Installers in Scotland are invited to attend a series of seminars hosted by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade body, and supported by SNIPEF. The ‘Toolbox Talks’ kicked off today (2nd May) in Edinburgh at Murrayfield Stadium and will provide an insight into air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and the important roles electricians and plumbers will both play in their installation. Electrical energy storage systems (EESS) will also be on the agenda at the annual roadshows that will criss-cross Scotland throughout May and June.

SNIPEF says that its presence at the events is an indication of the importance that it attaches to the transition to net zero in Scotland, with its members already helping consumers move away from a dependence on fossil fuels.

Martyn Raine, technical and skills manager at SNIPEF, comments: “Plumbing and heating professionals will have to work even more closely with their electrical counterparts in the future to create the technology to take us forward to a zero-carbon environment.

“SELECT’s Toolbox Talks roadshow is therefore a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share knowledge and work together collegiately and co-operatively for the mutual benefit of both vital sectors.”

Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, adds: “The role of the electrical contractor in installing ASHPs is a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant and, with SNIPEF’s contribution, we’re keen to explain to our members how the working landscape could look in the coming years. It makes sense to bring both trades together in this way to listen to the requirements and challenges on both sides and build a greater understanding of what is required from the professionals in each sector.”

Representatives from the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) will also be attending selected Toolbox Talks to give delegates advice on apprenticeships and training. Also in attendance will be exhibitors from a range of leading manufacturers and service providers, including SELECT Associate Members Aico, Electrium, Luceco, Megger, Scolmore and TIS.

The venues for the 2023 Toolbox Talks are:

  • Tuesday 2 May – Edinburgh, BT Murrayfield Stadium
  • Wednesday 3 May – Borders, Macdonald Cardrona Hotel
  • Wednesday 10 May – Dundee, Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa
  • Thursday 11 May – Glasgow, Hampden Park Stadium
  • Tuesday 16 May – Dumfries and Galloway, Easterbrook Hall
  • Wednesday 17 May – Kilmarnock, Rugby Park Kilmarnock FC Stadium
  • Wednesday 24 May – Falkirk, Falkirk Stadium
  • Tuesday 6 June – Inverness, Macdonald Drumossie Hotel
  • Wednesday 7 June – Aberdeen, Pittodrie Stadium
  • Tuesday 13 June – Orkney, The Pickaquoy Centre
  • Wednesday 14 June – Shetland, Shetland Arts
  • Wednesday 21 June – Stornoway, Caladh Inn.

Further information can be found here.