Alan Wilson

Alan Wilson, Managing Director at SELECT, the Scottish trade association for the electrical contracting industry, sheds light on the sector in Scotland. He reveals a mix of challenges and opportunities as electrification accelerates. Despite steady apprentice recruitment, a skills gap among qualified electricians poses a significant hurdle, exacerbated by an ageing workforce and limited diversity in the talent pool.

Wilson highlights a pressing issue: smaller firms, especially in rural areas, struggle to invest in long-term workforce development due to unpredictable demand. This contrasts with larger companies that benefit from more stable work pipelines, enabling them to plan ahead and adapt to emerging technologies.

The sector’s future depends on strategic upskilling and diversifying businesses to meet the demand for expertise in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and heat electrification. Wilson stresses that Scotland must equip its workforce to manage this transition effectively, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with policy-driven changes like phasing out gas products.

His overarching message is clear: the rise of electrification offers immense career opportunities for those entering the field, positioning them at the forefront of a transformative era in energy and technology. Scotland’s challenge lies in building a workforce capable of capitalising on this potential.

SELECT is proud to be a Strategic Partner in the Electrifying Our Future digital series.