SELECT is preparing to hit the road again with its enormously successful Toolbox Talks – and this year the tour will be a double act after it invited representatives from a fellow trade body to add its voice to the hot topics being discussed.

For the first time, members of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF) will be welcomed to the event hosted by Scotland's largest construction trade body, where they will provide the plumbing perspective on renewables.

The special guests all have particular expertise in the installation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and will offer invaluable insights into the technology and the important roles electricians and plumbers will both play in its 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 at venues including Murrayfield, Hampden Park, Pittodrie, Rugby Park and Falkirk Stadium.

The plumbing body's presence is an indication of the importance that both SELECT and SNIPEF attach to the transition to net zero in Scotland, with their members already helping consumers move away from a dependence on fossil fuels.

Bob Cairney, Director of Technical Services at SELECT, said: "We look forward to welcoming representatives from SNIPEF to this year's Toolbox Talks to help everyone gain a better understanding of how our two disciplines can work together on the technology of the future.


"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."

Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF, said: "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."

SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson added: "We are very pleased to be able to welcome our colleagues from the plumbing and heating sector to our Toolbox Talks for the first time. They'll join the ever-growing numbers of electrotechnical professionals who attend the events for up-to-the-minute technical advice and guidance to help their business prosper."

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.

SELECT members who attend this year's roadshows will also receive the organisation's new certificate of continuing personal development (CPD), launched to help firms and individual operatives keep track of how they are developing their skills.

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.