Scotland’s power sector has a new qualification, Power Industry Electrical Systems Engineering at SCQF Level 7, designed to help develop the skilled workers needed for the future. Developed in collaboration with power employers and stakeholders, the qualification responds directly to industry demand and supports the growing need for competent individuals across the sector.
The qualification is one of the first new sector-specific power qualifications to be developed in Scotland for several years and is expected to be available for candidate registration in 2027. Developed in direct response to employer demand and identified skills needs, it has been shaped with the industry to provide a clear progression route while ensuring learners gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by employers.
It has been developed to support greater consistency across the UK while meeting the specific needs of Scotland’s workforce and employers.
Developed in Response to Employer Demand
The qualification has been developed following engagement with employers who identified the need for a modern, industry-relevant pathway into the power sector.
Employers including Scottish Power, SSE, GTC and Balfour Beatty played a central role in shaping the qualification.
Their input has helped ensure the qualification reflects current industry practices and the skills needed to support Scotland’s energy infrastructure now and in the future.
Supporting Consistency
The qualification is underpinned by new National Occupational Standards which have been developed to define the skills and competencies required within the role.
Both the qualification and the standards have been designed to align with the equivalent apprenticeship standard in England, supporting our ambition to create greater alignment across nations while maintaining relevance to Scotland’s unique operating environment.
This approach helps employers operating across the UK benefit from greater consistency while supporting workforce mobility and progression.
A collaborative Approach
The project demonstrates the value of partnership working across industry and the skills system.
We worked closely with Skills Development Scotland throughout the development process, helping ensure the qualification supports wider workforce priorities including the development of a new Power Modern Apprenticeship, and creates a strong foundation for future skills development.
Jean McLean, Workforce Programme Manager at ScottishPower, said,
“SP Energy Networks is pleased to support the launch of the new Power Engineering Apprenticeship and Qualification. Developed in collaboration with industry, it provides a clear pathway for developing the technical skills and expertise needed across the power sector. These new qualifications will play an important role in attracting new talent, supporting career development and helping employers build the skilled workforce required for the future.”
Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership & Strategic Engagement at Energy & Utility Skills, said,
“Aligning qualifications and standards across the UK is essential if we are to build a workforce that can move confidently between nations, employers and projects. By supporting greater consistency while recognising Scotland’s specific needs, this qualification helps create a clearer, more standardised route into the power sector and gives employers greater confidence in the skills and competence of the people they recruit and develop.”
Find Out More
The new qualification and supporting National Occupational Standards will help create a clear, industry-led route into Scotland’s power sector.
Want to know more about the qualification? Contact our team today.
