SELECT Scotland’s electrical bodies are optimistic about the future, with a substantial influx of young talent expected to shape the industry beyond 2024.
The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), and SELECT, the campaigning trade association, are pleased with recent figures highlighting a healthy pipeline of emerging professionals. However, they maintain a firm stance that industry-led apprenticeships are the only way forward for skill development.
The SJIB’s latest report reveals that nearly 40% of individuals in Scotland holding an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card are aged between 16 and 29, alleviating concerns about an ageing workforce. This demographic shift indicates a proactive younger generation ready to embrace challenges posed by technological advancements.
“Fiona Harper, Secretary of the SJIB, comments: “These encouraging findings counter the oft-heard fears of an ageing workforce that won’t be replaced. Instead, it suggests an engaged and eager younger generation who are already embracing the challenge of new technology and will continue to safely heat and power our homes and business for generations to come.
“As the electrification of society continues, we are looking ahead to 2024 with confidence that a healthy pipeline of young talent is emerging, producing qualified electricians who have a solid, broad base of knowledge that can be added to with additional training as required.”
She cautions, however: “There is only one route to becoming an electrician, and that is undertaking the four-year Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation, with top-up training for areas as needed, such as specialist renewable technology”.
Scotland has experienced significantg demand for electrical apprenticeships with 908 new starts and places full for 2023/24.
Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, says, “It’s crucial that an electrical apprenticeship continues to be the recognised route to market to ensure we train the workforce of the future in the skills they will need to deliver net zero successfully and safely”.
Alan Wilson, SELECT managing director, points to the selection of Scottish apprentice, Danny McBean, as the winner of the national SkillELECTRIC competition. “His victory reflects the quality of instruction that electrical apprentices and adult trainees currently receive at training centres across Scotland”, Wilson says.
It’s crucial that an electrical apprenticeship continues to be the recognised route to market to ensure we train the workforce of the future in the skills they will need to deliver net zero successfully and safely
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