EAL latest news and updates – December 2025

Welcome to this month’s update from EAL, with news on upcoming events, awards nominations, and new developments in our qualifications offering.

EAL launches festive offer to help centres expand their qualification portfolio

As the festive season approaches, EAL is thanking its centres for their continued partnership by launching a special offer to support growth and innovation in 2025 and beyond.

Centres now have the opportunity to introduce new Award and NVQ qualifications with an exclusive 20% discount, available until 31 March 2026. The offer is designed to help providers broaden their provision, attract new learners and strengthen their competitive position in an increasingly dynamic skills landscape.

Secure your discount

Show your support for vocational skills: Nominate a hero and join the celebration

As we build towards Vocational Celebration Day 2026, EAL invites learners, colleagues, employers, and educators to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated.

Whether it’s a tutor who transformed a learner’s confidence, a trainer who consistently goes the extra mile, or an educator who inspires the next generation of engineers and technical professionals, we want to hear their story.

Nominate a vocational hero today

EAL celebrates Metal Fabrication talent at WorldSkills UK 2025

EAL was proud to sponsor the Metal Fabricator category at the WorldSkills UK 2025 Final and to attend the event in South Wales, celebrating the remarkable talent on display. Alison Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, said: “We are incredibly proud to congratulate all the participants, and especially the medal winners Sam, Mark and Jacob, of the Metal Fabrication category at the WorldSkills UK 2025 Final. Your dedication, passion and craftsmanship truly showcase the exceptional talent emerging within our sector.

Sponsoring this competition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled metal fabricators, and it has been inspiring to see the outstanding standards you’ve achieved. Competitions like WorldSkills UK play an important role in driving excellence across the sector, and this year’s finalists have set the bar remarkably high.”

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EAL celebrates SkillELECTRIC talent at WorldSkills UK 2025

EAL was proud to support the SkillELECTRIC 2025 Final held in South Wales, where history was made as Ellis Stevenson became the competition's first-ever female champion. 

Ellis Stevenson, a 22-year-old recently qualified apprentice from SECTT and UHI Moray, excelled across the intensive three-day final. Employed by Campbell & McHardy Ltd in Moray, Scotland, Ellis returned to the competition after missing out on the finals in 2024. Her determination paid off as she won her heat in June before claiming Gold in the national final. 

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Upcoming webinar: Enginuity and The 5% Club Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms 

Enginuity and The 5% Club are committed to supporting industry through skills insight and advocacy. To help industry stakeholders navigate these specific reforms, we will be hosting a dedicated webinar, providing clarity on what the proposed assessment changes could mean for your organisation.

This session will provide clear, accessible insight into the proposed reforms and their potential impact on apprenticeship assessment policy and delivery. Just as importantly, it will act as a call to action: encouraging employers to raise their concerns, share their perspectives, and actively contribute to shaping the right outcomes for the sector.

Register now

Upcoming event: Engineering & Manufacturing Information and Discovery Event

Join EAL and Matrix Technology Solutions on 14 Jan 2026 for a collaborative event that brings together innovation, qualification reform, and hands-on discovery opportunities for educators, employers, and training providers.

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Upcoming event: Launch of EAL Aerospace Engineering Technician Standard and EPA 

Join EAL for the official launch of the new Aerospace Engineering Technician apprenticeship standard and EPA (ST1313) Event on 20 Jan 2026.

This face-to-face event will be hosted at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Bristol, with an option to join remotely.

Register now

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