Professor Sean Smith, director with Edinburgh Futures Institute said that more recruitment was needed to keep pace with the growth in the renewables sector.

Speaking on Select’s podcast, he added that a career in the electrical industry offered a “golden travel ticket” for those who undertake the right training.

Professor Smith’s comments come a week after Select’s managing director Alan Wilson warned that many Scottish tradespeople could be “sucked” over the border to help solve the skills crisis in England.

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is planning to significantly reduce the blood lead suspension levels allowed for construction workers.

If implemented the changes could make continued use of lead in construction extremely difficult, if not unviable.

In a statement The Lead Contractors Association said it was surprised by the possible changes. 

It warned that if implemented it would have a “significant and far-reaching impact on the roofing and construction industry”.

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A tradesman from Poole has gone from working on the tools, to working in tech.

Sebastian Booth has developed and launched Tradie to automate admin tasks like payments, sales leads, work schedules and social media management.

Booth told his local paper that “it’s not just about working harder — it’s about working smarter”.

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