THE Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECCT) and Quartzelec marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 by welcoming Davy Russell MSP for a visit and discussion of skills, jobs, and Scotland’s future workforce.
As the managing agent, SECTT manages the relationship between employers, colleges, and the apprentices to make sure their training journey to becoming fully qualified is as smooth as possible.
Quartzelec is an electric engineering and contracting company with a significant base in Hamilton.
The visit was an opportunity to showcase how apprenticeships can help address youth unemployment, strengthen the skilled trades pipeline, and create long-term career opportunities across Scotland.
Mr Russell met two Quartzelec trainees representing different stages of the apprenticeship journey – Chris Schneider, currently in the third stage of the SJIB’s adult training programme, and Callum Young, who recently completed his training and is now a fully qualified electrician.
Chris shared insight into the demands of apprenticeship learning, noting that while college work can be intensive, setting aside dedicated study time is key to staying on top of the workload.
Callum spoke about the value of qualifying in the trade – highlighting how electrical installation training provides a strong foundation for progression into a wide range of roles across Quartzelec and the wider electrotechnical industry.
During the conversation, attendees discussed the scale of the opportunity for apprenticeships in Scotland, including the need to support young people into work and training, and the importance of developing skilled tradespeople to help deliver future housing and infrastructure projects.
Mr Russell also highlighted local housing pressures – including demand in Hamilton – and the need for a skilled workforce to build and modernise homes, including the integration of new and emerging technologies.
SECTT and Quartzelec said the discussion reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between employers, training bodies and policymakers to ensure apprentices have the support, opportunities and tools they need to succeed.
Davy Russell MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse commented, “I am grateful for the time taken by the teams at SECTT and Quartzelec during Scottish Apprenticeship week to show me around and spend time discussing the work they do. I’ve been particularly impressed by Chris and Callum and the work they and the company do.
“With one in six young people aged 20-24 not in work, education or training, we need to look to the past when apprentices were a viable, flexible and desirable option. The next generation of apprenticeships must have the support, funding and recognition to ensure they can allow our young people and industries to succeed.”
Kevin McKeown, of Quartzelec, added, “Apprenticeships are a vital investment in people, in our business and in the future of the industry. We are proud to support trainees as they develop rewarding careers and gain skills that are essential to Scotland’s future workforce.”
Training & development manager of SECTT, Barrie McKay, commented, “At SECTT, we are committed to working with employers and policymakers to help every apprentice succeed. Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when industry and government work together to create real opportunities.”
