SkillELECTRIC regional heats off to a flying start

gazza — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:00:00 +0000

gazza Wed, 14/05/2014

SkillELECTRIC is an annual skills competition designed to promote standards and skills across the Electrotechnical industry. The event runs in three stages; entries, regional events and finals. The first stage, entries closed in March and the first round of the regional heats has already taken place with two winners selected.
The first two of the SkillELECTRIC regional heats has got off to a great start for the South of England and Wales as the first two competitors take a top spot.
The regional competition, consisting of four regional heats sees the winners take a prestigious place at the SkillELECTRIC final held at the UK's largest skills and careers show at Birmingham NEC which sees in excess of 80,000 people attend.
The Task
The demanding task, which was the same at both heats was a complex twin and earth installation involving PVC conduit, trunking and three circuits with sockets and two different light points. Judges award points against tough criteria including installation quality, positioning of equipment, function and inspection & testing.
The Winners
Two winners were selected at the two regional events who will now go through to the prestigious SkillELECTRIC final to be held in November at the Birmingham NEC.
Matt Doe 19 a student at Bridgwater College, employed by Watt and Stephens was selected as the South of England winner after battling it out with 13 other competitors at a busy event held at Barking and Dagenham College in April. Over 1,700 attended the heats which formed part of a regional skills show experience.
Speaking of his win, 19-year old Matt said: “It’s a brilliant feeling to be named the winner - the competition was very tough but I enjoyed being tested to my best ability. I’m looking forward to the next stage, and thanks to my college for their support so far.”
Luke Mayor also 19, a student at Cardiff and Vale College, employed by Scenic Services scored most highly against 8 other competitors in the Welsh heats held at Coleg Sir Gar earlier this month. The heats in Wales were attended by the first minister and deputy minister of Wales who watched the competitors in action.
Luke added: “I couldn’t quite believe it when I heard my name, you’re never sure how well you’ve done so I’m over the moon to have won. And to know I’m the best in Wales is an added bonus! Well done to all the other lads as well, and thank you to my college and employer for their help.”
The JIB, is one of the lead sponsors along with the industry charity NET. JIB National Officer Rob Gibbs was at both events to witness the skills on display. “I have been very impressed by the professionalism of the electrical apprentices at both SkillELECTRIC events. The dedication and ability on display bodes well for the future and it was also heartening to see the colleges and Industry bodies working together to support the future lifeblood of our industry.”
What happens next
There are two more regional heat events which will be held in June 2014 where a further two winners will be joining Matt and Luke in the SkillELECTRIC finals.
The event is a great opportunity for young people to showcase their electrical work and get official recognition for their hard work.

News Categories

SkillELECTRIC, Electrotechnical industry, electrical skills, Exclusive Industry News