The Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition run by NICEIC and ELECSA is now open for entries.
The contest, which takes place over three stages, tests the skills and knowledge of the UK’s brightest electrical talents.
Hundreds of students take part each year to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, including a £2,000 holiday voucher and the prestigious title of Electrical Apprentice of the Year.
Darren Staniforth, group senior technical presenter for NICEIC and ELECSA said:
“As the most recognised name in the industry, NICEIC and ELECSA have a responsibility to work with, encourage and promote electrical apprentices.
“We are committed to developing the talent of the future and are looking forward to seeing what the next group of contestants will bring to the competition. The overall standard seems to get better each year.
“This is promising news for the industry and highlights the good work colleges and employers are doing to embed the appropriate skills and knowledge in the next generation of electricians.”
The competition continues its partnership with The Scolmore Group, who provide prizes for all the 8 finalists including holiday vouchers, iPads, and toolbags packed with electrical accessories.
The Electrical Apprentice website, powered by Voltimum, have also partnered with the competition this year.
Marie Parry, Group Marketing Director for The Scolmore Group said:
“Scolmore are once again proud to be a partner for the Electrical Apprentice of the year competition. We are committed to supporting the next generation of electricians and recognise the important role apprentices play within our industry. The competition continues to gather momentum and gain recognition throughout the industry and we look forward to working with the apprentices again for the 2020 event.”
Eddie Embleton, Managing Director of Voltimum UK said: “Voltimum are really proud to partner the 2020 Electrical Apprentice of the Year and we’re looking forward to seeing how we can support and celebrate the next generation of electrical professionals.
We launched the website ElectricalApprentice.co.uk to help apprentices through their education and this competition celebrates all the apprentices who want to work at the highest standard.”
Last year saw over a thousand apprentices register their interest in the competition before being whittled down to just eight finalists. 31-year-old Richard Bradley from Southport, Merseyside was named the 2019 Electrical Apprentice of the Year, taking home the top prize.
“It was a fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to push themselves further to consider taking part. You’ve got nothing to lose and you never know what will come from it” said Richard.
The competition consists of three stages and is open to all students undertaking electrical studies or an apprenticeship.
Stage one, which is now open for registration, is an online test comprising of 40 multiple choice questions. Applicants have 80 minutes to complete the test which can be accessed at www.niceic.com/apprentice
The top performing 20% of students from stage one will then progress to the next stage which is a written practical exam.
Stage three will see eight finalists take part in a series of practical tests at the Grand Final on June 2nd at the headquarters of Scolmore in Tamworth.
Colleges and employers are encouraged to get young apprentices to sign up. The college that produces the overall winner will receive £1,000 worth of Scolmore products, while the employer will also receive one year’s free registration with NICEIC or ELECSA.*
Every college that enters 20 or more students into the competition will qualify for a College Pack from Scolmore, featuring: 25 Double Sockets, 25 Switches, 25 6” Pendants and 25 Batten Holders.
Apprentices can enter the competition and complete the first stage by visiting www.niceic.com/apprentice