Leicester College Apprentice creates sparks at Electrician of the Year competition

A learner from Leicester College has won the Midlands heat of the Sparks UK Apprentice Electrician of the Year 2010 competition. 

Putting his electrical skills to the test against NVQ level 2 and 3 apprentices from across the region, the title was the icing on the cake for Richard Woodgett from Quorn, who celebrated his 21st birthday on that day.

He will now go through to the national finals at Newbury Racecourse on 21 and 22 April to compete for the prestigious Apprentice Electrician of the Year 2010 title and prize of £1,000 worth of Electricfix trade vouchers for himself and £500 worth of vouchers for the College.

Richard completed A levels, including a course in Statistics and Business before going on to take an Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation at Leicester College to gain a skill.  He works for Electricians Young and Fenwick based in Melton Mowbray as part of his apprenticeship.

The competition is sponsored by trade retailer Electricfix.

Richard said: “Since taking the apprenticeship I’ve gained valuable real-life experience. 

“Everything had to be perfect, but I was quietly confident I’d done well in the regional heat of the competition. I’m now looking forward to competing in the national finals and being given a chance to prove myself.”

Neil McManus Advanced Practitioner for Construction, said: “Richard has shown his skills to be of the highest standard and we are extremely proud of him.  He is an example of the young talent present in the Electrical Department at Leicester College and showcasing the skills Leicester College apprentices can bring to the workplace.

“I am looking forward to seeing Richard demonstrate his skills and competence at the national final of the UK Apprentice Electrician of the Year 2010 competition.”

Celia Matthews from Sparks Magazine who organised the national competition says: “We are absolutely delighted to see hard work being rewarded. Richard had obviously worked very hard and has a natural ability in the electrical industry. He has a great career ahead of him and we look forward to seeing him at the final.”