Marvin OnumonuSELECT has backed the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan, but warned that the country must ensure there are enough trained construction professionals to deliver it.
This comes after the Government set out a £4.9bn programme to tackle homelessness and boost social and affordable housing over the next four years.
Jim Cooper (pictured), managing director at Electro Installations and a SELECT board member, said: “I genuinely feel the industry will be in a critical period if it doesn’t ensure that enough skilled labour is coming through.
“Intervention from the government is needed, and needed soon.
“Employers must of course play their part by taking on and training young people, but the government needs to take the responsibility for ensuring that Scotland produces the skilled staff it needs for the industry to grow and successfully deliver ambitious plans like this.”
Alan Wilson, managing director at SELECT, said: “The Action Plan recognises the immediacy of the housing crisis in Scotland, but in order for it to be successfully delivered, the construction sector will need a pool of trained and skilled professionals that includes electricians.
“I know that many of our members are concerned about skills shortages we may face as this ambitious programme develops, and it is absolutely vital that the Scottish Government continues to support the training of electrical installation apprentices.
“SELECT has been a consistent advocate for the development of talent across the electrotechnical industry and as our homes become increasingly electrified we must be aware of, and address, future needs if the country’s housing ambitions are to be fully realised.”
