Campaigning trade association SELECT has launched a new series of recommended training routes to provide clear advice on the right path to becoming a qualified electrician in Scotland.
Developed in partnership with The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), the guidance is designed for both school leavers and those looking for a career in the electrical industry at any age.
Crucially, the three routes clearly stress that becoming a fully qualified electrician can only be achieved with valid on-site work experience, as opposed to courses that offer no real-world practical skills.
Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, said: “The message from these graphics is clear – becoming a qualified electrician is not possible without gaining the work-based Modern Apprenticeship and SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF 7.
“Courses for ‘domestic installers’, which are often promoted to career changers, do not lead to qualified electrician status as they only provide a limited scope of skills.
“An apprenticeship is the preferred route into the industry, as it provides the essential work-based experience needed to develop knowledge, skills and competence over a period of time.
“We hope the three routes will help people make informed decisions about the correct way to train and achieve a valued electrical qualification that is recognised by employers.”
The new infographics – which are hosted on the Electrical Careers website – show three ways into the industry: apprentice training, adult training and the Crediting Electrotechnical Competence scheme.
Ms Harper, who is also The Secretary of The Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), added: “Choosing one of these three routes is the only way to developing a trained, certified and competent individual.
“The value of the SJIB apprenticeship has continued to prove its worth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 500 apprentices taken on in Scotland since last summer.
“This proves that both trainees and employers see the value in a proper grounding and training in all aspects of electrical work; a grounding that will see them carry out their roles safely and responsibly in the years ahead and help build an electric future for all of us.”
TESP is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company formed by the SELECT, the ECA, JIB, NET and Unite the Union to support electrotechnical employers and deliver a wide range of projects to support the industry’s skills needs.
