MSMichael Simm
My campaign

Train the next generation. Before it's too late.

At SEG Group we always keep a minimum of three apprentices. Across the industry, most businesses have stopped taking them on — because the cost now far outweighs the return. If we don't act now, there will be major problems in the future.

The problem

A room full of contractors. None had taken on an apprentice.

At a trade conference, a panel asked how many apprentices businesses had taken on. The general answer was none. Not for lack of will — because the numbers no longer work.

Costs have skyrocketed

Wages, college time, supervision, tools, vans and months before an apprentice is productive — all paid up front by the employer.

Little government support

For most small and medium contractors, the investment now far outweighs the return, and there's very little help to close the gap.

A shortage is coming

If businesses stop training, there won't be enough electricians for new homes, social housing, renewables and electrification.

What we do

Always a minimum of three apprentices

I started as an apprentice. So at SEG Group we always carry a minimum of three apprentices, never fewer — because they're the next generation of electricians, and for many young people it's the start of their working life.

It's how the trade survives

Every experienced electrician was once an apprentice someone took a chance on.

We shape the standard

Apprentices who learn our way — tidy, evidence-led, right first time — become the engineers and supervisors of the future.

It keeps work local

Training people who live near St Albans keeps skills, wages and careers in the community.

It's the right thing to do

Someone gave me my start. It's our turn to give it to others.

What needs to change

Real backing for the businesses that train electricians

1

Reflect the true cost

Support that recognises what the first years of an apprenticeship actually cost an employer.

2

Reach small firms

Help that reaches the small and medium contractors who train most of the country's electricians.

3

Make it simple

Simpler funding and practical help with college placements, so saying yes is easy.