A talented young electrician has been rewarded for his outstanding commitment and skill after being crowned Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2025.
Callan White, from Livingston, took home this year’s top title, which is presented in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical, after impressing judges with his technical ability, professionalism and “exceptional attitude towards learning and improvement”.
The 26-year-old, who works for SELECT Member firm H F Electrical Ltd, received his trophy from SJIB Chair Jock Simpson at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood on October 9, where guests gathered to celebrate the next generation of Scotland’s electrical talent.
Callan – who moved to Scotland from Melbourne, Australia, as a teenager – was also presented with a £1,000 voucher as part of his prize, recognising his achievement in a highly competitive field of finalists.
Catherine Gillon, Secretary of the SJIB and Director of Employment Affairs at SELECT, said: “Every year, the SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards highlight the incredible talent that continues to emerge across Scotland’s electrical industry.
“Callan stood out for his exceptional performance, dedication and willingness to go above and beyond – qualities that perfectly reflect the standards we want to see in our future electricians. His success is a testament not just to his own effort, but also to the ongoing commitment of his employer, college lecturers and training officers.
“As Scotland continues its transition to net zero, our apprentices play a vital role in delivering the skills and innovation the country needs. Callan, and others like him, represent the bright future of an industry that is essential to a modern, sustainable society.”
Callan completed his apprenticeship with West Lothian College, supported by Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) Training Officer Jim Birrell, and achieved an impressive 97% in his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) earlier this year.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award. My apprenticeship has been full of challenges, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
“To be recognised by the SJIB among so many talented peers is a huge honour. I owe a lot to the team at H F Electrical, my lecturers at West Lothian College and to Jim Birrell for all the guidance and support they’ve given me throughout my training.”
Gary Muir, Line Manager at H F Electrical, said Callan’s professionalism and work ethic had been evident from the start. He said: “Within weeks of joining us, it was clear Callan was going to be a success. He’s got an experienced head on his shoulders and a real drive to learn and improve.
“His work has always been of the highest standard, even in his first year, he was producing the quality of a third or fourth-year apprentice. All our engineers wanted to work with him, which says everything about his ability and attitude.
“Since qualifying, Callan has continued to excel and is now one of the most sought-after electricians in our team. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.”
This year’s competition also saw Ewan MacDonald, 22, from Inverness, and Duncan Lucy, 24, from Kilmarnock, named as finalists.
Ewan works for Ross-Shire Engineering Ltd and trained at UHI Inverness under SECTT Training Officers Graham Keil and Iain Lamont, while Duncan works for Ronnie Duncan Electrician and studied at Ayrshire College under Training Officer Daniel Flanigan.
All three finalists were presented with gift vouchers by Darren Coppola of Edmundson Electrical, who added: “Callan, Ewan and Duncan have every reason to be proud of their success and their dedication and hard work throughout their apprenticeships are clear to see.
“We’re delighted to continue supporting the SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards, which shine a light on the outstanding new talent entering our industry each year.”
Founded in 1969 by SELECT and Unite the Union, the SJIB continues to regulate relations between employers and employees, promote skills and competence, and support ongoing progress across Scotland’s electrical sector.
Edmundson Electrical, one of the UK’s leading electrical wholesalers, serves Scotland from more than 37 locations, supplying contractors, engineers, and public bodies across the country.
Our images show (from top): Callan with SJIB Chair Jock Simpson; Guest speaker Professor Sean Smith, SJIB Chair Jock Simpson, finalists Ewan and Callan, SJIB Secretary Catherine Gillon and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson; Callan with his employers from H F Electrical; Darren Coppola handing over vouchers to the 2025 winner.
As thousands of young people across Scotland receive their exam results, SELECT and the SJIB have reminded students that there’s no wrong path to a rewarding and successful career in the electrotechnical industry.
With many school leavers unsure of their next step, and others disappointed by their grades, the bodies have highlighted the valuable opportunities and potential high earnings offered through an electrical apprenticeship.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of the country’s largest construction trade body, SELECT, said: “This week’s results will have brought joy for some and disappointment for others, but our message is simple – there is no wrong path.
“We want young people and their parents to understand that an electrical apprenticeship is a highly respected and financially rewarding career option that offers lifelong skills and exciting opportunities. Qualified electricians earn excellent salaries and their services are in high demand here in Scotland and across the world.
“A great number of our Members are always on the lookout for potential apprentice recruits so whether you’ve achieved top grades or are still unsure about what comes next, this is a chance to build a future that’s hands-on, challenging and constantly evolving. After all, the future is electric.”
Catherine Gillon, Secretary of the SJIB, added: “Becoming an electrician means joining an economically crucial, modern profession with increasing demand, especially in areas like renewables, electric vehicles and smart technology.
“Apprentices are supported throughout their journey and come away with respected industry qualifications that open doors around the world.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in how things work and a desire to learn to consider applying. It’s never too late to start.”
As the country transitions to a net zero future, demand for skilled electricians has never been higher and apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to develop talent for the future.
Catherine went on: “Getting started as an electrical apprentice is easy, with typical entry requirements beingNational 4/5 in English, maths and a science or technical subject.
“Anyone interested in finding out more and applying to become an apprentice should contact the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), who manage Scotland’s industry-approved training scheme for electrical apprenticeships on behalf of the SJIB.”
From music to multi-meters: Scott’s story
A shining example of the varied paths into the electrical profession is Scott Ahern, who was crowned 2024 SJIB Apprentice of the Year last October.
After studying music at college and working a range of manual jobs, Scott changed direction in his mid-20s and is now thriving as a qualified electrician with SELECT Member firm DRB UK Maintenance in Hamilton.
Scott, from East Kilbride, said: “I didn’t think it would be possible to start an apprenticeship later in life, but I’m so glad I did.
“I’ve been lucky to work on major electric vehicle charger projects across the UK and now I’m aiming to become an Approved Electrician and even run my own business one day.”
He added: “My message to anyone unsure about their future is simple – just go for it. You’ll be supported every step of the way, and the opportunities are endless.”
The SJIB is proud to announce that it has launched a Signal Distribution Specialist ECS Card in Scotland. Designed for those who hold a Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) Foundation Diploma in Signal Reception for Aerial and Satellite Specialists, the move follows the card’s launch last year the by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.
Effective from 4 August 2025, the card will be available for those in Scotland who meet the relevant criteria and hold one of the following:
Applicants must also hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment, completed within the last 30 months, or have a valid, approved exemption.
The ECS Signal Distribution Specialist Card can be applied for through the SJIB ECS Card Portal.
The SJIB and National Electrotechnical Training (NET) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which cements their longstanding arrangement for assessment of apprentices and adult trainees.
The agreement confirms the bodies’ roles and responsibilities for the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA), which the SJIB operates under licence from NET at three recognised training centres across Scotland.
Catherine Gillon, SJIB Secretary and Director of Employment Affairs at SELECT, said: “We are delighted to have signed this important memorandum, which confirms our ongoing working relationship with our fellow training professionals at NET.
“The FICA is an integral part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation and this MoU reinforces the message that the final assessment can only be taken at a centre approved by the SJIB to ensure learners receive the required level of experience.”
Carolyn Mason, Chief Executive of NET, added: “As well as demonstrating our harmonious relationship, this agreement shows that the industry is dedicated to delivering the very highest standards of electrical industry training in Scotland through the SJIB.
“The SJIB has made a substantial investment in developing and operating FICA in Scotland and this move will ensure that electrotechnical learners continue to follow the correct route to receive the competencies and skills they require to work safely and successfully.”
NET is a registered UK charity that owns, manages and develops end point assessments and assessments of occupational competence for the electrotechnical industry. These are the AM2 in England and Wales and the FICA in Scotland.
