Luceco Group has partnered with SELECT to launch Powering Potential, a new £18,000 funding initiative that will help three small electrical businesses across Scotland with the cost of employing first-year apprentices.
The initiative responds to growing concerns around the cost of apprentice recruitment and training. A recent SELECT survey found that high wage costs and low levels of employer funding are among the biggest barriers businesses face when recruiting apprentices.
Through Powering Potential, Luceco Group and SELECT are providing practical support directly to electrical contractors, helping offset some of the costs associated with employing apprentices during their first year of training. The apprentices will also receive a toolkit, workwear and a selection of electrical products supplied by Luceco Group to support them as they begin their careers in the electrical industry.
The inaugural recipients, representing the East, West and North of Scotland, are:
- East: V C Electrical, Gullane, supporting apprentice Reece Michie.
- West: T Walsh Contracts, Ayr, supporting apprentice Thomas Shirkie.
- North: A B Electrical Scotland, Aboyne, supporting apprentice Richie Pirie.
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.”
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.
“However, while this funding will make a difference to these three SELECT members it is only a fraction of what is needed and is not a replacement for proper funding across the board. If Scotland is serious about addressing skills shortages and growing the workforce of the future, increased support for apprenticeships from government remains essential.”
