Do you have what it takes to compete against the best electrical apprentices in the country?
The search has begun for the 2020 SPARKS Apprentice of the Year.
Between January and April we will be travelling across eight regions of the UK in search of our 2020 winner. Level 2 and 3 students (Level 6 and 7 in Scotland) from more than 80 colleges take part across eight regions – the South West, South East, North West, North East, Midlands, Wales, Northern Ireland and – for the first time ever – Scotland. The dates and venues for the regional heats are below.
The winners of the regional heats will go on to compete at the grand final, which will take place at Schneider Electric’s impressive Innovation Hub in Coventry.
Alongside the prestige for both the winning student and winning college, there’s a fantastic list of prizes worth up to £10,000 up for grabs. The prizes have been donated by well-known industry names including our sponsors Schneider Electric, Electric Center, WAGO, DeWalt, The IET and Connexbox.
Last year’s winner was Ben Kidner, a third-year apprentice at Bridgwater and Taunton College. Ben qualified for the final as the best runner-up but despite being the self-confessed underdog, he impressed the judges and did enough to win the overall competition.
Ben’s advice to those thinking of entering this year? “Definitely take it up, it’s a big confidence booster and I’ve seen the results. I’ve seen the improvements since day one, especially with the extra hours you do practising.”
Sean Miller, Electrician Channel Manager, at our Platinum sponsor Schneider Electric, said: “We are proud to be helping the electricians of tomorrow as they start out on their journey. It’s always great to see the apprentices working with our products throughout the regional heats and the final, as the standard of work is very high.”
Last year’s finalists completed the most comprehensive test to date. It consisted of wiring, various conduit bends, a consumer unit, switches and bulbs, which were all live tested at the end of the second day.
You can check out last year’s regional test here.
If you’re a lecturer and have a Level 2 or 3 student you’d like to enter into the competition, send us your email address below and we’ll get in touch with the details!
Where can I sign up?
Enter your email address in the tab below or send us an email through the Contact Us page. Our SPARKS event team will send you all the details and joining instructions.
If I am a student can I complete the form or does my lecturer need to do that?
Your lecturer will need to complete the application form so please let him/her know that you are interested in entering.
Can I enter a full time student or apprentice?
Yes, you can enter either a full time student or an apprentice.
How many learners can I enter?
You can enter one student per campus.
What’s the deadline date?
30th November 2019 – but get your entry in early, as places will fill up quickly!
What time does the competition start?
You will need to arrive at your regional heat at 8.00am at the latest so that you arrive in time for tea/coffee and a briefing by the competition judge.
Where is my regional heat?
We run eight regional heats across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and – for the first time – Scotland. To find your closest venue, check the dates below. Places fill up fast so please register your interest if you would like us to hold you a spot at a particular venue.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, the age limit is 24 on application.
What level does the student have to be to enter?
Your student will need to be either Level 2 or 3.
Are there any rules about posting on social media or websites?
Please don’t post any images of students’ work on social media or your website until the regionals have been completed – this would provide an unfair advantage to those in regions who haven’t already competed.
Can I use my own tools?
Yes, you will be required to bring and use your own tools during the competition.
What tools do I need?
You will be sent a list of tools in the joining instructions once your application has been accepted.
What are the prizes?
The total worth of all prizes is approximately £10,000. Prizes will be announced on social media and the SPARKS site.
Is there parking?
Yes, there will be parking at the venue.
Where is the final?
We’re excited to confirm that the grand final will take place at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub in Coventry.
Can my student bring his family/friends to watch?
Friends and family are welcome to attend and join the lecturers in the CPD day, but they will not be able to watch the competition. This ensures that the contestants have the best chance of winning without any distractions.
Can I watch the competition?
You will be able to view your student’s work at the end of the day once the competition has been completed. Professional photographs will be available to download once the regional heats have been completed.
Can I send my student on his/her own?
No, for every student entering the competition there must be a electrical lecturer. We will be running a fun CPD day for the lecturers whilst the competition takes place.
Do I need to bring lunch?
No, lunch will be provided, along with refreshments throughout the day. Contestants will be provided with water bottles during the competition.
What does the test involve?
Please refer to last year’s test to give you an idea of the type of work you will be tested on.
South West Regional
14/01/2020
Petroc College, Mid Devon Campus, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SH
Wales Regional
16/01/2020
Cardiff and Vale College, Barry Campus, Colcot Road, Barry, South Glamorgan CF62 8YJ
North East Regional
28/01/2020
New College Durham, Framwellgate Moor Campus, Durham, County Durham DH1 5ES
North West Regional
30/01/2020
Burnley College, Princess Way, Burnley BB12 0AN
Midlands Regional
11/02/2020
Stephenson College, Coalville Campus, Thornborough Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3TN
South East Regional
13/02/2020
Bucks College Group Wycombe Campus, Spring Lane, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP10 9HE
Northern Ireland Regional
12/03/2020
Belfast Met College, Castlereagh Campus, Montgomery Road, Belfast BT6 9JD
Scotland Regional
09/04/2020
West College Scotland Paisley Campus, Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DR
Grand Final
29-30/04/2020
Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, University of Warwick Science Park, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry CV4 7EZ
SPARKS Magazine runs eight annual regional events across the UK, where manufacturers are given the opportunity to present their products to college lecturers. These run alongside the SPARKS Apprentice of the Year competition.
For lecturers this is where you can find out about the latest products and services on the market, whilst at the same time gaining free CPD hours.
For manufacturers this is a unique chance to engage with electrical lecturers, the brand ambassadors in the colleges. These events are used to run focus groups, product demonstrations or technical presentations.
If you’re a lecturer who is interested in attending one of the regional SPARKS Meet the Lecturer Industry Days, book your free place now by sending us your email address in the box below.
Any companies who are interested in sponsoring the 2020 events and would like to offer a product demonstration or provide a presentation please send us your email address below and one of the team will be in touch.
The likes of the IET (headline sponsor), Schneider Electric, Hamilton Litestat, Stanley, WAGO and Luceco will be presenting in 2020.
Will I receive a CPD Certificate for attending?
Yes, you will receive a CPD Certificate at the end of the day.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
Please tell us ahead of time if you’re planning on attending by emailing admin@sng-publishing.co.uk
Can I bring colleagues with me?
Yes, you can bring as many colleagues with you as you like. Please email admin@sng-publishing.co.uk with your colleagues’ details so that we can register them for the event.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is parking at the venue.
How long does each presentation last?
Each session will last 30 minutes.
Will lunch and refreshments be provided?
Yes, so please provide us with any dietary requirements in advance of the day.
Are students allowed to go to the presentations?
The presentations are specially tailored for lecturers. However, some presentations may be suitable and of interest to Level 3 apprentices so please ask the presenter on the day or contact us prior to the event to enquire.
Who will be presenting?
Leading manufacturers, trade bodies and key industry leaders. We invite manufacturers to offer practical demonstrations of innovative products to help keep lecturers abreast of exciting new products hitting the market. There will also be various key industry leaders and awarding bodies who will be on hand to discuss industry regulations and important changes in the syllabus and new qualifications.
Can I attend all of the presentations?
Yes, we advise you to attend all the presentations on the day so that we can give you a CPD Certificate for attending.
How much does it cost?
The presentations are free for lecturers to attend.
What time do the presentations start?
The presentations usually kick off at 9am, but please check the timetable when you arrive. We suggest that you arrive at 8.45am – this will give you plenty of time to grab a tea or coffee and find your seat.
How many presentations will there be?
There are normally 10 presentations on the day.
South West Regional
14/01/2020
Petroc College, Mid Devon Campus, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SH
Wales Regional
16/01/2020
Cardiff and Vale College, Barry Campus, Colcot Road, Barry, South Glamorgan CF62 8YJ
North East Regional
28/01/2020
New College Durham, Framwellgate Moor Campus, Durham, County Durham DH1 5ES
North West Regional
30/01/2020
Burnley College, Princess Way, Burnley BB12 0AN
Midlands Regional
11/02/2020
Stephenson College, Coalville Campus, Thornborough Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3TN
South East Regional
13/02/2020
Bucks College Group Wycombe Campus, Spring Lane, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP10 9HE
Northern Ireland Regional
12/03/2020
Belfast Met College, Castlereagh Campus, Montgomery Road, Belfast BT6 9JD
Scotland Regional
09/04/2020
West College Scotland Paisley Campus, Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DR
Grand Final
29-30/04/2020
Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, University of Warwick Science Park, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry CV4 7EZ
Testimonials
Event galleries
2020 SPARKS Meet the Lecturer Wales
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