An Ayr electrical business has received £6,000 in special funding in recognition of its commitment to training the next generation of electricians.
T Walsh Contracts Ltd, owned by Tony Walsh, is among the first businesses in Scotland to benefit from the new Powering Potential initiative launched by electrical trade body SELECT and manufacturer Luceco Group.
The funding is designed to help smaller electrical contractors meet the significant costs involved in employing and training apprentices during their first year.
For T Walsh Contracts, the £6,000 award will help support new recruit Thomas Shirkie, 19, who is working towards a career in the electrical industry after completing a pre-apprenticeship programme.
Tony said the support had arrived at an important time for small businesses facing rising costs.
“It is very important. In the current economic climate, any additional employer support is important and very much appreciated.
“The cost of taking on an apprentice is massive. In their first year, apprentices are in college for 17 weeks, which can make it an unaffordable option for some small businesses.
“It’s very tough to run a business at the moment. Increasing costs for materials and fuel make it difficult to remain competitive, plus some clients are only looking to get essential work done and at the cheapest price possible.”
T Walsh Contracts has been a SELECT member since the company was formed in 2008 and currently employs six people.
The Ayr-based company carries out domestic and commercial electrical work as well as EV and solar PV installations.
It also has an established record of developing new talent, with three former apprentices having gone on to become fully qualified electricians.
Tony said he was particularly pleased that businesses continuing to invest in apprentices were being recognised.
“Getting the funding means a lot to me. I feel strongly about the importance of taking on apprentices and I am grateful to be recognised for the contribution I have made.
“Without apprentices, our industry will die so it is our duty to pass on our knowledge and skills to the next generation.”
Thomas, from Glasgow, said he had been determined to become an electrician after gaining work experience and completing his pre-apprenticeship.
He said: “I have wanted to be an electrician since doing work experience at BAE Systems and City Builders. My uncle is also an electrician and said it is a good career.
“When I left school, I went into the pre-apprenticeship programme at Springburn College which I enjoyed and made me more determined to become an electrician. I feel I work better hands-on, so an apprenticeship was more suited to me than an office job or university.
“I’m now looking forward to learning more about the trade, getting my own van and being trusted to go to jobs by myself further down the line.”
Tony and Thomas were announced as inaugural recipients of the Powering Potential support during a formal presentation at the SELECT President’s Lunch in Edinburgh on Friday, September 25.
The pair received the funding at The Balmoral from SELECT President Darren Crockett and Ian Hunter, UK Trade Sales Director at Luceco Group, which also donated electrical equipment to the young learners.
Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are extremely grateful to Luceco Group for helping us make this meaningful investment in the future of our sector.
“Employers continue to tell us that rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to recruit apprentices, particularly during the first year when they spend significant periods at college, so this partnership is a practical example of industry coming together to find solutions.
“We would also like to congratulate Tony on this award. His company has an excellent track record of training apprentices and is the perfect example of why using a SELECT member gives consumers the confidence that their electrician is fully qualified and competent.”
The initiative is also supported by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and comes amid concerns within the industry over the increasing cost of training apprentices.
According to SELECT, its own survey found that high wages and low levels of employer funding are among the biggest obstacles businesses face when considering recruiting apprentices.
T Walsh Contracts is one of three SELECT member businesses receiving funding in the first round.
V C Electrical in Gullane and A B Electrical Scotland Ltd in Aboyne have also received support, with all three firms having an established history of apprentice training.
Ian Hunter said: “As someone who started my own career as an apprentice, I know first-hand the opportunities that apprenticeship training can create.
“Luceco is proud to support this initiative because we recognise the pressures many employers face when investing in new talent. Supporting apprentices is an investment in the future of our industry and a way of giving something back to the contractors who support our business every day.
“We hope this financial support will help remove barriers, create opportunities and encourage more young people to pursue successful careers in the electrical sector.”