EAL latest news and updates – February 2026

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

News & updates

Qualification updates - February 2026

We’re pleased to bring you the latest updates on EAL qualifications this February 2026. This edition covers a range of changes, including qualification extensions, new releases, document updates, and withdrawals.

Explore the updates

Develop your welding skills and become job-ready with EAL qualifications

The new EAL Level 2 Welding Awards in MIG/MAG (QAN: 610/6477/4) and TIG Welding (QAN: 610/6476/2) are practical, industry-focused qualifications designed to build real-world welding skills and support progression into employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level welding training.

Get started

Reminder: EAL's Curriculum Planning Guide 2026-2027 is live

We’re pleased to announce that the EAL Curriculum Planning Guide 2026–2027 is now available for our centres. This updated resource offers comprehensive support to help you plan effective curriculum delivery across the evolving post-16 skills and vocational landscape, including key information on qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships, adult funding-supported options and more.

Find out more and download now

EAL’s Managing Director Alison Parkes joins The St Martin’s Group

We are proud to announce that Alison Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, has been formally invited to join The St Martin’s Group as a member from 1 February 2026. 

The St Martin’s Group is a unique UK skills sector membership organisation bringing together senior leaders from employers, training providers and awarding organisations to champion a sustainable, quality-focused and employer-led apprenticeship and skills system. Its members work collaboratively to influence policy and drive improvements across the UK skills and apprenticeship ecosystem, representing a strong cross-sector voice for high-quality skills delivery. 

Read more

EAL celebrates the first Baker Awards for Technical Education at a prestigious London ceremony

On 27 January 2026, the Baker Dearing Educational Trust hosted a milestone celebration of technical education at the Baker Award Ceremony held at One Great George Street in Westminster, London, marking the presentation of certificates to the first-ever cohort of Baker Award recipients. EAL was proud to support the event and contribute to recognising the achievements of outstanding students who have excelled in work experience and employer-led learning. 

Read more

UK Battery Industrialisation Centre becomes an official EAL Centre

We’re pleased to share that the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) has become an EAL centre, strengthening a growing partnership that is helping to build the UK’s workforce for the battery manufacturing revolution. 

UKBIC already works closely with EAL through collaborative initiatives, including the launch of pioneering battery manufacturing courses designed to meet the sector’s rapidly increasing skills needs. In 2025, EAL and UKBIC worked together to develop and launch the Level 2 Award in Battery Manufacturing – a qualification created with direct input from UKBIC experts to give learners practical, industry-relevant experience and support the UK’s expanding battery industry. 

Read more

Events

Upcoming webinar: EAL Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Mathematics for Engineering

EAL is excited to introduce a regulated Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Mathematics for Engineering, designed to support a wide range of learners in developing the mathematical skills needed for engineering pathways.

This focused qualification is ideal for T Level students, apprentices, and adult learners looking to deepen their knowledge and enhance progression opportunities, and it also carries UCAS points.

• Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026
• Time: 12-12.45pm

The session will be led by EAL Technical Advisor Jono Porter, alongside colleagues from the DFE, Gatsby, and Stockport College, offering practical insights and the chance to ask questions.

Register now

Upcoming webinar: EAL Building Services Engineering (BSE) Drop-in Sessions

Do you have any questions on a Building Services Engineering (BSE)-related topic? 

Join our Building Services Engineering experts for their monthly drop-in sessions. 

• Date: Friday, 27 March 2026
• Time: 9.30-11am

Join us in March

Upcoming webinar: New Wiring Regulations Award and Amendment 4 updates (EAL and IET)

Join EAL and IET for an informative webinar covering the latest updates to the new Wiring Regulations Award including key changes introduced in Amendment 4.

This session is designed for electrical professionals, training providers, and assessors looking to stay up-to-date with the latest qualifications, resources, and regulatory changes.

• Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026
• Time: 12.30-1.30pm

Sign up now

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest news about our qualifications, assessments and skills solutions, plus important centre service and support updates sent straight to your inbox.

Subscribe