SELECT has repeated its warning of the danger to public safety from organisations offering to train people in electrical skills in just a few weeks.
The trade association has highlighted the rising trend of ‘six-week wonders’ – and expressed dismay that some courses now appear to be offering even shorter training periods in electrotechnical work.
Alan Wilson, MD of SELECT, said, “Despite repeated warnings, we continue to see short courses being offered, including a recent example that promised to equip candidates with electrical installation skills in a month with no prior experience needed. It is a matter of considerable concern that some of these so-called training providers appear to be suggesting that it’s possible to learn in a few weeks some of the complex technical skills that qualified electricians take years to acquire.
“Inadequately trained people pose a significant risk to both consumers and the electrical sector itself. There is no substitute for a proper apprenticeship, followed by extensive on-the-job experience.”
SELECT has been at the forefront of a long-running campaign for the professional recognition of electricians, which is now gaining traction in the Scottish Parliament, and which would make it illegal for unqualified people to pose as electricians.
Alan added, “The key to keeping the sector safe is to make sure that people get work done properly and that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. With the rise in renewables and ever more sophisticated technology, it’s vitally important that only properly qualified and suitably skilled experts instal products and carry out repairs and maintenance.”
SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union all work with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to ensure the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation produces an annual pipeline of talent.
“The wellbeing of the public and the safety focus on the work undertaken by electricians have always been at the forefront of everything that SELECT does, which is why we help run some of the most rigorous and most demanding apprenticeships and training courses in the industry,” Alan said. “The industry already has routes to entry for people with transferrable skills but, in general, adult apprenticeship schemes are still the best option for securing a recognised qualification for people wanting a change in career.”
Callum Biscoe, owner of C&B Electrical Contractors Ltd, which carries out electrical work for commercial and domestic clients across the UK, said, “This is a timely warning from SELECT and we would agree that short training courses are no substitute for real apprenticeships. Here at C&B, we make sure every apprentice has a designated mentor who guides their progress until they are ready to take on a task unsupervised. There is no substitute for experience and learning on the job.”
