Why Electrical Safety Begins with a Successful Apprenticeship Programme
Alan Wilson, managing director of Scotland's largest construction trade association SELECT, has told a radio audience that training and apprenticeships are key to electrical safety.
Speaking as a guest on the popular, Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, Wilson said young people gain a thorough and rigorous grounding in quality and site safety via industry-recognised apprenticeships.
On the topic of apprenticeships, he said: "The fact is that awareness of safety starts at the very beginning, and that means with apprentices, which is why our industry has run a successful electrical apprenticeship programme for many years.
“This year, we have recruited almost 900 apprentices which is testament to the businesses in Scotland who put their faith in young people and as adults they take on.
That’s where safety starts.
“These people go through a proper apprenticeship.
It’s not one of these short apprentice programmes which lasts six months or a year.
Wilson also discussed regulation of the electrical industry, highlighting the need to restrict use of the title, 'Electrician', to suitably qualified professionals - a move the trade union has been campaigning for alongside the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB).
Wilson also discussed regulation of the electrical industry, highlighting the need to restrict use of the title, 'Electrician', to suitably qualified professionals - a move the trade union has been campaigning for alongside the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB).
Electricians do safety-critical work and if they get it wrong it can have potentially life-ending consequences for them or the people they do the work for. It’s not overstating the situation to say that work carried out by unqualified people can be fatal.
He explained: “Electricians do safety-critical work and if they get it wrong it can have potentially life-ending consequences for them or the people they do the work for.
It’s not overstating the situation to say that work carried out by unqualified people can be fatal.
“There are some 70 protected titles, from obvious ones like teachers, dentists and nurses to other trades like farriers and nightclub bouncers.
Individuals and organisations can support SELECTS's campaign for greater regulation of the electrical industry in Scotland by signing the organisation's Wall of Support.
“If electricians had protection of title, people would know that if someone came to their door claiming to be an electrician then they could confirm they were qualified.
“We are trying to get rid of people who have no training – it’s about protecting the public and the perception of the industry.”
Individuals and organisations can support SELECTS's campaign for greater regulation of the electrical industry in Scotland by signing the organisation's Wall of Support.
