NICEIC and ELECSA, have confirmed that the grand final of the 2020 Apprentice of The Year competition has been cancelled. The move responds to the current COVID-19 pandemic and has been taken in conjunction with event partners Scolmore Group and Voltimum to ensure the health and safety of all concerned.  

“It is with deep regret that we have decided to halt this year's Apprentice of the Year Competition,” said Darren Staniforth, Senior Technical Presenter NICEIC & ELECSA 

“Although it is without doubt the right thing to do given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we recognise the amount of work each apprentice has put into the process thus far and how disappointing this decision will be.  

“The competition has been running for five years and is an important activity in our calendar; it underlines our commitment to unearthing homegrown talent and instilling technical excellence at the heart of our industry.  

“2020 was shaping up to be our best year yet with a high number of applicants demonstrating an exceptional level of competence. Unfortunately, we will not be able to name an overall winner; still, we would like to thank all of the apprentices who applied and encourage each of them to remain focused on developing their skills and succeeding in this trade."  

The following eight finalists, who battled two intense rounds to make it into the final, will each receive prize bundles from the NICEIC, Scolmore Group and Voltimum to mark their achievement. 

Archy Oliver, Lowe Electrical – Leicestershire, Cameron Moss, Scotts – Belfast, Jamie Goulder, AW Electrical – Devon, Oliver Jordan, Lowe & Oliver ltd – Eastleigh, Katie Harvey, Darke & Taylor- Oxford, Sean McNamee, Capitol Engineering Services – Surrey, Blair Manderson, Fife Government - Fife, James White Faradays - Eastleigh.