The SJIB says it is looking ahead to 2024 with confidence as new figures show a healthy pipeline of emerging young talent – but also insists that industry-led apprenticeships are the only way to deliver the future of skills development.
The body has joined SELECT and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) in welcoming a new report which shows the youthful age profile of Scotland’s electricians.
The trio also point to record recruitment levels over the past three years and recent triumphs in national apprentice competitions as further proof of a bright future, but also insist that such high standards can only be maintained by industry-approved training.
The statement comes after a new SJIB report found that of the 19,566 people in Scotland with an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card, almost 40 per cent (7,813) are aged between 16 and 29, with just 19 per cent (3,836) aged 50 or over.
Some 4,603 (24 per cent) holders of the accreditation that permits holder to carry out electrical work are aged between 30 and 39, with 17 per cent (3,314) in the 40 to 49 bracket.
Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “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, produce qualified electricians who have a solid, broad base of knowledge that can be added to with additional training as required.”
However, Ms Harper warned that there is no substitute for a proper apprenticeship and that the bodies would continue to rigorously promote proper employer-led training to ensure Scotland is served by competent professionals who work to the highest safety standards.
She went on: “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.
“We have previously warned about the dangers of ‘six-week wonders’ trying to enter the industry after taking just a short course in basic skills and we will continue to alert the sector and the wider public of the potentially dangerous consequences of employing such people.”
The new figures have emerged during another bumper year for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland, with 908 new starts and full classes for the 2023/24 intake following the 900-plus apprentices and adult trainees recruited for both 2022/23 and 2021/22.
Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT,which manages high-quality training on behalf of the SJIB, said: “The healthy state of electrical skills training in Scotland is reflected in the high apprentice and adult trainee intake for the past three years, with enthusiastic students, and committed employers, most of whom are members of SELECT.
“These employees are the future of the industry and it’s vital that everyone recognises the importance of the industry-led scheme which is an exemplar model.
“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.”
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said the recent victory by a Scottish apprentice in the national SkillELECTRIC competition is a further indicator of the high standard of training north of the Border.
Danny McBean, 21 (pictured above), from SELECT Member company Grants (Dufftown) Ltd, triumphed in the UK-wide skills contest in Manchester in November – the third Scottish apprentice to win the title in the past four years.
Alan said: “Danny scored top marks after excelling in a complicated electrical installation task against the very best young electrical talent from across the UK.
“His victory – and the achievements of other young Scots in previous years – reflects the quality of instruction that electrical apprentices and adult trainees currently receive at training centres across Scotland.
“As the country moves towards a wholly electricity-dependent economy, we must ensure that young talent like Danny is properly nurtured to guarantee both a brighter industry and a safer Scotland for years to come.”
The SJIB and SELECT have warned that training must remain on a national level – and insist it is essential to take a “one nation” approach to ensure skills, standards and safety are consistent everywhere across Scotland and the UK
Localised training has been suggested as a ‘quick fix’ for teaching would-be electricians new skills, but both bodies say such routes are restrictive and not practical for what is traditionally a transient workforce.
The SJIB and SELECT insist the industry should be looking at the bigger picture when it comes to standards in a sector which is now crucial to society’s future – not taking a narrow view that is no good for the learner or the wider industry.
Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “With emerging technology developing and being adopted at an ever-increasing rate, it is vital to equip the talent of tomorrow with a broad range of in-depth skills to work across the whole of the UK – and beyond.
“As the electrification of society continues to become a reality, the professionalism and technical expertise of electricians demands a one-nation approach, not piecemeal localised training which simply doesn’t meet the standards and quality that the industry strives for.
“Restrictive local routes do little to enhance the skills or prospects of the coming generations of electrician or enable the freedom of movement of highly-trained, competent and safe-working trades people.”
Ms Harper, who is also Director of Employment & Skills at SELECT, said it was vital that the sector continued to promote and follow national routes, adding: “In Scotland, we manage training through the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to ensure quality, standards and safety are consistent and to ensure apprentices can pass the industry’s assessment of competence, the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA).
“We also work with colleagues across the other UK nations to ensure that same standard and quality is maintained to enable free movement and highly trained, safe-working electricians.
“Localised training claims to be meeting the needs of local communities, but the existing system already does that far more efficiently. Through SECTT, the SJIB national training programmes engages with 21 local colleges across Scotland, including the islands.
“By feeding the colleges with local learners, we aim to have apprentices employed and trained in the communities in which they live– and also equipped with the skills they need if they ever wish to broaden their horizons.”
The appeal to maintain a national perspective comes during another healthy year for electrical training, with more than 900 learners enrolling for the 2023-24 intake following similarly high numbers in 2021 and 2022.
Ms Harper added: “As well as a high intake, current FICA pass rates are also at an encouragingly high level, showing the effectiveness of the current system and how well it works on a national level. Retention and completion rates are also high, showing that young learners are realising the value of taking a wider one-nation view.”
Two young electricians have been recognised for their exceptional talent in the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year Awards, in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical.
John Baxter proudly lifted the 2023 trophy after impressing the judges, while fellow Ben Wardrop received the 2022 award in recognition of his achievements, with both also being presented with a cheque for £1,000.
Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “The SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrate the best new talent in our industry and reinforce the fact that apprentices are the sector’s great hope for the future.
“John and Ben are both remarkable young electrical professionals who have demonstrated tenacity and determination to succeed in their chosen careers and have now acquired skills which are not only future-proofed but internationally-transferrable.
“They have both shown both ability and dedication throughout their training and we are delighted that they have now been recognised for their exceptional talent.”
Derek Allen, Scottish Regional Director of Edmundson Electrical, added: “Both winners should be rightfully proud of their achievements and their employers, college lecturers and training officers from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) should also be praised for continuing to help develop the talent of tomorrow.”
John, from Macduff, Banffshire, works for Muirton Control and Automation in Fochabers, Morayshire, after completing his studies at North East Scotland College’s Fraserburgh Campus.
He was presented with his award by Alick Smith, Leader of the Employers’ side of the SJIB National Board and Convenor of the SELECT Employment Affairs Committee.
The 25-year-old said: “Undertaking my apprenticeship has been a great challenge, but also a terrific opportunity and to have my hard work recognised in this way is more than I could ever have hoped for.
“I would like to thank not only my lecturers, whose patience and understanding was very reassuring, and my employers, who have been unfailingly supportive, but also all the time-served tradesmen I have worked with. Their good-humoured support has been crucial.”
Ewen McDonald, Director of Muirton Control, said: “John has shown from day one that he has what it takes to be an excellent electrician. He has been a fast, effective worker and this award is no more than he deserves.”
Fellow winner Ben, from Stirling, works for Ross-shire Engineering in Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, after studying at Forth Valley College in Falkirk.
He was presented with his award by Scott Foley, Leader of the Trade Union side of the SJIB National Board, Chair of the SECTT Board of Trustees and Regional Officer at Unite the Union.
The 23-year-old said: “Electrical apprenticeships are more vital than ever and I’m very pleased not only to have completed my learning but to also have been awarded this tremendous accolade.
“With this award, I really feel that I’m on the start of a career path which could take me anywhere. I feel a debt of gratitude to everyone who backed me and showed faith in me.”
Lloyd Scott, Electrical Operations Manager at Ross-shire Engineering, said: “Ben deserves this award for the dedication, discipline and enthusiasm he has displayed throughout his training. He has a stellar career ahead of him and we are proud to have played our part in his development.”
Founded in 1969 by SELECT and Unite the Union, the SJIB’s duties include regulating between employers and employees, providing benefits for people engaged in the industry, and stimulating industry progress.
In addition, it has oversight of employment, skills and proficiency, health and safety competence, wages and welfare benefits across the electrical industry in Scotland.
Edmundson Electrical is an electrical wholesaler that serves Scotland from more than 37 locations. Its customer base includes electrical contractors and engineers, industrial companies, facilities management, government agencies and local authorities.
Full interviews with both winners and their employers will appear in the October edition of cabletalk, the stakeholder magazine of SELECT.
SELECT and UNITE the Union have concluded a two-year deal for the SJIB National Working Rules. The hourly rates and amended conditions of employment have been agreed by the SJIB National Board by e-ballot and will be ratified at the next National Board meeting on Wednesday 4 October 2023.
The new rates will apply with effect from Monday 1 January 2024, with further enhancements to both rates and some terms of employment taking effect on Monday 6 January 2025.
More information can be found here: SJIB Circular 04 – Wages and Promulgation for 2024 and 2025
