TRADE body SELECT has welcomed the Scottish Government’s new housing emergency action plan – but highlighted the importance of having enough skilled professionals to deliver it.
The plans include a £4.9 billion investment over the next four years for social and affordable housing.
SELECT said a renewed commitment to training and apprenticeships is central to the long-term delivery of its aims. MD Alan Wilson said, “The action plan recognises the immediacy of the housing crisis in Scotland, but in order for it to be successfully delivered, the construction sector will need a pool of trained and skilled professionals that includes electricians.
“I know that many of our members are concerned about skills shortages we may face as this ambitious programme develops, and it is absolutely vital that the Scottish Government continues to support the training of electrical installation apprentices. SELECT has been a consistent advocate for the development of talent across the electrotechnical industry and as our homes become increasingly electrified we must be aware of, and address, future needs if the country’s housing ambitions are to be fully realised.”
SELECT board member Jim Cooper, who is MD of Ayrshire-based Electro Installations, agreed on the importance of establishing a pipeline of electrical talent. The vice chair of SELECT’s Ayrshire branch added, “I genuinely feel the industry will be in a critical period if it doesn’t ensure that enough skilled labour is coming through. Intervention from government is needed, and needed soon.
“Employers must of course play their part by taking on and training young people, but the government needs to take the responsibility for ensuring that Scotland produces the skilled staff it needs for the industry to grow and successfully deliver ambitious plans like this.”
