SERC’s Conal is Runner Up in SPARKS Apprentice of the Year Competition

A young electrical installation apprentice from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is runner up in the UK wide Sparks Apprentice of the Year Competition.

Conal McCrissican, from Downpatrick, was tasked with completing a one-day practical assessment at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus, in the presence of an independent external judge, as fellow competitors did likewise in their respective colleges.

Conal, who is employed by SJ Savage Electrical, said, “It was tricky, but I got my head down and did it. I flew through the conduit work and clamping, but the timing is tricky - making sure your timing is good, not taking too long on certain parts.”

He added, “It has been brilliant taking part in the Sparks Apprentice of the Year competition and I would recommend it to any electrical apprentice. The preparation has kept me focussed on continually improving and learning as well as giving me the confidence to show the skills and knowledge I have gained as a young professional working in an exciting industry.”

Steven Donnelly, Lecturer in Electrical Installation said, “Conal is a credit to himself and the College and we are extremely proud of all that he has achieved, most especially during this turbulent year. He a great ambassador for young people following the apprenticeship route who are keen to earn whilst they learn.

Conal was competing with fellow apprentices, Alex Rendall, a Level 3 student from Bridgwater & Taunton College who scooped the title, and Lucas Murgatroyd from Kirklees College who took third place.

Head Judge Geoff Brittain, from NAPIT, said the competition ‘opened his eyes to the new talent coming through in the electrical industry’. He added, “It’s been a fantastic competition. It’s been an honour to be a judge at the regional heats up and down the country.”

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.

The competitors will receive some career boosting prizes donated by well-known industry names including sponsors Schneider Electric, Electric Center, WAGO, DEWALT, The IET, Connexbox, Blaklader, NAPIT and Volkswagen.

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