ELECTRICAL apprentices have again been revealing their behind-the-scenes secrets in the second episode of the new podcast from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and trade association SELECT.
The latest instalment of Sparks’ Remarks features the thoughts of five apprentices as they reflect on their first year of training. The episode – titled More than wires and pliers: My first year as an apprentice – also hears from three fourth-year apprentices who are preparing to leave West Lothian College and put their training into practice.
Both groups talk about their experience at college and on-site, the complexity of the courses, and the support they have received from trainers.
Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, which manages training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), said, “It’s wonderful to listen to this second episode and hear how well our learners are progressing and embracing their opportunity. It’s clear that they appreciate the support they receive from college staff and lecturers, and that they’re beginning to understand the social and economic importance of the roles they are being trained to play.”
The first half of the podcast catches up with first-year learners Fay Greens and Mason Arthurs who work for West Lothian Council, Nick Anderson of Glasgow Rewires Ltd, Robbie Super of Everwarm Ltd and Aaron Muir from Westrigg Electrical Services. The trainees – who were introduced in the first episode in April – reveal their progress and how they have advanced over recent months.
Aimed at existing and would-be apprentices, Sparks’ Remarks also features three apprentices at the other end of their training who are in their fourth year and looking forward to a career both at home and further afield.
The new release follows April’s launch episode, The good, the bad and the fallopian tube windups, with the trainees again talking to journalist Kim McAllister and Barrie McKay, training and development manager at SECTT.
Barrie said, “Once again, I have been really impressed by the young stars of Sparks’ Remarks and it’s clear their work ethic is strong and they really want to succeed in their chosen career. If they can take on these responsibilities at the age of 16 or 17, they can acquire the tools which will allow them to progress in their company, or perhaps even start their own business. Who knows, they may even take on apprentices of their own one day?”
Iain Mason, director of membership and communications at SELECT, added, “It is accepted now that the future is electric and these young people and hundreds of others like them will be crucial as the industry helps our transformation into a net zero society. This second episode of the podcast reinforces the dedication involved and emphasises that there are no short cuts to creating a skilled workforce that can work safely with the renewables technology that is developing at a rapid rate.”
The podcast comes during a record year for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland, with 934 apprentices and adult trainees recruited for the 2022/23 intake and extra financial support secured for the 2023/24 intake after lobbying by SELECT, SECTT, the SJIB and Unite the Union.
- You can listen to the second episode of the new Sparks’ Remarks podcast here.
