SELECT, the campaigning body for Scotland's electrotechnical industry, has welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement of a formal review into contribution rates for Modern Apprenticeships (MAs).

The review, scheduled to begin in April 2026, will examine current public funding levels for the MA programme. The move follows sustained lobbying from SELECT, which has warned that diminishing financial support is creating a "serious concern" within the sector and potentially deterring employers from taking on young learners.

The review intends to determine whether funding changes are necessary to ensure the financial viability of training, maintain high-quality delivery by learning providers, and protect employer engagement levels.

Sharon Miller, SELECT Managing Director Designate, commented: "Apprenticeships are absolutely vital at a time when Scotland desperately needs electricians to fulfil housing demand and net zero targets, and meet the challenges implicit in an electric future.

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"For this reason, we warmly welcome the decision to institute a review into funding support and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to do everything possible to ensure the review has backing from the sector to make an informed decision.

"The electrotechnical industry has been the biggest single trade employer of apprentices for many years, which is why SELECT has been at the forefront of voices warning that a more positive approach to funding for MAs is crucial if businesses – particularly smaller enterprises – are not to be discouraged from investing in the future skills base of the sector."

Currently, the public sector contributes approximately £90 million annually toward MAs, with a further £50 million in credits supporting delivery in colleges. Industry data indicates that for every £1 of public investment, employers invest an additional £10.

Mike Stark, SELECT President, added: "This review is very welcome news, particularly at a time when the financial support which the Scottish Government gives to the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) to run the electrical apprenticeship scheme has decreased by more than 30% when inflation is taken into account.

"One of the aspects on which the review will focus is employer behaviour, and there are clear indications that, without a significant reconsideration of funding, the way employers view taking on young people will be adversely affected."

The review will be conducted in two stages, culminating in a published report that will recommend any necessary changes to the public funding model. SELECT remains committed to working alongside SECTT to ensure the continued upskilling of the country's electrical workforce.