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Sparks' Remarks

Sparks' Remarks

Hosted by SECTT

Episodes

8

Latest episode

May 2025

Language

EN

About the show

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.uk www.select.org.uk

Listen to episodes

8 recent
May 26, 202521 min

'Unprecedented opportunities' ahead for electricians

Professor Sean Smith, Edinburgh University’s Director of the Centre forFuture Infrastructure at the Edinburgh Futures Institute and Chair of FutureConstruction 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.

March 17, 202520 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

July 23, 202433 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 better protection and a cross-section of experienced MSPs explain why they agree.

June 17, 202429 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.

March 13, 2024Episode 425 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 (SJIB).Many thanks to SECTT and SELECT, the trade association for the Scottish electrotechnical industry, for supporting this podcast.www.sectt.org.ukwww.select.org.uk

November 20, 202322 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 (SJIB). Many thanks to SECTT and SELECT, the trade association for the Scottish electrotechnical industry, for supporting this podcast.www.sectt.org.ukwww.select.org.uk

July 24, 202323 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 podcast.www.sectt.org.ukwww.select.org.uk

April 3, 202315 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 Industry Board (SJIB). Many thanks to SECTT and SELECT, the trade association for the Scottish electrotechnical industry, for supporting this podcast.www.sectt.org.ukwww.select.org.uk

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