Of the 19,566 individuals in Scotland with an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card – an {industry} requirement to exhibit competence –40% (7,813) are aged between 16 and 29, with simply 19% (3,836) aged 50 or over.

Some 24% of holders of the accreditation that allows holder to hold out electrical work are aged between 30 and 39 (4,603), with 17 % (3,314) within the 40 to 49 bracket.

Fiona Harper, secretary of the Scottish Joint Business Board (SJIB), mentioned: “These encouraging findings counter the oft-heard fears of an ageing workforce that received’t get replaced. As a substitute, it suggests an engaged and keen youthful era who’re already embracing the problem of recent know-how and can proceed to securely warmth and energy our properties and enterprise for generations to come back.

“Because the electrification of society continues, we’re waiting for 2024 with confidence {that a} wholesome pipeline of younger expertise is rising, produce certified electricians who’ve a stable, broad base of data that may be added to with extra coaching as required.”

The brand new figures have emerged throughout one other bumper yr for electrical apprenticeships in Scotland, with 908 new begins and full lessons for the 2023/24 consumption following the 900-plus apprentices and grownup trainees recruited for each 2022/23 and 2021/22.

 Anne Galbraith, chief govt of the Scottish Electrical Charitable Coaching Belief (SECTT), which manages coaching on behalf of the SJIB, mentioned: “The wholesome state {of electrical} abilities coaching in Scotland is mirrored within the excessive apprentice and grownup trainee consumption for the previous three years, with enthusiastic college students, and dedicated employers, most of whom are members of Choose [the Scottish electrical contractors’ trade association].

“These workers are the way forward for the {industry} and it’s very important that everybody recognises the significance of the industry-led scheme which is an exemplar mannequin. It’s essential that {an electrical} apprenticeship continues to be the recognised path to market to make sure we prepare the workforce of the long run within the abilities they might want to ship internet zero efficiently and safely.”

Obtained a narrative? E mail information@theconstructionindex.co.uk