A new partnership between Warrington Borough Council and a local company is creating brighter futures for young people, particularly care leavers and those not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
The council has teamed up with Training for Electricians Ltd, which provides training, holistic support and vocational skills for 16–18-year-olds who often face significant barriers to employment.
Delivered in partnership with UTC Warrington and Morthyng Vocational College, the programme equips learners to become qualified electricians by gaining the City & Guilds 7202 Level 1 In Electrical Installation qualification and entering the workforce with confidence and purpose. There have been 50 learners enrolled since March 2025.
Warrington Council has been instrumental in identifying and supporting 14 NEET young people to enrol, with a further 14 set to start soon. And the programme has already hit a significant milestone, with five young people recently offered jobs in the area.
Training for Electricians, founded by Stuart Gallagher, goes beyond standard technical training, with the City & Guilds accredited course blending practical, on-site experience with personal and professional development. Focused on employability, the programme is delivered in partnership with a network of employers to help learners build the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to succeed in the electrical industry.
This holistic approach includes vital support for mental health, drug and alcohol awareness, fitness training, CV preparation, and interview techniques, ensuring learners are well-rounded, skilled, and ready for the workplace.
Stuart, 42, who is a care leaver himself, said: “I grew up facing a lot of challenges – I struggled in school, ended up in care, and even spent time in a young offenders institution. What turned my life around was getting a trade and building self-belief through hard work. I know first-hand how powerful it is to be given a real opportunity. That’s why I wanted to create Training for Electricians, to give young people the break I once needed, and to show them there is always a way forward if someone believes in you.
“You can’t train someone properly if you ignore what’s really going on in their life. Many of our learners have faced challenges with mental health, confidence, or feeling like the system has given up on them. We focus on the whole person, not just the technical skills. We don’t just create electricians; we help create young people who are ready to face life with resilience and purpose.
“We ‘re really happy to be partnering with Warrington Borough Council and are grateful for their vision for helping young people. They could see we were doing something different, something real, and they backed us. That support has been huge in helping open doors, connecting us with the right people, and giving us credibility as we’ve built the programme.”
Sam, a current learner, said: “The best part of the training is feeling at home with a good group. It’s challenging meeting the standards, but we are encouraged to push ourselves, and it felt really satisfying getting my ESC exam passed recently. We gain discipline, togetherness, and practical skills in a safe environment, which really prepares you for employment.”
Ashkan, one of the learners who has just gained employment with a local company, added: “I have learned everything I need here. It’s the best opportunity I’ve ever had, and I’ve been looking for something just like this. The chance to do on-site work while I study means I can get the best skills and experience in a very short time. It has changed my life, and I’m now planning for the future, when I hope to set up my own company.”
Cllr Matt Smith, the council’s cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such a fantastic and dedicated company. Training for Electricians is giving life-changing opportunities to our young people, especially those who have been looked after by the council or who haven’t yet found their path in employment or education.
“The team’s commitment to the learner’s overall well-being and personal development is exceptional, focusing not just on a qualification but on instilling self-belief, discipline, and practical life skills.
“This partnership is a testament to the hard work of our education and employment engagement teams in identifying forward-thinking partners like Stuart and his company who make a real difference to young people’s lives, helping them reach their full potential. We offer huge congratulations to the first five young people who have been offered jobs and are eagerly looking forward to celebrating much more success for all the learners in the near future.”
