Wednesday September 30th 2026
Val Chisholm and apprentice Reece Michie of V C Electrical receive the funding from Luceco's Ian Hunter and Darren Crockett
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A Gullane electrical contractor has been awarded £6,000 in funding through Powering Potential, a new initiative launched by SELECT and Luceco Group to deliver much-needed apprentice funding to small businesses across Scotland.
East Lothian-based V C Electrical is one of three SELECT member firms selected to receive support through the new initiative, which will assist companies with a track record of training offset the cost of employing apprentices during their first year.
The funding will now help owner Val Chisholm train new recruit Reece Michie, 18, as he begins his electrical apprenticeship and also support the company as it continues to develop.
Val said: “This funding will allow us to invest in training in new areas that would otherwise be out of reach for us. It will help us expand our skills, broaden the services we offer and create new opportunities for the business to grow.
“Running a business can feel quite lonely at times, so having this support from the industry means a lot personally. It feels like a real reward for the years of hard work, commitment and dedication that have gone into building the business and also gives me a real sense of encouragement and motivation to keep moving forward and continue growing the business.”
Val added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to SELECT and Luceco Group for providing this support. It’s great to see organisations in the industry showing such a strong commitment to investing in the next generation and supporting the future of the electrical sector.
“Business is challenging at the moment, with the rising cost of materials, wages, fuel and general overheads making it increasingly difficult to absorb without passing them on to customers.
“More employer funding and government support for training would make a real difference, both for apprentices coming into the trade and for established businesses looking to develop their skills and move into new areas.”
Established in 2010 and a SELECT member since 2011, V C Electrical employs three people and works across East Lothian and Edinburgh, delivering domestic and commercial electrical services, EV charger installations and energy efficiency projects. One former apprentice, Arran McKay, recently qualified and remains part of the V C team.
Val added: “Taking on an apprentice comes with a huge responsibility, especially in today’s economic climate. They spend a significant amount of time at college, so there are periods when you’re without that extra pair of hands-on site while still carrying the cost of their training and development.
“That said, seeing an apprentice develop into a confident and competent tradesperson is incredibly rewarding. For us, it’s an investment in both the individual and the future of the trade. Investing in apprentices ensures the next generation gains the right experience, knowledge and professional standards to keep the industry safe and at the standards high.”
For Reece, who attended North Berwick High School, the apprenticeship offers the chance to build a long-term career in an industry he believes has a strong future. He said: “I enjoy hands-on, practical work that involves problem-solving. I like the opportunities offered within the electrical industry and how much of a secure career it offers.
“I’m looking forward to gaining practical experience on site, learning from qualified electricians, developing new skills and working towards becoming fully qualified.”
Val and Reece were announced as inaugural recipients of the Powering Potential support during a formal presentation at the SELECT President’s Lunch in Edinburgh on Friday 25 September.
The duo received their funding at The Balmoral from SELECT President Darren Crockett and Ian Hunter, UK Trade Sales Director at Luceco Group, who also donated electrical equipment to the young learners.
Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are extremely grateful to Luceco Group for helping us make this meaningful investment in the future of our sector.
“Employers continue to tell us that rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to recruit apprentices, particularly during the first year when they spend significant periods at college, so this partnership is a practical example of industry coming together to find solutions.
“We would also like to congratulate Val on this award. His company has an excellent track record of training apprentices and is the perfect example of why using a SELECT member gives consumers the confidence that their electrician is fully qualified and competent.”
Supported by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the new initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about rising training costs, with a SELECT survey revealing that high wages and low employer funding are the biggest obstacles to recruiting apprentices.
As well as V C Electrical, the other recipients of the inaugural Powering Potential funding are T Walsh Contracts Ltd in Ayr and A B Electrical Scotland Ltd in Aboyne, both of whom are long-term members of SELECT and also have a proven track record of training apprentices.
Ian Hunter said: “As someone who started my own career as an apprentice, I know first-hand the opportunities that apprenticeship training can create.
“Luceco is proud to support this initiative because we recognise the pressures many employers face when investing in new talent. Supporting apprentices is an investment in the future of our industry and a way of giving something back to the contractors who support our business every day.
“We hope this financial support will help remove barriers, create opportunities and encourage more young people to pursue successful careers in the electrical sector.”
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