More than 300 started out but the quest to be crowned NICEIC and ELECSA Apprentice of the Year is now down to the final eight.
The contest – launched in conjunction with partner sponsor, Scolmore Group – recognises the talents of the brightest electrical students in the UK and is now down to the decisive stage.
The remaining students will have to complete several practical tests and undergo a short interview with industry legends Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth before the winner of the first ever NICEIC and ELECSA Electrical Apprentice of the Year is announced.
The Grand Final takes place at Scolmore’s headquarters in Tamworth, Staffordshire, on 9 June.
Julie Blake, senior marketing manager at Certsure, which operates the NICEIC and ELECSA brands, said: “It has been a tough process but we are excited about the upcoming final
“Apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry and it has been encouraging to see how committed they have been. The overall standard and general level of enthusiasm shown by everyone is a credit to the industry.”
The final eight are:
Chris Powell, 23, from Wakefield
Scott Lewis, 19, from Devon
Benjamin Vanstone, 18 from Weston Super Mare
Michael Wooley, 20, from Telford
Dominic Ede, 21, from Cornwall
Joshua Casey, 21, from Halifax
Robbie McGowan, 21, from Yorkshire
Mark Lee, 22, from Essex
The finalists have had to battle through two stages of the contest, which began in December 2015. The first stage of the contest was an online exam comprising of a variety of questions relating to electrical installations.
The top 20% performing students from that stage then progressed to stage 2 – a practical one-hour exam held at one of seven locations across the UK. Marie Parry, Scolmore Group’s marketing director said: “We understand the importance of supporting the industry and we are committed to playing our part to help the electricians of today and tomorrow to develop their skills and grow their businesses. We are delighted to be involved with the Apprentice of the Year and the results so far demonstrate that there is a wealth of talent out there and that bodes well for the future of the industry.”
Each finalist will now receive an iPad with a host of other prizes up for grabs including a £2000 holiday voucher for the winner, which can be spent on a trip of their choice. There is a £500 holiday voucher for the runner up.