The search has begun for the 2021 SPARKS Learner of the Year!
Tom Tyler from City of Wolverhampton College has been crowned the winner of SPARKS Learner of the Year 2021!
Tom won the competition beating five other finalists after completing a live, 5-hour practical installation that showcased his skills and technical abilities in a Covid-safe environment.
Commenting on his win, Tom said: “It’s a nice feeling knowing that someone else has seen your work and agrees with the quality, and can like and appreciate the hard work that went into it.”
“It gives you an opportunity to show off what you do day-to-day on a national scale, sort of challenge yourself, and pushes you out of your comfort zone.”
As winner of the competition, Tom receives thousands of pounds worth of prizes, including a cash prize of £1,000 from platinum sponsor Schneider Electric, a Twin Pack from DEWALT and a L-Boxx 887-917 from WAGO, among other amazing prizes donated by our sponsors.
This year’s first runner-up is Simeon Farrar from York College.
All the competitors who took part this year received tools, branded merchandise and a certificate for taking part.
Commenting on the competition, Nico van der Merwe, Vice President of Home Distribution at Schneider Electric, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such an important competition. During the pandemic, the UK’s electrical students and apprentices have suffered more than most”.
He added: “The SPARKS competition provides us with the opportunity to incentivise and reward the community and inspire more to follow. We’re looking forward to seeing the potential and talent of the next generation of electricians.”
Applications open in September for the 2022 Learner of the Year competition, so keep an eye on this page and our socials for more info!
Alex Rendall, of Bridgwater & Taunton College, won the 2020 competition. Alex, who won the competition at his third attempt after entering in the previous two years, said: “I’m over the moon, really happy. All the hard work was worth it. There are fantastic prizes on offer, it’s a great experience to meet new people and you get to work with products you might not work with on a day-to-day basis. It’s great to build your confidence, as you get the plans in the morning and have to keep calm and figure out how you’re going to do it.”
You can check out the 2020 regional test here.
Applications for 2022 will open in September!
If you’re a lecturer and have a Level 2 or 3 student you’d like to enter into the 2022 competition, send us your email address below and we’ll get in touch with the details!
Competitors will be sent the online test
08/03/2021
Deadline for completing online test
17/03/2021
12 semi-finalists will be notified and sent an exercise pack to complete
19/03/2021
Professional Discussions
wc/ 12/04/2021
Final (South West, Wales, South East)
06/05/2021
Final (Midlands, North West, North East)
20/05/2021
