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
The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) have backed a call by Jamie Hepburn to unlock the potential of the nation’s young people and create a highly-skilled workforce to ensure a successful transition to net zero.
As Scottish Apprenticeship Week (SAW) begins, the training providers have both welcomed the Scottish Government Minister’s enthusiasm for more youngsters to become apprentices in the construction industry.
Mr Hepburn, the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training, said it was fitting that this year’s SAW had the theme of ‘Unlocking Potential’.
He said: “The construction industry is upskilling its workforce to deliver a decarbonised built environment, making it a critical sector as we move towards our net zero ambitions. We therefore need enthusiastic and passionate young people to take opportunities, and consider construction as a career path.”
Mr Hepburn said the construction industry would have a vital role to play both during and after the transition to net zero, adding: “The Scottish Government encourages young people to consider learning a practical trade as an option if this is where their interest lies, as these trades will be of vital importance to both themselves and future generations of Scots.”
Anne Galbraith, Chief Executive of SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the SJIB, said: “Having come through the trials of the pandemic period in much better shape than could have been expected, it is appropriate to celebrate the contribution that apprentices make.
“Recent research shows that Scotland can expect to generate 100,000 green jobs as it transitions to a carbon-free environment, and the message has been sent and received that the country and the industry needs more apprentices and full-blown tradesmen and women.
“In the electrotechnical sector alone, numbers of young people embarking on their new careers have increased year on year since the height of the pandemic – there were 800 in 2021 and nearly 1,000 last year – and employers deserve substantial credit for supporting them so wholeheartedly.”
Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB and Director of Employment & Skills at SELECT, said: “Unlocking Potential is the perfect theme for this year’s SAW, since the skills, dedication and commitment of our young people will be crucial as the built environment and the wider world moves away from its dependence on fossil fuels.
“From heat pumps for our homes to electric vehicles and green energy sources, the world is rapidly changing, and it is our young people who will not only install the necessary infrastructure but will maintain it over the years and pass on their knowledge to succeeding generations.
“Mr Hepburn is to be applauded for recognising that it makes sense for apprentices to seek a solid and rewarding career in an industry which will be so important to all of us in the coming years.”
A host of events will run during SAW, which runs from 6-10 March. Backed by Skills Development Scotland, it highlights how both apprentices and employers benefit from schemes and how learning providers support young people’s achievements.
The SAW Unlocking Potential digital toolkit, full of useful information, tips and social media posts, can be downloaded here.
