Over the past few months, seven competitors won their regional heats across the UK in what was the tenth anniversary of the competition. The winner of each regional heat and the highest runner-up overall scorer went on to the grand final, which took place at the 3M Customer Innovation Centre.
The test was the most comprehensive 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 after ten hours of work.
Ben Kidner, who qualified for the final as the national highest-scoring runner-up, was announced as the winner in a competition Head Judge Darren Oates described as one of the tightest he’d seen. Ben works for Rogers Electricians & Sunlit Solar who offer a full range of electrical services including domestic, commercial, inspections and testing, solar PV, home automation and lighting.
Head Judge Darren Oates said:
The standard has been phenomenal. The other judges will concur, the standard of installation we’ve judged on today has been immense. Each and every one of you needs to take a bow. You’ve been a credit to your colleges, your family and everybody else.
Some people see it as hard work, but the final makes it such a reward. It’s a privilege for EAL and myself to be involved in such a prestigious competition.
We rely on you guys to take the industry forward, educate and instil the quality into future generations of apprentices coming through. The competition was a very close call, first down to the last competitor. You all said you felt tested. You’ve given the job the credit it deserves today.
Ben’s employer and lecturer, Roger Rogers, said:
I’m really excited and pleased. We won the first ever competition and to win the tenth is like a bonus! To think Ben didn’t win the regional heat, and he was the runner-up, it’s even more exciting – I’m so chuffed with him that he’s managed to make such a good job!
To find out how to become an apprentice and study at BTC, call 01278 441234 or click here.
