, and Solar PV to individuals and employers, supporting Northern Ireland's efforts to achieve the government's Net Zero objectives and targets.
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e Position ETT as a leading skills hub for renewable energy and workforce upskilling. Prioritise engagement with businesses in the renewables sector—particularly those already operating but lacking proper qualifications—and strengthen connections with MCS accreditation.
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Electrical Training (N.L.) Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2025
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¢ Communicate effectively with the industry about NI Climate Change Act targets and highlight the critical role of qualified electricians in the journey toward Net Zero.
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« Continue to raise awareness of the importance of safe isolation, sharing Michael’s Story with as many electrical workers as possible
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e Continue promoting the ‘Ending Shock Silence’ campaign to enhance safety standards and protect lives within the sector.
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e Collaborate with NI industry stakeholders via the ETT industry led working, focusing on the three critical areas that together underpin the future of the electrical industry: Safety, Skills, and Sustainability.
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e Expand the range of technical and health & safety training services available to electrical contracting businesses and the broader building services engineering (BSE) sector, addressing specific local needs.
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e Foster strong reijationships with the college network to better support employer recruitment, training programs, and apprenticeship opportunities.
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e Enhance and refine the organisation's AM2 assessment capabilities, including AM2S and AMZ2E, ensuring high standards and continued improvement.
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e Build and strengthen collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders across the UK and Republic of Ireland to promote the adoption of the Licence to Practise initiative.
Structure, Governance and Management
The trustees act both as trustees and directors and have overall responsibility for matters relating to the company.
The day-to-day operational activity of the organisation is overseen by the Chief Executive, who reports to the appointed Board Chairman and Trustees. The Board determines remuneration for key management personnel from market rates of similar organisations.
Trustees are appointed by referral or a declared interest. Trustees are unpaid and provide their service voluntarily. Each trustee is required to be actively engaged in the strategic decision-making processes within Electrical Training (N.1.} Limited. Board members are informed of progress about the organisation's activities through scheduled meetings and by electronic updates and reports.
Related parties
Many employers and wider industry stakeholders consider ETT a trusted advisor, seeking advice, guidance and support regarding technical skills training and apprentice recruitment needs. The charity has developed ' extensive, good quality links with employers and other external bodies. These links are used very effectively to help develop products and services that are closely aligned to industries and employers’ needs. During the year, relationships with the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITBNI), NET, NAPIT, NICEIC, NIE, HSENI and the Northern Ireland Branch of the Electrical Contractors Association have been maintained. The organisation continues to develop new relationships with other existing and emerging stakeholder organisation based in GB and ROI based on collaboration around electrical Licence to Practise, as well as local, regional, and national industry training and assessment objectives.
Risk management
The charity performs an annual risk review, and appropriate systems have been established to mitigate identified risks. Renewal of the new ISO 9001:2018 Quality Assurance Standard has been achieved in July 2025. The scope of the award covers the delivery of industry training courses, the Achievement Measurement 2 Test, and the SparkSafe Licence to Practise System.
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Electrical Training (N.i.) Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2025
During the period, the organisation also renewed its charitable status with the Charity Commission.
The trustees have assessed the significant risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to substantial risks.
Financial instruments
The charity’s principal financial instruments comprise of investments, bank balances, trade debtors and trade creditors. The purpose of these instruments is to finance the charity's operations.
Small Company Provisions
This report has been provided in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small company’s exemption.
This report was approved by the Board on 6 November 2025 and signed on behalf of the Board by:
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(Barn hes- SUN.
Charlotte Bamber — Chief — Chief Chief Executive Mr Lewis Darragh - Trustee
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Ms Charlotte Bamber — Chief — Chief Chief Executive
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