An article in our electrical trade magazine highlighted a new report that's estimates that up to 15,000 extra skilled electricians will be required in the UK over the next 5 years.

New technologies around smart homes, electric vehicles and Wi-Fi were amongst the main new services stated for increasing demand for skilled installers but it was the section on apprenticeships that caught my eye. 

It was pleasing to read that an electrical apprenticeship is still a highly rated initial career move and that it was still evident for employers to receive a return on investment to employ apprentices.

What was worrying but not surprising though was one of the reasons given for new apprenticeship numbers being insufficient to meet the increased demand in recruitment - candidate attitude and behaviours. 

I have had to deal with a fair share of attitudes and behaviours from youngsters over the years and while some of them just could not be helped, it does make me wonder whether some of them would've had a better attitude to our type of work if trade apprenticeships had been sold by the education establishments as a positive long term rewarding career move for school leavers.

This in my mind has been confirmed by one of the solutions highlighted in the report which is the "development of new careers resources, promotion of industry-recognised qualifications and activity to forge closer ties between industry, schools and further education".

More needs to be done to change the attitude of the school system to promote apprenticeships equally as they do to promote University which is why I recently engaged with one of our local high schools to offer work experience at Stirling Electrical Services to a fourth year school student which turned out to be a success and well received by the student, school and us.

I have offered future dates over the coming year to host more work experience school students and I will further engage with local schools to highlight the rewarding career their students can have in the electrical industry.

Work experience while still at school is a good move to see if a career in the electrical industry may suit the youngster, with the main  education being a 5 year apprenticeship under the guidance of SECTT the electrical training body in Scotland. 

SECTT plays a pivotal role between the apprentices and employers and their role is vital in making sure apprentices have a successful 4-5 years and go on to become skilled electricians. 

Enrolling to undertake the industry pre-apprenticeship exam via the SECTT website is also one of the first actions a prospective apprentice needs to do.

With the correct attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn apprentices can have a rewarding and long term career in the electrical industry and our own apprentice intake for Autumn 2019 will begin soon, so if you are interested in taking a step to becoming an electrical apprenticeship email us with your CV and details to this address - but only DO SO if you have already sat and passed the above pre-apprenticeship exam. 

Some of our Stirling Electrical team are just back from working in Rothesay installing new external LED lighting.

Out trip to the Isle of Bute was to replace near 20 year old metal halide fittings which had lasted well in the west coast sea air, but the time had come to replace them.

So it  was 'in with the new' LED lights which will be now be lighting up our customers building.

I recently attended the  ELEX exhibition in Manchester where all things electrical trade were on show and discussed.

It's important to keep up to date with the latest electrical news, regulations and equipment which is why I travel south every few years. 

Stirling Electrical Services are a proud member of SELECT and it is through them that myself and our other electricians update our electrical training and qualifications with their excellent training courses, but I always feel with electrical wiring regulations that it's good to have a different perspective and opinion which is why attending the seminars at this event by IET and NAPIT makes it worthwhile visiting. 

Plus there's also a free Bacon Roll and plenty of pens to be had.

Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. were delighted to be involved in the refurbishment of Gallery Two at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, one of Stirling's finest attractions and we wish them success with the new gallery.

It's well worth a visit - some fabulous art on show.

I would like to thank the members of our own team and other contractors who were part of the project.

Below you will find the official opening announcement and official photos from The Stirling Smith facebook page as well as some of our own work photos during the project. The previous lighting track, power outlets and cabling were removed with the installation of new cables and power outlets including new lighting track with LED lights which highlights superbly the art on display.
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In recent weeks we have been working at some of Stirling’s most famous historic locations and on Monday we started a refurbishment project at The National Wallace Monument.
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2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the famous building commemorating William Wallace and The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

"Our mental health affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can feel just as bad, or worse, than any other illness" - SAMH website - www.samh.org.uk

I believe one of the biggest health challenges we currently face in the modern world is also still one of the least talked about and perhaps still thought of as a taboo subject. 

Great work has been undertaken in recent years in raising awareness  of mental health and the importance of sufferers talking and seeking help but there's still a long way to go before mental health is taken as seriously as a physical health problem.

I, like many others, face challenges each day, week, month and year with coping with my thoughts in everyday family and business life.

On the days that don't go well for me, it affects my mood, my thoughts and my actions. There have been a few serious low points for me over the years but thankfully I have found and invested in methods and tactics that help me cope.

From meditating, journalling, joining groups, to paper exercises such as asking myself a series of questions about my thoughts I have been able to help ease any major issues I could have had.

One of those methods of coping is running - I have found changing my physical state either with running or a brisk walk to be one of my best tactics to help my mind and thoughts.

Unfortunately there are many people affected by mental health - many people in everyday walks of life who from an outside perspective seem happy, seem successful and seem contented with life.

But on the inside they are not coping with their thoughts. They are in a dark place inside and don't know what to do to help ease their troublesome thoughts.

In recent years there has been an increase in awareness regarding mental health but there is a long way to go before, not only at public level but also at government level, mental health issues are deemed as important as a physical health issue.

This year as part of my Stirling Marathon 26.2 mile challenge I would like to raise awareness and would welcome your support in donating to help the Scottish Association of Mental Health and the work they do to help and care for those affected by mental health.

Please consider donating at www.scottmclean.charity

Thank you for your Support
Scott McLean
www.scottmclean.scot