Mark is Apprentice of the Year finalist

A Cambridge Regional College apprentice is in the finals of a nationwide competition to find the brightest trainee electricians in the country.

Mark Lee is one of just eight students left from 300 in the quest to be crowned the first NICEIC and ELECSA Apprentice of the Year.

The contest – launched in conjunction with partner sponsor, Scolmore Group – recognises the talents of the brightest electrical students in the UK, with the final taking place in Tamworth on 9 June.

The finalists have had to battle through two stages of the contest, which began in December last year. The first stage was an online exam on electrical installations, with the top 20 per cent going on to a practical one-and-a-half hour exam.

The shortlisted students now have to complete several practical tests and undergo a short interview with industry experts Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth before the winner is announced. Each finalist will receive an iPad with a host of other prizes on offer, including a £2,000 holiday voucher for the winner and a £500 holiday voucher for the runner up.

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.”

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.”

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For more information,please contact Lynn O’Shea,Cambridge Regional College Press Officer, on 01223418773oremail [email protected]