News

Talented newcomers to Scotland’s electrical wholesale sector can compete for a brand new award £500 cash thanks to a tie-up between SELECT and the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA). In October 2017, the SELECT awards, which showcase the very best talent in the Scottish electrotechnical sector, will present the EDA Scottish Section Apprentice of the Year prize to an outstanding apprentice who is working and training in a wholesale branch in Scotland.

90% increase

This new award reflects the increased demand for apprentices amongst EDA members across Scotland: over the two years 2015-2016 there has been a 90% increase in the volume of apprentices recruited for electrical wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers, compared to 2012-2014.

Sponsored

The award is sponsored by EDA Apprenticeships Plus, with whom the EDA partners to deliver apprenticeship training for members.

Stearn’s Kristian Van Rensburg, Chair of the EDA Scottish Section, said “This is simply great news. I am passionate about apprenticeships as a way of attracting new talent to the sector. The employers that I speak to across Scotland are very positive about the contribution that apprentices are making to business performance. This is an opportunity to acknowledge that contribution.”

Heart of the electrical supply chain

Margaret Fitzsimons, EDA Director, added: “This new award gives us an established platform from which to celebrate the professionalism, skills and expertise of apprentices working at the heart of the electrical supply chain.

“This new award will not only recognise exceptional performance, but will also help to raise the profile of the excellent career opportunities available in the wider electrical sector.”

Newell McGuinness, MD at SELECT added “We are delighted that the EDA are becoming involved in our annual awards event. EDA members undertake an important role in the electrical supply chain and it will be great to recognise their members’ commitment to apprentice training.”