The SPARKS Apprentice of the Year 2020 competition is set to crown a winner later this month – as the final goes ahead with a new format.

 

Dozens of competitors took part in seven regional heats between January and March across the country, before the lockdown caused the competition to be postponed.

 

Unfortunately the ongoing COVID-19 situation means that the Scottish heat couldn’t be completed, but SPARKS Magazine still plans to crown a winner this year and recognise all of the competitors’ hard work.

 

The format of the competition has been adapted for this year’s final, with safety in mind.

 

SPARKS Magazine’s Emily Hilton said: “The standard of competition was extremely high this year, it’s wonderful to see the next generation of electricians show what they can do. 

“We’re thrilled that the 2020 final is going ahead in this new format which will allow competitors to compete in the final safely.”

 

This year’s regional winners are: 

 

• Arkadiusz Duda, Leeds College of Building (Midlands winner)
• Georgia Owens, Middlesbrough College (North East winner)
• Lucas Murgatroyd, Kirklees College (North West winner)
• Isaac Duffield, City College Norwich (South East winner)
• Alex Rendall, Bridgwater & Taunton College (South West winner)
• Kaiden Ashun, Cardiff and Vale College (Wales winner)
• Conal McCrissican, South Eastern Regional College (Northern Ireland winner)

 

The seven regional winners completed a short online written test. The results were combined with their score from the regional heats.

 

The top three are: Lucas Murgatroyd, Alex Rendall and Conal McCrissican.

 

They will now complete a one-day practical assessment at their own colleges in a bid to be named this year’s SPARKS Apprentice of the Year.

 

The final practical test will take place on Thursday 24th September, with the results being announced the same day.

 

Alongside the prestige for both the winning student and winning college, there are fantastic, career-boosting prizes up for grabs. The prizes have been donated by well-known industry names including our sponsors Schneider Electric, Electric Center, WAGO, DEWALT, The IET, Connexbox, Blaklader, NAPIT and Volkswagen.

 

The event is a fantastic opportunity for student and apprentice electricians to kick-start their career, experience the thrill of a live competition and make new connections along the way.

 

Bridgwater & Taunton College’s Ben Kidner won last year’s competition – the tenth year it has been running.

 

He said: “I’m over the moon. 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.

 

“The best things about the competition are the generosity of the sponsors and the huge support from all of the SPARKS team.”

 

For more information, head to our Events page.

 

Get involved on social media – search for SPARKS Magazine and use the hashtag #SPARKSAOY20.

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