As Scotland continues to host productions of varying scales, from children’s shows such as Balamory, returning dramas like Shetland and acclaimed series including Dept. Q and The Buccaneers, one of the most sought-after roles in the industry are electricians, whose expertise keeps productions running safely and efficiently.
BECTU Vision regularly runs open evenings, a dedicated electrician training programme and specialist courses through the ‘Skills Boost’ programme, connecting qualified electricians with opportunities within Scotland’s Film and TV industry.
Transitioning between industries
The Skills Boost programme supports existing crew looking to upskill in their departments and allows professionals working out-with the industry to transfer their skills.
Since 2018, BECTU Vision has run the ‘Electrician Conversion Programme’, providing qualified electricians with a first-hand insight into the day-day requirements of being an electrician on a production.
Lee Cooper, an industrial and commercial electrician, took part in the programme following an open day at the River City studios in 2018. Lee began a 12-week placement at River City, before going on to spend time on Outlander, Deadwater Fell, Guilt and Children’s TV programmes Molly and Mack and The Demon Headmaster.
– Lee Cooper, Electrician Conversion Trainee 2018
Stephen Gilmour, originally a commercial and domestic electrician looking after shopping centres, retail parks and street lighting, was selected as the Electrician Conversion Trainee 2025 after attending an open evening at Panalux.
As part of the traineeship, Stephen joined the River City crew, and he has since worked on a number of BBC productions including Hogmanay at the Castle.
“The biggest difference between working on construction sites and working in Film and TV is the range of people you meet and interact with on a daily basis. There are a lot of different people from all walks of life on set who come together to work on a project. I’ve also found that people are more likely to love their job on set too – something which isn’t commonplace on a building site!
“The BECTU Vision traineeship was almost like a crash course in Film & TV. It was a great way for me to get my name out there – most people work for years within the industry to build up these kinds of connections. The experiences and job opportunities I have gained since have been invaluable.”
Electrician Trainees 2026
This year, the Electrician Conversion Programme recruited two trainees to work on the latest series of River City as well as other productions filming over the summer.
Like Stephen and Lee, Ryan Bavi and Bobby Edmondson were selected following the open evening. In addition to their traineeships, they completed a three-day programme in the application of BS7909 to temporary power systems.
Ryan Bavi: “I’d definitely recommend the BECTU Vision traineeship to electricians that are looking for something a little different to contracting work. I’m really glad I made the jump and I’m looking forward to working on more productions in the near future.”
Since its launch in 2018, the programme has seen strong results with previous trainees now well established in the industry. Beyond the formal traineeships, BECTU Vision has also provided ongoing support to several electricians who demonstrated potential to work in the industry, supporting them with paid work experience weeks at Panalux and on productions, as well as through providing guidance towards opportunities including the Outlander Training Programme.
By continuing to raise awareness of the electrician’s role on set and through supporting both new entrants and experienced electricians transitioning into the sector, BECTU Vision aims to strengthen Scotland’s lighting departments and ensure productions have access to a skilled local workforce.
Find out more about our Skills Boost programme here: bectuvision.org/training/skills-boost/
BECTU Vision is supported by Screen Scotland, Scottish Union Learning, and BBC in partnership with Bectu.