H F Electrical Ltd electrician Callan White has been recognised as the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2025, following his exceptional performance during his apprenticeship.

White, 26, from Livingston, received the award at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood on 9 October, presented by SJIB Chair Jock Simpson. The accolade, sponsored in partnership with Edmundson Electrical, acknowledges his technical skill, professionalism, and commitment to learning and improvement. Alongside the trophy, he was awarded a £1,000 voucher.

White completed his apprenticeship with West Lothian College, supported by SECTT Training Officer Jim Birrell, achieving 97% in his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) earlier this year. He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have won this award. My apprenticeship has been full of challenges, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

"To be recognised by the SJIB among so many talented peers is a huge honour. I owe a lot to the team at H F Electrical, my lecturers at West Lothian College and to Jim Birrell for all the guidance and support they’ve given me throughout my training."

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Gary Muir, Line Manager at H F Electrical, praised White's work ethic and early competence: "Within weeks of joining us, it was clear Callan was going to be a success. He's got an experienced head on his shoulders and a real drive to learn and improve.

"His work has always been of the highest standard, even in his first year, he was producing the quality of a third or fourth-year apprentice. All our engineers wanted to work with him, which says everything about his ability and attitude.

"Since qualifying, Callan has continued to excel and is now one of the most sought-after electricians in our team. We're incredibly proud of what he's achieved."

The SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards also recognised finalists Ewan MacDonald, 22, of Ross-Shire Engineering Ltd, trained at UHI Inverness under SECTT Training Officers Graham Keil and Iain Lamont, and Duncan Lucy, 24, of Ronnie Duncan Electrician, who studied at Ayrshire College under Training Officer Daniel Flanigan. All finalists received gift vouchers from Edmundson Electrical.

Catherine Gillon, SJIB Secretary and Director of Employment Affairs at SELECT, said the awards highlight the skill and dedication of Scotland's next generation of electricians, which are vital for supporting the country's transition to net zero.

Founded in 1969 by SELECT and Unite the Union, the SJIB regulates employer–employee relations, promotes skills and competence, and supports ongoing development across Scotland's electrical industry. Edmundson Electrical, one of the UK's leading electrical wholesalers, operates from more than 37 locations across Scotland, supplying contractors, engineers and public bodies.