Record number of electrical apprentices By Kristy Dorsey Employers across the country's electrical sector have appointed a record number of apprentices in 2021 despite the ongoing difficulties of the Covid pandemic. Training bodies the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) said 738 new entrants came into the industry this year, up nearly 50% on 2020 and in excess of the 700 that would be closer to a normal year's intake. Both bodies praised employers for their positive attitude in such unprecedented circumstances and said that the figures highlight the attractiveness of the industry as a career opportunity. “This really has been a remarkable year," SECTT chief executive Anne Galbraith said. "We took on 500 apprentices in 2020 and we are taking on a further 738 starting in the Autumn of 2021. In a normal year, I would expect to take approximately 700 new starts, so this year has exceeded expectations and we are still only in July."