The Electrical Industry
Saving the Electrical Industry: A Priority for Scotland’s Future
The electrical industry is the backbone of modern society, powering homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools, while driving technological innovation and progress. In Scotland, this vital sector faces mounting challenges that threaten its future, from skills shortages to outdated infrastructure and insufficient investment.
If Scottish Labour wins power, the opportunity to transform and secure the electrical industry must become a top priority. At The Fight for Scotland’s Construction Industry, we are committed to advocating for the policies, support, and collaboration needed to ensure this crucial sector not only survives but thrives.
The Electrical Industry’s Role in Scotland
Electricians are at the forefront of creating and maintaining Scotland’s essential infrastructure. From installing renewable energy systems to ensuring homes are safely wired, their work impacts nearly every aspect of daily life. As Scotland transitions to a greener economy, the electrical industry will play a key role in meeting renewable energy targets, electrifying transport, and reducing carbon emissions.
However, achieving these goals requires a robust, well-supported electrical industry. If this sector falters, so too will Scotland’s efforts to meet its climate and economic objectives.
Addressing Skills Shortages

One of the most pressing issues facing the electrical industry is a significant skills shortage. Many experienced electricians are nearing retirement, while fewer young people are entering the trade. Without action, this skills gap could hinder critical projects, delay progress, and increase costs across the construction sector.
To save the industry, Scottish Labour must prioritize education, training, and recruitment initiatives. This includes:
- Expanding Apprenticeships: Increasing funding for electrical apprenticeships and creating opportunities in underserved communities to attract a more diverse workforce.
- Investing in Reskilling: Supporting mid-career workers transitioning into the electrical trade, particularly in emerging areas like renewable energy and smart technologies.
- Engaging Youth: Promoting the electrical profession in schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of skilled electricians.
By taking bold steps to address the skills shortage, Scottish Labour can ensure the electrical industry remains a cornerstone of Scotland’s economy.
Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
The majority of Scotland’s electrical businesses are small or medium-sized enterprises, which are the lifeblood of the industry. These businesses face challenges such as rising material costs, complex regulations, and limited access to finance. Without targeted support, SMEs risk being left behind.
To empower these businesses, Scottish Labour should:
- Simplify Regulations: Streamline compliance processes to reduce administrative burdens and allow electricians to focus on their work.
- Provide Financial Support: Offer grants, loans, and tax incentives to help businesses invest in new tools, training, and technologies.
- Promote Fair Competition: Ensure public contracts are accessible to SMEs, creating opportunities for local businesses to contribute to major projects.
Supporting SMEs is essential not only for the health of the electrical industry but for the communities they serve, as these businesses are often deeply rooted in local economies.
Advancing Green Technologies
As Scotland accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the electrical industry will play a central role in achieving sustainability goals. From installing solar panels and wind turbines to electrifying transportation and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, electricians are at the forefront of creating a greener future.
Scottish Labour must invest in policies that support this transition, such as:
- Incentivizing Renewable Energy: Expanding subsidies for solar, wind, and geothermal installations, creating demand for skilled electricians.
- Upgrading Infrastructure: Investing in modernizing Scotland’s electrical grid to handle increased capacity and support decentralized energy generation.
- Encouraging Energy Efficiency: Funding retrofitting programs to improve insulation, upgrade heating systems, and install smart technologies in homes and businesses.
By embracing green technologies, Scottish Labour can position Scotland as a leader in renewable energy while creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions.
Protecting Worker Rights
Electricians often work in challenging conditions, facing physical risks and long hours. Ensuring fair wages, safe working environments, and job security is critical to attracting and retaining talent in the industry.
Scottish Labour should focus on:
- Enforcing Labour Standards: Strengthening regulations to protect electricians from exploitation and unsafe practices.
- Promoting Unionization: Encouraging collective bargaining to secure fair wages and benefits for workers.
- Supporting Mental Health: Providing resources and support for electricians dealing with the pressures of demanding workloads and tight deadlines.
When workers feel valued and supported, the entire industry benefits from increased productivity, morale, and retention.
Public Awareness and Education
The electrical industry often goes unnoticed despite its indispensable contributions to society. Public awareness campaigns can help highlight the importance of electricians and encourage more people to consider careers in the trade.
Scottish Labour can work with industry organizations to:
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize the contributions of electricians through awards, events, and media coverage.
- Promote STEM Education: Emphasize the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math in schools to inspire interest in electrical careers.
- Showcase Opportunities: Highlight the diverse career paths within the electrical industry, from renewable energy to advanced automation.
Collaboration and Investment
Saving the electrical industry requires collaboration across government, industry, and education sectors. Scottish Labour must prioritize investment in infrastructure, training, and innovation to ensure the industry is equipped to meet future demands.
By establishing partnerships with industry leaders, unions, and training providers, Scottish Labour can create a unified strategy to address the challenges facing the electrical sector.
A Brighter Future
The electrical industry is vital to Scotland’s future, powering everything from homes and hospitals to renewable energy systems. If Scottish Labour wins power, saving this industry must be at the heart of their agenda. With bold policies, targeted investment, and a commitment to collaboration, the electrical sector can overcome its challenges and continue to thrive.
At The Fight for Scotland’s Construction Industry, we are committed to advocating for the changes needed to secure the electrical industry’s future. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable Scotland—powered by the skills, dedication, and innovation of its electricians.
Let’s fight for Scotland’s construction industry—because saving the electrical industry is key to securing Scotland’s future. and do not vote for Anas Sarwar and his band of Red Tories.