APPRENTICES SCOTTISH APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
PARKER TECHNICAL From left: Gordon Penman of SECTT, offi ce staff Reece, Keira and Karis, Graham Simpson MSP, third stage apprentices Ross Adams and Andy Costello, and Operations Director Paul Lynch
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the Electrical Installation Modern Apprenticeship. Robbie said: “I’m thoroughly
enjoying the work. Although the hours can often be quite long, it’s very rewarding.” Mr Dey said: “I know that it can often be diffi cult for ex-services personnel to fi nd work, and this route certainly encourages people into apprenticeships. Brand’s approach is encouraging and it’s rewarding to support employment through apprentices.” Gregor added: “I fully support
investing in apprenticeships because once you’ve become a qualifi ed electrician you can do anything.”
Investing in youthful energy Another MSP visit saw Graham Simpson, Conservative member for Central Scotland, take time out of his busy schedule to meet with Parker Technical Services in Uddingston, Lanarkshire.
Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, joined Graham on the tour, where they heard fi rst-hand about the company’s vision for the future. HR Advisor (Scotland) Stephanie
Kelly said that some 12% of Parker’s workforce are currently apprentices, adding: “We prefer to grow our own talent because the ethos of the company is more about quality
22 CABLEtalk APRIL/MAY 2020
SBHA From left: Second stage apprentice Keir Ballantyne, IT apprentice Ben Richardson, SBHA Chief Executive Julia Mulloy, Rachel Hamilton MSP, plasterer Matthew Wainman, fourth stage apprentice Darren Hulme and SECTT Training Offi cer Stuart Jack
L McCANN From left: Ryan McCann with daughter Sienna, new college starter Martin Donnelly, third stage apprentices Tony Weir and Scott Wales, Clare Adamson MSP, fi rst stage apprentice Rhys Mallinson and Gordon Penman from SECTT
than speed.” Mr Simpson also met two electrical apprentices, Ross Adams and Andy Costello, who were both incredibly positive about their experience, as well as offi ce staff Reece, Keira and Karis who are following apprenticeships in business admin and fi nance. Ross, who is about to enter his fourth year, said: “Learning on the job has been the best thing and I’ve really enjoyed my time at college.” During the tour, Operations Director Paul Lynch said Parker only used direct labour, with no agencies involved. He also said the company visited schools to attract local talent and had been trying to encourage females to apply to SECTT to become electricians. The group also discussed protection of title, which would mean anyone claiming to be an electrician would need proper qualifi cations. Anne updated Mr Simpson on the campaign currently being spearheaded by SELECT, the SJIB and SECTT which has seen a Member’s Bill lodged by Conservative MSP, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Employability and Training.
Building a brighter future Next stop on the politicians’ apprentice trail was Motherwell’s L McCann Electrical Ltd, a family business which was established more than 30 years ago.
Local SNP MSP Clare Adamson heard how the fi rm’s main focus is now energy performance services, helping hospital trusts, PLC clients and council authorities develop and
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