Sparks' Remarks
Sparks' Remarks
SECTT
This four part series follows apprentice electricians in Scotland as they learn their trade. From time keeping to tech and self-confidence to science, these young men and women are supported by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to learn a valuable trade and equip themselves for the world of work.Presented by journalist Kim McAllister and Training and Development Manager at SECTT, Barrie McKay.www.sectt.org.ukwww.select.org.uk
'Unprecedented opportunities' ahead for electricians
Professor Sean Smith, Edinburgh University’s Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure at the Edinburgh Futures Institute and Chair of Future Construction in the School of Engineering, forecasts huge growth in the electrical sector. Listen as he discusses the opportunity to double the work force en route to achieveing Net Zero targets.
May 26, 2025
21 min
Can you smell fish? Bypassed boards, cable calamities and other electrical horror stories
Electricity is the one thing a DIY enthusiast should leave well alone. Three electricians share their horror stories - and a few lighter moments - on the latest podcast episode from SELECT
Mar 17, 2025
20 min
Regulation: If it’s good enough for street sweepers, why not electricians?
For decades now, SELECT has been campaigning for the protection of the title for "electrician". At present, anyone can call themselves an electrician, while other professions like street sweepers and farriers insist on a register and strict regulation of who can use the title. The campaign has gathered a massive groundswell of support, with leading organisations and politicians now backing our crusade for a safer Scotland. Listen as managing director Alan Wilson discusses the need for bett...
Jul 23, 2024
33 min
Skills, drills and bellyaches - live from Hampden Spark
Recorded at the SELECT Toolbox Talk in Glasgow, contractors deliver gossip and grumbles about the current state of the electrical industry, giving their views on everything from recruitment and renewables to cashflow and caramel wafers.
Jun 17, 2024
29 min
Telling a lock nut from a hazelnut
Lecturer Andrew McIntosh, from UHI Inverness, discusses using modern technology and media like podcasts to engage the apprentices. Ryan Murray also joins to give the apprentices' view. Journalist Kim McAllister and SECTT Training and Development Manager Barrie McKay chat to both to undertand how apprenticeship training has evolved. Electrical apprenticeships in Scotland are managed by The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJ...
Mar 13, 2024
25 min
Five-way tag teams, the proud father and a kick up the bahookie
What do the bosses think of the apprentices? Journalist Kim McAllister and SECTT Training and Development Manager Barrie McKay chat to employer Mike Stark and apprentice Joshua Jones from OCS to find out how the relationship works and how the other three parts of the tag team – SECTT, the college and the training officer – fit in. Electrical apprenticeships in Scotland are managed by The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJI...
Nov 20, 2023
22 min
More than wires and pliers - my first year as an apprentice
What's it like to be an apprentice electrician? Journalist Kim McAllister and SECTT Training and Development Manager Barrie McKay chat to five apprentices who have just finished their first year. Electrical apprenticeships in Scotland are managed by The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB). Many thanks to SECTT and SELECT, the trade association for the Scottish electrotechnical industry, for supporting this podcas...
Jul 24, 2023
23 min
The good, the bad and the fallopian tube windups - episode 1
What's it like to be an apprentice electrician? Journalist Kim McAllister and SECTT Training and Development Manager Barrie McKay chat to five apprentices half-way through their first year, trying to learn everything from time management and tech to self-confidence and science as they work in the electrical trade and attend West Lothian College. Electrical apprenticeships in Scotland are managed by The Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) on behalf of the Scottish Joint Ind...
Apr 3, 2023
15 min