Ayr-based T Walsh Contracts Ltd has been awarded £6,000 in funding through Powering Potential, a new initiative launched by SELECT and Luceco Group to deliver apprentice funding to small businesses across Scotland. The firm is one of three SELECT member companies selected to receive support under the programme, which helps companies with a track record of training to offset the cost of employing apprentices during their first year.
Funding to support new recruit
The funding will help owner Tony Walsh train new recruit Thomas Shirkie, 19, who is working towards a career in the electrical industry after completing a pre-apprenticeship programme. Tony said the funding comes at a vital time for smaller firms.
“It is very important. In the current economic climate, any additional employer support is important and very much appreciated,” he said. “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.”
Tony added: “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.”
Recognition for training commitment
A SELECT member since its formation in 2008, T Walsh currently employs six people and carries out domestic, commercial, EV and solar PV work. It has an established track record of training apprentices, with three former learners now fully qualified electricians.
Tony said that recognition for businesses that continue to invest in apprenticeships was particularly welcome. “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,” he said. “Without apprentices, our industry will die so it is our duty to pass on our knowledge and skills to the next generation.”
Apprentice’s career ambition
Apprentice Thomas said he had been determined to pursue an electrical career after gaining work experience and completing a pre-apprenticeship programme.
“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,” he said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Presentation at President’s Lunch
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 duo received their funding at The Balmoral from SELECT President Darren Crockett and Ian Hunter, UK Trade Sales Director at Luceco Group, who 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.”
She added: “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.”
Supported by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the new initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about rising training costs, with a SELECT survey revealing that high wages and low employer funding are the biggest obstacles to recruiting apprentices.
As well as T Walsh Contracts Ltd, the other recipients of the inaugural Powering Potential funding are V C Electrical in Gullane and A B Electrical Scotland Ltd in Aboyne, both of whom are long-term members of SELECT and also have a proven track record of training apprentices.
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.”
