New head of education

The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has appointed Carolyn Mason as its new head of education and training.

Mason joins the ECA from science, engineering and manufacturing sector skills council SEMTA, where she was the sector lead for automotive and aerospace, a role that involved developing and leading policy at national (UK), sector and grassroots level. She will work in the recently-created ECA Directorate of Employment and Skills, where she will support Alex Meikle, ECA director of employment and skills, on strategy, policy and advice to members on education and training issues.

Mason said: “I’m delighted to join the ECA at such a key time for the sector. With proposals to change the apprentice, funding system, a new apprenticeship standard being introduced in September 2015 and a General Election less than a year away it’s a very interesting time in the world of training. I look forward to working with Alex and the team to ensure that ECA members continue to receive the support their businesses need.”

Alex Meikle, ECA director of employment and skills said: “Carolyn’s policy and development experience will be a real asset to the ECA at a time when members need high quality advice more than ever. There are real question marks around the future of apprenticeship funding and delivery in this industry, and we want to ensure that any political changes do not damage businesses or the sector’s long-term skills base. Carolyn’s background will be a great help in our attempts to achieve this objective.”