The search is on to find the next NICEIC and ELECSA electrical apprentice of the year

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the 2016/17 contest promises to be bigger and better with more tasks and even greater prizes up for grabs.

Mark Lee from Essex claimed the top prize last time out. The 22-year-old beat off competition from almost 400 entrants to become the first ever NICEIC and ELECSA Apprentice of the Year and claim the winner’s prize of a holiday voucher worth £2000. His employer, First Call Electrical Contractors Ltd, also received a year’s free registration with NICEIC as part of the prize

 “The whole contest was amazing and we were all made to feel really proud of ourselves so winning it feels like a really big achievement,” commented Mark.

“It was an unreal feeling. I never thought I would get to the final. I thought I would give it a go and just see how I compared.”

The competition comprises of three stages. The first stage of the contest is an online exam comprising a variety of questions relating to electrical installations.  The top 20 per cent performing students from this stage then progress to stage two – a one and a half hour, written exam, held at several locations across the UK. 

The eight students with the highest marks then go ahead to the Grand Final – held at partner sponsor Scolmore Group’s head offices in Tamworth, Staffs on June 6th 2017.

Last year, the finalists were put through a gruelling day of challenges comprising eight separate tasks designed to assess their abilities across a range of disciplines including testing, fault finding, conduit bending, tray manufacturing and safe isolation.

This year promises to be more of the same with all eight finalists attending an awards ceremony and BBQ at the prestigious Belfry Hotel where they each will receive an iPad and goody bag of tools before finding out who is the overall winner.

Emma Clancy, CEO of, NICEIC and ELECSA said: “Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our industry and NICEIC is committed to developing the talent of the future.”

“We would encourage all those just starting out in the industry to take part and wish everyone good luck throughout the process.”

Please visit www.niceic.com/apprentice or www.elecsa.co.uk/apprentice to find out more and register for this year’s contest.