The apprenticeship wage increase was negotiated by Unite with the UK-wide Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and the Scottish electrical contractor’s association SELECT.

The deal will see wages for first and second year electrical apprentices raised by more than £1,000 a year above the minimum wage.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This deal shows the power of sectoral bargaining in action. Thousands of electrical apprentices will see real material uplifts to their pay from next month. Unite is unrelenting in defending and improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”

The new Joint Industry Board (JIB) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) rates, which were ratified yesterday, will take effect from 6 January 2024.

Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter said: “Electrical apprentices work hard and deserve a fair rate for the job. Unite is pleased to have secured this deal, which is not only important for the current crop of apprentices but will also help drive recruitment into the industry and close the skills gap.”