A Scottish National Party MSP has lodged a formal motion at Holyrood to recognise the vital contribution of electricians to Scotland’s economy and its transition to net zero.
Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North, tabled the motion ahead of International Electricians’ Day on 10 June, an annual event celebrating the work of 2.7 million electrotechnical professionals across Europe.
The motion highlights the essential role electricians play in designing, installing and maintaining systems that keep homes powered, public services operational, hospitals running and businesses productive. It also commends the work of SELECT, the trade body representing Scotland’s electrical contracting industry, for its ongoing support of the profession.
In the motion, Mr Beattie states that Parliament “recognises International Electricians’ Day” and acknowledges the “vital role” played by electrical professionals across the country. He further notes the importance of SELECT in promoting skills development and maintaining high standards within the sector.
The declaration, which has received backing from 10 other MSPs since being tabled on 29 May, also underlines the profession’s importance to Scotland’s net zero ambitions. It points to electricians’ role in delivering renewable energy projects, electrifying heat and transport, and modernising buildings and infrastructure.
However, the motion also raises concerns about ongoing skills shortages within the industry, stressing the need to attract and retain apprentices and adult trainees. It calls on the Scottish Government, employers and training providers to continue promoting careers in the electrical trades and to strengthen support for skills development.
Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, welcomed the move, describing it as “very timely” recognition of a profession central to Scotland’s future.
She said: “We are very grateful that Mr Beattie has highlighted this important day, promoted by EuropeOn with the message ‘Skilled Hands, Resilient Europe’.
“It is fitting that the Scottish Parliament is helping to celebrate the men and women who not only keep the lights on and the wheels turning, but are also integral to building a greener, fairer society.
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“However, as the motion recognises, the sector faces significant challenges, particularly around skills shortages and the need to attract new entrants. This is an issue SELECT has consistently campaigned on.”
Mr Beattie has long supported SELECT’s push for greater regulation of the profession, including proposals to make it an offence for unqualified individuals to present themselves as electricians.
He is among a number of MSPs backing the organisation’s Wall of Support initiative, alongside newly elected parliamentarians David Barratt and Lloyd Melville, who pledged their support following May’s election.
