The Electrical Training Scheme
The only industry approved training scheme for apprenticeships in Scotland is the Scottish Joint Industry Board's Apprenticeship Training Scheme. This scheme is designed to regulate the entry, conditions of service, training and education of apprentices in the Electrical Contracting Industry and to ensure that they are trained to the standards set by Summitskills, the industry's lead body. The Scottish Scheme incorporates the Modern Apprenticeship, which includes the level 3 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Electrical Installation. A contribution towards the cost of training is mainly provided through the Local Enterprise Companies' Skillseekers scheme.
The various organisations involved in the development, control and delivery of electrical apprenticeships in Scotland are:
SELECT
The Trade Association for the electrical contracting and electronics industries in Scotland. It is governed by a central board comprising the office bearers and elected representatives drawn from its branches.
The Scottish Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry (SJIB)
The organisation governed by representatives from SELECT and Unite the Union that agrees the conditions of services, wage rates, etc. within the electrical contracting industry in Scotland. The SJIB is responsible for the design of the Apprenticeship Training Scheme to ensure that apprentices are trained to the standard required by SummitSkills. It is also a joint Awarding Partner for the SVQ which is a constituent part of the Training Scheme.
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
This organisation ensures that the college based training is provided in the approved format and to the required standards. It is also a joint Awarding partner with the SJIB for the SVQ which is a constituent part of the Training Scheme.
Unite the Union
The recognised Trade Union of the electrical contracting industry in the UK
SummitSkills
SummitSkills is the Sector Skills Council for the building services engineering sector. It has been created by employers, for employers, to address five key objectives:
- Alleviate skills gaps
- Improve productivity
- Provide career progression
- Develop a competent workforce
- Champion the sector's skills agenda
The employer-led approach of SummitSkills gives businesses in the sector a key role in increasing their own and the country's productivity and profitability. Through the establishment of Sector Skills Councils, employers now have a direct route to influence strategic planning relating to skills and training.
