AN MSP has praised the ‘incredible work’ of the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) following a ‘hugely valuable’ visit to its Midlothian headquarters.
Angela Ross, regional MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, made the visit to learn more about the charity’s role in developing Scotland’s future electrical installation workforce and discuss the importance of apprenticeships to the economy and the net zero transition.
SECTT currently supports more than 3,500 apprentices and adult trainees and works with more than 1,500 employers and 22 approved training centres and colleges across the country. Over the past 36 years, SECTT has helped train more than 25,000 electrotechnical professionals.
During the visit, Angela met SECTT chief executive, Fiona Harper, and the organisation’s training and development manager, Barrie McKay. She received a presentation on SECTT’s work supporting thousands of apprentices and adult trainees across Scotland.
The meeting included a discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the electrotechnical sector – including the need to ensure Scotland has the skilled workforce required to meet growing demand for electrical expertise across housing, infrastructure, renewables, and the energy mix.
Angela also heard about SECTT’s work with employers, colleges, and training centres across Scotland and the importance of continued investment in high-quality apprenticeships and skills.
Fiona Harper, chief executive of SECTT, said, “Angela’s visit was a really valuable opportunity to take her through the work SECTT does and discuss some of the opportunities and challenges facing electrical installation apprenticeships in Scotland.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Angela for giving us her time and taking such a genuine interest in our work and the issues affecting apprentices, employers and the wider electrotechnical sector.
“Scotland is going to need a highly skilled electrical installation workforce if we are to deliver our ambitions around housing, infrastructure and renewables, and apprenticeships will be absolutely fundamental to achieving that.
“We look forward to continuing the conversation with Angela and working with her to ensure skills and apprenticeships receive the support and recognition they deserve.”
Angela Ross MSP, added, “It was fantastic to visit SECTT today and hear first-hand about the incredible work they’re doing to train Scotland’s next generation of electricians.
“Apprenticeships are vital to Scotland’s economy, and it was hugely valuable to learn more about the work SECTT is doing with employers and the wider industry to help build the skilled workforce Scotland will need for the future.”
