The EETF will now be led by Gordon McArthur, managing director of WMQ Building Services, based in Netherton, Wishaw. He takes over from Alex Guyan, who has been in the chair for eight years. Mike Stark, director at Atalian Servest AMK, also joins the board.

The changes come at a momentous time for the sector, which is aiming to gain professional recognition for electricians and is vitally aware of the crucial role that training plays in providing the skills and knowledge necessary for it to thrive.

The EETF, which was established by construction trade association SELECT in 1998, provides grants which support training across the industry, funds number of different projects and encourages continuing career progression.

Gordon McArthur became MD of family-run WMQ in 2008, taking the reins from his father Jim, who was EETF director and chairman from 2002 until 2015. The firm, which employs more than 100 people, was recently named by the London Stock Exchange as one of the UK’s most dynamic and fastest-growing firms.

He said: “It is a huge privilege to have been asked to take on this important role. The electrical sector becomes more complex and high-tech with each passing year and training must be at the front and centre of everything we do.

“The Foundation has played a tremendous role under Alex Guyan’s leadership in encouraging everyone within the sector to develop the skills and knowledge which underpin a lifelong career. I am delighted to be joined by Mike Stark, who will bring a great depth of expertise to the board.”

Mike Stark said: “I fully acknowledge the central role that training must play if we are to have the skillsets we need to take us forward in a technologically exciting and fast-changing working environment.

“Having mentored employees and apprentices at Arthur McKay, I know that there is a wealth of talent in this country, as well as an enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the potential rewards of a career as an electrician.”

Alex Guyan said: “It is with great confidence that I pass the baton to Gordon. He is a dynamic business personality who is acutely aware of the effort we need to make to keep our skills fit for purpose as the sector advances.

“I am very proud of the work the charity has carried out over my term and the projects we have been able to support. I wish Gordon and Mike all success.”

Alan Wilson, managing director of SELECT, said: “We have been very fortunate in the calibre of the people we have been able to attract to the Foundation and its track record emphasises their skills and expertise.

“I would like to pay tribute to all that Alex has brought to the role and I would like to welcome Gordon and Mike to the team. I am sure they will make an extremely valuable contribution to a very worthwhile enterprise.”

In previous years, the EETF had established partnerships with the Construction and Built Environment Challenge (CABEC) and the Prince’s Trust, which helps young people into jobs, education and training.