Meet inaugural recipients of new Powering Potential initiative

6 hours ago

5 min read

Three Member firms recently celebrated receiving £6,000 each as part of the new Powering Potential partnership between SELECT and Luceco Group. We caught up with each business owner and their apprentice to find out more about them…

Congratulations on receiving this funding. How does it feel?

TONY WALSH (T Walsh Contracts Ltd): In the current economic climate, any support is important and very much appreciated so I’m extremely grateful for this funding. I feel strongly about the importance of taking on apprentices and this means a lot.

VAL CHISHOLM (V C Electrical): Running a business can feel quite lonely at times, so having this support and recognition from the industry feels like a reward for the years of hard work and commitment that have gone into building the business. It also gives me a real sense of encouragement and motivation to keep moving forward and continue growing. This funding will now allow us to invest in training in new areas that would otherwise be out of reach. It will help us expand our skills, broaden the services we offer and create new opportunities for the business to grow. It’s great to see the industry showing such a strong commitment to investing in the next generation, so I’d just like to say a big thank you to SELECT and Luceco Group for this support.

ALLAN BEVERIDGE JNR (A B Electrical Scotland Ltd): The funding is an extremely welcome boost as it definitely feels like it’s becoming a tighter climate for electricians lately. It also feels like recognition for taking a number of apprentices through their careers.

How significant are the costs of taking on an apprentice in the current climate?

TW: Massive. They’re are in college for 17 weeks during their first year, which can make it an unaffordable option for some small businesses.

VC: It’s a huge responsibility, especially in today’s economic climate. There are times where you’re without that extra pair of hands on site while still carrying the cost and responsibility of their training and development. That said, seeing an apprentice develop into a confident and competent tradesperson is incredibly rewarding.

AB: Absolutely. Although the costs are high, you’re investing in the person, your business and the future of the industry.

What other challenges do you face?

TW: Increasing costs for materials and fuel make it difficult to remain competitive. Clients are often only looking to get essential work done and at the cheapest price possible.

AB: I agree with that – it’s getting tougher out there.

VC: It’s becoming increasingly difficult to absorb all the rising costs without passing them on to customers. More employer funding would make a real difference, both for apprentices coming into the trade and established businesses looking to develop their skills and move into new areas. On the customer side, targeted VAT relief on certain projects could help stimulate spending, making improvements such as EV charging and energy-efficient electrical solutions more affordable and encouraging more customers to invest.

Ritchie Pirie, left, and Allan Beveridge Snr from A B Electrical Scotland Ltd

How important are apprentices to your business?

TW: Without apprentices the industry will die, so it’s our duty to pass on our knowledge and skills to the next generation. After training up apprentices I went from being a one-man band to having five vans on the road, but I knew they’d all been properly trained and would represent the company to a high standard.

VC: Investing in apprentices ensures the next generation gains the right experience and knowledge to keep the industry safe and the standards high. If businesses stop recruiting and developing home-grown talent, the electrical industry risks facing a shortage of well-trained and competent electricians, which is bad news for everyone.

AB: Apprentices are vital for the future of the sector, which is why we’ve brought on five ourselves so far. For me, there just don’t seem to be as many apprentices on-site these days so we need to do something to ensure we prevent a shortage of qualified tradespeople.

VC: Without enough businesses taking on apprentices, more people may enter the industry seeing it as an easy or quick route into a trade, without fully understanding the level of training, responsibility and skill required.

And what makes a good apprentice?

VC: We look for someone with a good attitude, good manners and a sense of humour. Being able to take instructions, listen and learn is important, but we also value someone who can think proactively, show initiative and get stuck in.

TW: Common sense and a good attitude is definitely important – but unfortunately you can’t always teach that!

AB: I’d agree with Tony and Val. Technical skills can be taught, but the right attitude and willingness to learn are much harder.

VC: What I would say to other employers is that there are plenty of employable young people out there who are keen to learn and build a career in the trade. So if you’re a good electrician, why not pass on the skills and knowledge you’ve developed over the years? Taking on an apprentice is a big commitment, but you don’t need to know everything or have all the answers to make it work.

Apprentice Thomas Shirkie, left, and Tony Walsh of T Walsh Contracts Ltd

Over to the apprentices now. What made you want to join the industry?

THOMAS SHIRKIE, 19 (T Walsh Contracts Ltd): My uncle is an electrician and has always said it’s a good career. I then did some work experience at BAE Systems and City Builders, which really reinforced it for me. When I left school, I went into the pre-apprenticeship programme at Springburn College which I enjoyed and which made me more determined to become an electrician.

RITCHIE PIRIE, 17 (A B Electrical Scotland Ltd): I’ve always wanted to be an electrician too. I was supposed to start with another company last year but it didn’t happen so I’m excited to have this second chance.

REECE MICHIE, 18 (V C Electrical): I enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving and I knew that the electrical industry offered a secure career, so it seemed like the perfect fit.

What attracted you to an apprenticeship over another career path?

TS: I feel I work better hands-on, so an apprenticeship was more suited to me than an office job or university. I enjoyed school and stayed on until 6^th year, but uni was never really in my plans.

RM: An apprenticeship appealed because it allowed me to earn while I learn, plus I like the combination of classroom learning and practical experience. I enjoy working with my hands and learning new skills, so this was perfect.

RP: I agree; gaining qualifications while getting real experience on the job is definitely the best part.

And finally, what are you looking forward to the most?

TS: Learning more about the trade and, further down the line, getting my own van and being trusted to go to jobs by myself. My long-term ambitions are to get my qualifications and be an electrician producing high-quality work.

RM: Gaining practical experience on site, learning from qualified professionals, developing new skills and working towards becoming a fully qualified electrician. In the long run, I’d like to start up my own electrical business.

RP: I’m pretty much the same as Thomas and Reece – I’m hard working and enthusiastic, so just want to do my best in whatever the future brings.