SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan but stressed the need for a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals to deliver it.
The plan, announced on 2 September by Cabinet Secretary for Housing Mairi McAllan, sets out measures to tackle homelessness and deliver more housing, including £4.9 billion of investment in social and affordable homes over the next four years.
Call for investment in training
SELECT, which represents around 18,000 electrotechnical operatives and apprentices across Scotland, says a renewed focus on training and apprenticeships will be vital to meeting the plan’s goals.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, says, “The Action Plan recognises the immediacy of the housing crisis in Scotland, but in order for it to be successfully delivered, the construction sector will need a pool of trained and skilled professionals that includes electricians.
“I know that many of our members are concerned about skills shortages we may face as this ambitious programme develops, and it is absolutely vital that the Scottish Government continues to support the training of electrical installation apprentices.”
Jim Cooper, a SELECT board member and Managing Director of Ayrshire-based Electro Installations, adds, “I genuinely feel the industry will be in a critical period if it doesn’t ensure that enough skilled labour is coming through.
“Intervention from government is needed, and needed soon. Employers must of course play their part by taking on and training young people, but the government needs to take responsibility for ensuring that Scotland produces the skilled staff it needs for the industry to grow and successfully deliver ambitious plans like this.”
Wider measures in the plan
The Housing Emergency Action Plan also includes proposals to mitigate rent increases, introduce rent controls, and adopt Awaab’s Law from next year, which requires social landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould.
It further sets out a new, all-tenure housing delivery ambition, working with the housebuilding sector to increase delivery across all sectors by at least 10% each year for the next three years.
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